Apoint.exe is an essential process related to the touchpad driver on many Windows laptops. Sometimes, users notice that apoint.exe stops working or crashes, causing issues with touchpad responsiveness.
This problem can disrupt normal laptop use, especially if you rely on the touchpad for navigation. Fortunately, fixing this error is usually straightforward.
In this guide, you will find simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve the apoint.exe not working error on Windows 11.
All instructions are explained in a clear and basic way, suitable for users of all skill levels.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, system updates fix driver and software issues automatically.
- Check if your laptop manufacturer provides updated touchpad drivers on their official website.
- Create a system restore point before making any major changes. This allows you to revert back if something goes wrong.
- Close all running applications to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Before diving into complex fixes, try restarting your PC. Restarting clears temporary glitches that might cause apoint.exe to crash.
Simply click on the Windows icon, select Power, then choose Restart. After rebooting, check if the error persists.
Step 2: Run a Full Virus Scan
Malware or viruses can sometimes interfere with system processes like apoint.exe. Running a full system scan helps ensure your PC is clean.
Open Windows Security by typing it in the Start menu search. Go to Virus & threat protection, then click Scan options and select Full scan. This might take some time but is important for system health.
Step 3: Update or Reinstall Touchpad Drivers
The apoint.exe file is part of the touchpad driver software. If this driver is outdated or corrupted, errors can occur. Here’s how to update or reinstall it:
Update Touchpad Driver
- Press
Win + Xand select Device Manager. - Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
- Right-click on your touchpad device (often named “Synaptics Touchpad” or similar) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for the latest driver and install it.
Restart your PC after the update and check if apoint.exe works properly.
Reinstall Touchpad Driver
- Open Device Manager again.
- Right-click your touchpad device and select Uninstall device.
- Confirm the uninstall and restart your computer.
- After restart, Windows will try to reinstall the driver automatically. If it doesn’t, visit your laptop manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest touchpad driver manually.
Step 4: Disable Apoint.exe from Startup (Temporary Workaround)
If you want to stop the error message while you troubleshoot, you can disable apoint.exe from starting automatically.
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Go to the Startup tab.
- Find Apoint.exe or similar entries related to your touchpad software.
- Right-click and select Disable.
Keep in mind that this will disable some touchpad features until you fix the core issue.
Step 5: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can cause apoint.exe and other processes to malfunction. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.
- Type
cmdin the Start menu search. - Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- In the black window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
The scan may take several minutes. If the tool finds any problems, it will attempt to fix them automatically. Restart your computer after completion.
Alternative Method: Use Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can sense and fix common device problems.
- Open Settings by pressing
Win + I. - Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix driver issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is apoint.exe?
Apoint.exe is a process related to Synaptics touchpad drivers, managing touchpad features and gestures on laptops.
Is it safe to disable apoint.exe?
Disabling apoint.exe may stop touchpad gestures or special features but usually won’t disable basic touchpad functionality. It’s a temporary workaround, not a permanent fix.
Why does apoint.exe keep crashing?
Common reasons include corrupted drivers, malware infection, or corrupted system files. Updating or reinstalling drivers often resolves this.
Can I remove apoint.exe permanently?
While technically possible, removing apoint.exe may cause loss of touchpad functionality and is not recommended unless you use an external mouse and want to disable touchpad features completely.
Does Windows 11 support apoint.exe?
Yes, but sometimes older versions of the driver may not be fully compatible, causing errors. Always use the latest drivers for Windows 11.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above solutions fix the apoint.exe error, consider these final options:
- Contact your laptop manufacturer’s support: They can provide device-specific assistance or updated drivers.
- Perform a system restore: Roll back your computer to a point before the issue started.
- Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, you can reset your Windows installation while keeping your files. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and choose Reset PC.
- Visit Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com
Conclusion
The apoint.exe not working error on Windows 11 usually relates to touchpad driver issues or corrupted system files. Starting with simple steps like restarting your PC and running virus scans can often resolve the problem quickly.
Updating or reinstalling your touchpad drivers is the most effective fix, as apoint.exe is directly tied to this software. Running system tools like SFC and Windows Troubleshooter adds an extra layer of protection against file corruption.
If the problem persists, disabling apoint.exe from startup or contacting official support can help. Following this guide step-by-step ensures you cover all common causes without confusion.
With patience and these clear instructions, you should be able to restore your touchpad functionality smoothly and get rid of the apoint.exe error on your Windows 11 machine.