How to Disable a Synaptics Touchpad
Most laptops and netbooks on the market come with a Synaptics touchpad built in, but not all computer users are fans of the pointing device. A touchpad might be suitable when performing basic tasks like browsing the Web, but it can be difficult to control when editing graphics or performing other tasks that involve working with very small or very large areas. If you prefer to use a laser or trackball mouse or even a pen and tablet to interface with your business computer, you can disable the Synaptics touchpad so that it doesn't interfere.
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1.
Click "Start | Control Panel | Hardware and Sound | Mouse" to open Mouse Properties.
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2.
Click "Device Settings." Select "Synaptics Touchpad" and click "Disable" to turn off the device.
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3.
Click "OK" to close Mouse Properties.
References
Tips
- You can also open Mouse Properties from the task bar. Click the "Arrow" icon in the notification area and then double-click the "Synaptics Pointing Device" icon, which looks like either a touchpad or the Synaptics logo.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.