If you are using Windows 10, then perhaps you won’t be able to access the advanced settings usually offered by the touchpad hardware manufacturers like Synaptics, Elan or Alps. This is because when you access the new settings panel in Windows 10, it shows only basic settings like changing the pointer speed, precision pointer options etc. Much more advanced settings are usually available through the device drivers for the touchpad hardware installed. If you want to access the advanced settings for your touchpad in your notebook computer, then you follow these steps:
- Press the Win+R hotkey, type main.cpl and press Enter. This will open mouse properties window that you were able to access from the classic control panel.
- In the Mouse Properties window that opens up, select the tab Touchpad. Then click on Click to change the touchpad settings.
- Now you should be able to view a window from where you can access and modify some of the advanced options for your notebook computer’s touchpad.
The advanced settings for your touchpad hardware depends on the device driver software that you have installed in your computer. For Synaptics, Alps and Elan touchpad hardware, you would see different options. Furthermore, these settings may also be different for different versions of the device drive software even for the touchpad from the same manufacturer.
If you want to see more or new settings, then perhaps you should update the device drivers for your touchpad hardware. Usually you can download the new version of the device drivers from the manufacturer of your notebook computer. For example, if you want the latest Synaptics device drivers for your Dell laptop, then you should check the support section on the Dell website. But if you want the latest Synaptics device drivers for your Lenovo laptop, then you should find them on the Lenovo support website.
I really want to be able to set my touch pad to be right handed and my mouse to be left handed. With the current setting options in Windows 10, it’s impossible to do this. You have to a touch pad that responds on the right side, just like the mouse. If you’re left handed, this doesn’t make sense. Windows 10 is far less customizable than previous versions. I really dislike it.