touch pad becomes inactive and pointer freezes on windows 8

Hi katy,

Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and for providing us an opportunity to assist you.

It’s unfortunate that touch pad becomes inactive frequently and the pointer doesn’t respond. We will definitely help you with this issue. Just a few question first to understand the issue better;

1) What is the make and model of the touchpad?

2) When did this issue with touchpad start?

3) Did you make any recent hardware or software changes to your computer?

4) Does the touch pad freeze randomly or during a particular process?

From what you have mentioned, I would suggest you to try these steps to see if it resolves the issue:

Method 1: Troubleshoot

Windows 8 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your touch screen. Refer these steps:

a)      Press Windows key +X, select Control panel

b)      Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons

c)       Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel

d)      Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter

Method 2: Update driver

I would also suggest you to check for updated drivers for your touch screen display in the manufacturer’s website.

Method 3: Compatibility mode

If updating the driver didn’t help, then I would suggest you download the Windows 7 touch screen display driver and install it in Windows 7 compatibility mode and check if it works. Refer to these steps:

a)      Right click the driver installation file and select Properties then tap or click the Compatibility tab.

b)     Place a check in the Run this program in compatibility mode.

c)     Tap or click the drop down box and select Windows 7, then tap or click OK.

d)     Try installing the driver and check.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.