Lenovo T14 Trackpoint Always Functional in Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon Dual-Boot (Not Touchpad)

Abstract: A user reports that the Lenovo T14 trackpoint is always functional during Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon dual-boot sessions, while the touchpad does not work. Several solutions have been found to address this issue.

Created: 2024-08-12 by UserComp.com Editors

Installing Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon Dual-Boot with Windows 11: Ensuring Trackpoint Always Functional (Not Touchpad)

In this article, we will discuss the installation of Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon dual-boot with Windows 11, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Trackpoint is always functional, covering key concepts and providing detailed context on the topic. We will also explore various solutions found to address the issue of the touchpad not working after installation.

Introduction

Linux Mint is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and rich features. When installing Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon dual-boot with Windows 11, users may encounter issues with the touchpad not working after installation. However, the Trackpoint (the red nub in the middle of the keyboard) is always functional. This article will explore various solutions found to address this issue.

Solution 1: Checking BIOS Settings

One possible solution is to check the BIOS settings of the laptop. Some laptops have an option to disable the Trackpoint and enable the touchpad. If this option is set to disable the Trackpoint, then the touchpad will not work. To check this, reboot the laptop and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS settings. Look for an option related to the Trackpoint and ensure that it is enabled.

Solution 2: Installing Synaptics Drivers

Another solution is to install the Synaptics drivers for the touchpad. This can be done by opening a terminal and running the following commands:


sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-input-synaptics

After installing the Synaptics drivers, restart the laptop and check if the touchpad is working.

Solution 3: Disabling Secure Boot

Disabling Secure Boot is another possible solution. Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI that prevents unauthorized firmware, operating systems, or bootloaders from running on the system. Some users have reported that disabling Secure Boot has resolved the issue with the touchpad not working. To disable Secure Boot, follow these steps:

Reboot the laptop and press the appropriate key to enter the UEFI settings.
Navigate to the Security tab and select Secure Boot.
Select Disable and confirm the action.
Save the changes and exit the UEFI settings.

In conclusion, installing Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon dual-boot with Windows 11 can be a straightforward process, but users may encounter issues with the touchpad not working after installation. However, the Trackpoint is always functional, and there are several solutions available to address the issue of the touchpad not working. By checking the BIOS settings, installing Synaptics drivers, or disabling Secure Boot, users can ensure that the touchpad is working properly.

References

Linux Mint Community: Touchpad not working after installing Linux Mint 20.3 Cinnamon
Ask Ubuntu: Touchpad not working on Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 2 after upgrading to 21.10
Reddit: Touchpad not working on Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2

Types of references:

Online resources

Tags: Linux Lenovo Trackpoint Touchpad Linux Mint Cinnamon

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