The virtual touchpad icon in Windows is a feature designed to provide a software-based touchpad for devices with touchscreens, particularly useful for users operating in tablet mode without a physical touchpad. While this functionality can be helpful in specific scenarios, it might appear unnecessarily in the system tray for users who do not require it. Its presence can cause confusion or clutter in the system tray, leading to questions about how to remove it.

Users typically encounter this icon after enabling certain settings, such as tablet mode or touch input features, even if they are not actively using the virtual touchpad. This situation can arise following a Windows update, where some features or default behaviors might be enabled automatically. For those who prefer a clean and minimalist system tray, the unexpected appearance of the virtual touchpad icon can be an annoyance.

Removing the virtual touchpad icon can be straightforward, but the process might not always be intuitive. The specific option to hide or disable it might differ depending on the device's configuration, the version of Windows in use, or any customizations made to the system. Some users also report difficulties in finding the relevant settings or face persistent reappearance of the icon despite attempts to remove it.

If you are experiencing this issue, there are multiple ways to address it, ranging from simple interface adjustments to changes in system settings. These solutions aim to ensure the virtual touchpad remains hidden unless explicitly required. For users seeking an automated way to optimize their Windows experience and troubleshoot persistent issues, the FortectMac Washing Machine X9 PC repair app is a recommended solution, offering a streamlined approach to resolving such problems effectively.

Fix 1. Disable the virtual touchpad via Settings

The most straightforward way to remove the virtual touchpad icon is by disabling it through the system settings. If this option is missing for you, check out solutions to remove virtual touchpad icon in other ways below.

• Right-click on taskbar and pick Taskbar settings.
• Find the System tray icons section.
• Under it, you should see Virtual touchpad option.
• Turn the feature off by toggling the switch to the left.

Fix 2. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can refresh the taskbar and potentially remove the virtual touchpad icon if it persists due to a temporary glitch.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Click More details if needed.
• Look for Windows Explorer.
• Right-click and select Restart.
• UI features will disappear for a few moments and reappear soon after.

Fix 3. Reset the taskbar icon settings via command prompt

Sometimes, resetting taskbar icon settings using Command Prompt can resolve issues with persistent icons like the virtual touchpad.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control (UAC) window will ask whether you want to allow changes to your computer – click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
• del %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\* && taskkill /f /im explorer.exe && start explorer.exe
• Close down Command Prompt.

Fix 4. Update touchpad drivers

Outdated or malfunctioning touchpad drivers might cause the virtual touchpad icon to appear unexpectedly. Updating the drivers can resolve this issue.

• Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Mice and other pointing devices category.
• Right-click your touchpad driver and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
• Restart your computer after the driver update is completed.
• Alternatively, you can always employ an automatic driver updater such as DriverFix for all your driver updates.

Fix 5. Modify the registry

Editing the Windows registry allows you to remove the virtual touchpad icon if other methods fail. However, this approach should be used with caution, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.

• Type regedit in Windows search and press Enter.
• When the User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
• Navigate to the following location:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Touchpad
• Right-click on any empty space on the right and pick New > DWORD (32-bit) value.
• Name it TouchpadDesiredVisibility and double click it once created.
• Set the Value to 0 and click OK, then restart your PC.

Fix 6. Perform in-place upgrade

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, performing an in-place upgrade can restore system functionality without affecting personal files or apps. This approach reinstalls Windows while keeping existing data intact.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next.
• Windows will now download all the necessary files – it might take a while.
• Agree to terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click Change what to keep option).
• Click Install to begin the upgrade process.

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