If you’re a laptop user who relies on the two-finger scroll gesture, encountering issues with it not working in Windows 10 can be incredibly frustrating. This commonly used touchpad feature is essential for smooth navigation, and when it stops responding, it can significantly hinder productivity. Recently, many users have reported that the two-finger scrolling functionality is not working on Windows 10, especially after system updates or driver changes. This guide explores the most effective solutions to restore two-finger scrolling on your Windows laptop. From outdated touchpad drivers to incorrect settings or disabled gestures, several potential causes can lead to this problem. Below, you’ll find expert-backed troubleshooting steps tailored to resolve different root issues and get your touchpad gestures functioning correctly again. Whether you’re using a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS laptop, these tips will help you quickly restore full touchpad functionality in Windows 10.
How to fix two finger scroll not working
Method 1: Enable Two-Finger Scroll in Mouse Settings on Windows 10
One of the most common reasons for two-finger scroll not working in Windows 10 is that the feature has been accidentally disabled in your system settings. Whether due to a recent Windows update, third-party software, or another user making changes, it’s essential to verify if two-finger scrolling is enabled.
How to Enable Two-Finger Scroll via the Settings App:
- Open the Settings app by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
- Click on Devices.
- From the left-hand menu, select Touchpad.
- Scroll to the Scroll and Zoom section.
- Ensure the checkbox next to “Drag two fingers to scroll” is checked. If it’s unchecked, click it to enable the feature.
- Test the gesture to confirm if two-finger scrolling is now functional.
How to Enable Two-Finger Scroll via Mouse Properties:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type main.cpl and hit Enter to open the Mouse Properties window.
- Navigate to the Touchpad tab (or Device Settings, depending on your device).
- Click on the Settings button to access advanced touchpad configurations.
- Expand the MultiFinger Gestures section.
- Make sure the box next to Two-Finger Scrolling is checked.
- Click Apply, then OK to save the settings.
Finally, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. If the issue persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps for fixing two-finger scroll problems on Windows 10.
Method 2: Update Your Touchpad Driver to Restore Two-Finger Scroll in Windows 10
If you’re experiencing the two-finger scroll not working issue on Windows 10, an outdated or corrupted touchpad driver may be to blame. Touchpad drivers are essential software components that allow your operating system to communicate with your hardware. When these drivers become outdated, gestures like two-finger scrolling can stop working entirely.
Follow these steps to update your touchpad driver:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to launch Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
- Locate your touchpad device, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
- Choose the option to Search automatically for updated driver software and follow any on-screen prompts.
- Once the driver update completes, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Updating your touchpad driver can often resolve compatibility issues introduced by system updates or third-party software, restoring smooth and responsive two-finger scrolling in Windows 10.
Method 3: Change Your Mouse Pointer to Fix Two-Finger Scroll Not Working in Windows 10
Surprisingly, one unconventional yet effective solution for resolving the two-finger scroll not working in Windows 10 is to change your mouse pointer scheme. Although it may seem unrelated, several users have reported success after tweaking their cursor settings. This minor customization can sometimes reset mouse-related configurations and restore functionality to your touchpad gestures.
Follow these simple steps to change your mouse pointer:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type control and press Enter to launch the Control Panel.
- Click on Mouse (if you don’t see this option, switch the view mode to Small icons or Large icons).
- In the Mouse Properties window, go to the Pointers tab.
- Use the Scheme drop-down menu to select a different pointer scheme (e.g., Windows Black, Inverted, or Classic).
- Click Apply, then select OK to save the changes.
After applying a new cursor scheme, test your touchpad to see if the two-finger scroll feature is working again. This quirky fix is worth trying before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps.
Method 4: Fix Two-Finger Scroll Not Working in Windows 10 via Registry Editor
If your two-finger scroll is not working on Windows 10, making a quick tweak in the Registry Editor might help resolve the issue. This advanced method addresses deeper system configurations, specifically targeting Synaptics touchpad settings that may interfere with gesture functionality.
⚠️ Important: Before proceeding, back up your Registry to avoid any potential risks. Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability.
Steps to Edit the Registry for Touchpad Fixes:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and hit OK to launch the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTP\TouchPadPS2 - In the right-hand panel, locate and double-click the following keys:
- 2FingerTapPluginID
- 3FingerTapPluginID
- Clear the value data field for both of these entries (leave them blank) and click OK.
- Next, set the following values:
- MultiFingerTapFlags → Set Value data to 2 (or 3 depending on your touchpad support).
- 3FingerTapAction → Set Value data to 4.
- 3FingerTapPluginActionID → Set Value data to 0.
- 2FingerTapAction →
- Set to 2 if you want right-click functionality, or
- Set to 4 for middle-click functionality.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After rebooting, check to see if the two-finger scrolling gesture has been restored. This method can effectively re-enable touchpad gestures when disabled due to software conflicts or configuration errors.
Method 5: Fix Two-Finger Scroll Not Working in Chrome by Enabling Touch Events API
If two-finger scrolling is not working in Google Chrome but works fine elsewhere, the issue may be tied to a disabled browser feature known as the Touch Events API. This setting enables Chrome to respond to touchpad gestures, and when turned off, it can interfere with smooth scrolling.
How to Enable Touch Events API in Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome and type the following into the address bar:
chrome://flags/
- In the Search flags box, type Touch API.
- Locate the Touch Events API option from the results.
- Change its setting from Default or Disabled to Enabled.
- Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.
Once re-enabled, check if two-finger scrolling functionality has returned in your browser. This simple fix can restore a seamless browsing experience and is particularly helpful for users who rely on touchpad gestures in Chrome on Windows 10.
Final Words
Dealing with two-finger scroll not working in Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your productivity and smooth navigation. Thankfully, with the right troubleshooting steps—from checking touchpad settings and updating drivers to tweaking the Registry and enabling Chrome’s Touch Events API—you can restore your touchpad functionality quickly and easily.
Always remember to keep your system and drivers updated, avoid unnecessary third-party modifications, and perform routine maintenance to prevent such issues in the future. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a seamless, gesture-friendly experience on your laptop.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others facing the same issue. For more troubleshooting tips and in-depth tech guides, stay tuned to our blog!
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