Understanding the Root Cause
The Dell Latitude 7390 utilizes either Synaptics or Microsoft Precision touchpad drivers depending on the factory configuration and subsequent updates. When the system runs for extended periods, background processes may interfere with the input device’s communication with the operating system. Additionally, Windows Updates can sometimes replace manufacturer-specific drivers with generic ones that lack proper functionality for multi-finger gestures or right-click mapping. It is crucial to distinguish between a complete hardware failure and a software glitch before proceeding with repairs.
Reinstalling Touchpad Drivers
The most effective solution involves completely removing the existing driver and installing the latest version directly from Dell. Generic Windows drivers often fail to maintain stability over long sessions. Follow these steps to ensure a clean installation:
- Uninstall Current Driver: Open Device Manager by pressing
Win + Xand selecting it from the menu. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section. Right-click on the Synaptics or Precision Touchpad entry and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if available, then confirm the uninstallation. - Restart the System: Allow Windows to reboot. Upon restart, Windows will attempt to install a basic default driver. Test if the right-click function works temporarily.
- Download Official Drivers: Visit the Dell Support website using another device if necessary, enter your service tag, and navigate to the Drivers & Downloads section for the Latitude 7390. Download the latest Synaptics TouchPad Driver or Dell Touchpad Driver compatible with Windows 10.
- Install and Verify: Run the downloaded installer as an administrator. Restart your computer again after installation completes. The right mouse button should now respond correctly to physical presses and corner taps.
Adjusting Touchpad Settings
Sometimes the issue is not with the driver but with how Windows interprets the touchpad inputs. You may need to re-enable specific click behaviors through the system settings.
- Open the Settings application by pressing
Win + I. - Navigate to Devices and then select Touchpad from the left-hand pane.
- Scroll down to the Related settings area and click on Synaptics TouchPad or Additional mouse options. If you see the classic Control Panel window, go to the Device Settings or Hardware tab.
- Look for settings labeled Right-click, Corner Click, or Edge Click. Ensure that these options are enabled. If they were previously disabled, enabling them restores the right-click functionality.
- Apply changes and test the touchpad. If the problem persists, try toggling the setting off and on again to refresh the configuration.
Performing a Hard Reset
If software fixes do not resolve the issue, residual static electricity or a frozen controller state might be causing the hardware to ignore input signals. A hard reset clears the embedded controller (EC) memory.
Shut down your Latitude 7390 completely and disconnect the AC adapter. If your model has a removable battery, remove it. If the battery is internal, skip this step. Press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds. This drains any remaining charge from capacitors and resets the EC. Reconnect the power adapter (and battery if removed), then start the laptop. This process often restores responsiveness to all touchpad buttons.
Checking for Conflicting Software
Third-party mouse utilities or remote desktop applications can intercept touchpad signals. Applications like Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, or certain remote access tools may override default Windows behaviors. Temporarily disable or uninstall such software to see if the right-click function returns. Additionally, check Task Manager for any high-resource processes related to input devices that might be hanging.
When to Seek Hardware Repair
If none of the above steps work, the physical microswitches under the touchpad may have failed. This is more likely if the left-click also feels mushy or unresponsive. In such cases, the touchpad assembly requires replacement. Contact Dell Support or a certified technician for a hardware diagnostic and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my right-click stop working only after some time?
This usually indicates a driver conflict or a power-saving feature that puts the touchpad into a low-power state incorrectly. Background processes or Windows updates running silently can also corrupt the driver session, requiring a restart to restore full functionality.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts instead of the right-click button?
Yes, you can press Shift + F10 to open the context menu, which mimics a right-click. Alternatively, enable the ClickLink or Edge Click feature in touchpad settings to assign right-click functions to specific corners of the pad.
How do I know if my touchpad driver is outdated?
You can check by comparing the version number in Device Manager against the latest release on Dell’s support site. If the driver is several months old or was installed via automatic Windows Update, it is likely outdated and prone to bugs.
Does disabling the touchpad fix the right-click issue?
No, disabling the entire touchpad prevents all input. However, toggling the touchpad off and on via the function key (Fn + F5 or similar) can reset the hardware connection without fully uninstalling drivers.
Is this issue common across all Dell Latitude models?
While many Dell laptops share similar touchpad components, the Latitude 7390 specifically has reported issues with Synaptics drivers interacting poorly with Windows 10 updates. Other models may experience similar symptoms but require model-specific driver versions.