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Top 3 Ways to Increase or Decrease Touchpad Sensitivity on Windows 11 Laptops

When it comes to touchpad sensitivity, everyone has different preferences. While some people like to press hard, others prefer to be gentle. If the default touchpad sensitivity level on your Windows 11 laptop is unsuitable for you, it’s possible to change it to your liking.

Top Ways to Increase or Decrease Touchpad Sensitivity on Windows 11 Laptops

You can adjust the touchpad sensitivity levels in Windows 11 via the Settings app, Control Panel, and the Registry Editor. This guide will walk you through all three methods in detail. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it.

1. Increase or Decrease Touchpad Sensitivity via the Settings App

The Settings app in Windows makes it simple to adjust touchpad-related settings on your laptop. It allows you to customize touchpad gestures and allows you the option to increase or decrease touchpad sensitivity levels to your liking.

To access touchpad settings in Windows 11, use these steps:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click the gear-shaped icon to launch the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I shortcut to open the Settings app quickly.

Open Settings App on Windows 11

Step 2: Select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar.

Bluetooth and Devices on Windows 11

Step 3: Scroll down to click on Touchpad.

Touchpad Settings in Windows 11

Step 4: Click on Taps to expand it.

Touchpad Settings Windows 11

Step 5: Use the drop-down menu next to Touchpad sensitivity to select from the available options — Most sensitive, High sensitivity, Medium sensitivity, and Low sensitivity.

Change Touchpad Sensitivity via the Windows Settings App

Any changes you make will take effect immediately. You can experiment with different sensitivity levels until you find the one that suits you the most.

2. Increase or Decrease Touchpad Sensitivity Using the Control Panel

Do you prefer to use the Control Panel over the Settings app to configure various settings on your computer? The good news is that changing the touchpad sensitivity via the Control Panel is just as easy. Here are the steps you can follow.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Run from the list.

Open Run Command

Step 2: Type control in the text box and press Enter.

Open Control Panel

Step 3: In the Control Panel window, use the drop-down menu in the top right corner to select Small icons or Large icons. Then, click on Mouse.

Mouse Settings on Windows

Step 4: Switch to the Pointer Options tab and drag the slider under Motion to the right to increase the touchpad sensitivity. Similarly, move the slider to the left to reduce touchpad sensitivity.

Optionally, tick the ‘Enhance pointer precision’ checkbox for better cursor accuracy.

Change Touchpad Sensitivity via Control Panel

Step 5: Hit Apply followed by OK to save the changes.

Adjust Touchpad Sensitivity via Control Panel

3. Increase or Decrease Touchpad Sensitivity With the Registry Editor

Another way to increase or decrease touchpad sensitivity on Windows is through the Registry Editor. Since this method is slightly risky, you should only use it if the above two methods don’t work.

Even if you’re familiar with editing registry files, it’s important to be careful, as these files contain important settings for Windows and its services. It’s a good idea to back up all the registry files or create a restore point before making any changes.

Once you’ve done that, use the following steps to modify touchpad sensitivity via the Registry Editor.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar or press the Windows key + S shortcut to open the search menu. Type registry editor in the box and select Run as administrator.

Open Registry Editor as Admin

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Open Registry Editor Prompt

Step 3: Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter to navigate to the PrecisionTouchPad key quickly:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PrecisionTouchPad

Registry Editor Window

Step 4: Double-click on the AAPThreshold registry DWORD on your right.

AAPThreshold Key in Registry Editor Window

Step 5: In the Value data field, enter one of the following numbers to set your preferred touchpad sensitivity:

  • Most Sensitive – 0
  • High Sensitivity – 1
  • Medium Sensitivity – 2
  • Low Sensitivity – 3

For instance, if you want to set the touchpad sensitivity to medium, enter 2 in the Value data box.

Edit Registry Key in Editor

Step 6: Click OK.

Edit AAPThreshold Key in Registry Editor Window

After completing the above steps, exit the Registry Editor window and restart your PC to apply the changes.

Find Your Touchpad Sweet Spot

Laptop touchpads are designed to be suitable for a wide range of users. Selecting the right touchpad sensitivity is important if you’re looking for a comfortable and productive user experience. Let us know in the comments which of the above methods you plan to use to change the touchpad sensitivity on your Windows 11 laptop.

If your touchpad isn’t responding, you may have accidentally disabled it or are using outdated drivers. Check our guide on how to fix the touchpad not working issue on Windows 11 for detailed instructions.

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Last updated on 27 March, 2023

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