How to disable trackpoint on Dell laptop?

How to disable trackpoint on Dell laptop?
I’ve been getting increasingly frustrated with the TrackPoint on my Dell laptop. I find that it often leads to accidental cursor movements while I’m typing, disrupting my workflow and causing unnecessary errors. Although I understand some users might find it useful, it simply doesn’t suit my style of work. The constant need to correct misplaced text and unintentional clicks is really affecting my productivity. I would like to know the steps or methods available for disabling this feature. Is it possible to turn it off through the system settings, or do I need specific software or drivers to achieve this?
5 Answers

If you are using Windows 10 on your Dell laptop and wish to disable the TrackPoint, you can utilize the Device Manager by following these detailed steps:
- Right-click on the “Start” button and open “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” section.
- Right-click on the “TrackPoint” device listed.
- Select “Disable device.”
- Confirm any prompts that appear.
Using Device Manager can be a reliable way to ensure the TrackPoint is disabled and does not interfere with your work. If you encounter difficulties, updating your drivers might also help.

As someone who works with multiple laptops, I found the Dell laptop control software quite efficient for disabling the TrackPoint feature. Here’s what I did:
- Download and install the Dell Peripheral Manager from the Dell support website.
- Open the software and go to the “Pointing Devices” section.
- Locate the TrackPoint option.
- Switch the toggle to the “Off” position.
- Apply the changes.
This method not only ensures the TrackPoint is disabled but also helps manage other pointing devices efficiently.

For those who prefer manual hardware solutions, here’s another approach:
- Shut down your Dell laptop.
- Disconnect any external devices and power supply.
- Carefully remove the keyboard by unscrewing it (refer to the Dell manual for your model specific to avoid damaging components).
- Locate the TrackPoint cable and gently unplug it from the motherboard.
- Reassemble the laptop and power it on.
This hardware method physically disables the TrackPoint and is a more permanent solution, ensuring you will no longer experience any disturbances from the TrackPoint. Ensure you are comfortable with handling laptop hardware or seek professional assistance for this process.

To disable the TrackPoint on a Dell laptop, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select “Hardware and Sound.”
- Click on “Mouse.”
- Navigate to the “Dell Touchpad” tab.
- Click on the “Settings” button.
- Under the “TrackPoint” section, uncheck the “Enable” box.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
By doing this, the TrackPoint will be disabled, allowing you to work without the inconvenience of unintentional cursor movements.

I had a similar issue with my Dell laptop and managed to turn off the TrackPoint via the BIOS. Here’s a short guide:
- Restart your Dell laptop.
- Press F2 during the boot-up process to enter the BIOS setup.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Advanced” tab.
- Find the “TrackPoint” option and set it to “Disabled.”
- Save changes and exit the BIOS setup.
This will permanently disable the TrackPoint feature, ensuring you no longer experience unwanted cursor movements.