Synaptics Touchpad I2C HID device not working (Code 10)

[ITBytes]

How fixed my touchpad with the infamous "I2C HID device not working code 10 error"

I have searched for two years for a solution to the infamous 'touchpad I2C HID device not working' code 10 error, and I have finally found the fix, which I will reveal below, but first, a disclaimer: This fix may not work for all. I highly recommend trying all the other suggestions out there, beginning with the easiest and ending with the most difficult. If you lack experience with opening a laptop, it is advisable not to attempt this fix.

🛠️ FIXED: 12C HID Device not working (Touchpad) 🔧

📌 Model Tested: HP Envy x360 Convertible (15m-es100), but should work on many other laptops with the same error.

🎯 Issue: Touchpad not working | Device Manager shows I2C HID Device with a ⚠️ yellow triangle.

Shut down
🔍 What’s the Problem?

If your Synaptics touchpad stops working and you see a warning sign ⚠️ next to “I2C HID Device” in Device Manager, it usually means:

The touchpad driver is corrupted or incorrect
Windows is auto-installing the wrong driver
Or the system isn’t detecting the touchpad correctly at boot

✅ How I Fixed It (Step-by-Step)

Here's exactly what I did to resolve the issue and get the touchpad fully functional again:

🖥️ STEP 1: Uninstall Drivers

📍 Illustration: Screenshot of Device Manager with HID and Touchpad expanded

1. Open Device Manager

2. Expand:

   Human Interface Devices ➜ Right-click and uninstall the I2C HID Device.
   Mice and other pointing devices ➜ Uninstall your Touchpad driver (usually called "HID-compliant touchpad" or similar)

3. 📦 DO NOT RESTART YET!

STEP 2: Disconnect the Touchpad Cable

📍 Illustration: Picture or diagram of laptop bottom panel removed and touchpad cable location

1. Shut down your laptop completely

2. Open the back cover of your laptop

3. Remove the battery carefully (use ESD precautions)

4. Locate the Touchpad ribbon cable and disconnect it gently

🔌STEP 3: Boot Without Touchpad Connected

📍 Illustration: A booting laptop with no touchpad detected

1. Reinstall the battery without reconnecting the touchpad

2. Power up the laptop

3. Windows won’t detect the touchpad, and won’t auto-install drivers

🌐 STEP 4: Install the Correct Driver

📍 Illustration: Screenshot of Synaptics/ELAN driver installer

1. Download the correct touchpad driver from:

   HP’s website for your specific model
   Or use a verified driver from Synaptics or ELAN (based on your device)

2. Install the driver manually

3. Shut down your laptop once installation is complete

🔧 STEP 5: Reconnect Touchpad & Final Boot

📍 Illustration: Touchpad cable reconnected, battery reinstalled

1. Open the laptop again

2. Reconnect the touchpad cable and reconnect the battery

3. Close the laptop and power up

4. Windows will now detect the touchpad with the correct driver

✅ FINAL CHECK

📍 Illustration: Device Manager showing I2C HID Device with no warning

Return to Device Manager.
You should now see:

No ⚠️ next to “I2C HID Device”
A properly listed and working touchpad driver
Your touchpad should now work flawlessly! 🎉

🧠 Tips:

Always check for Windows Updates after driver installations
Back up your drivers or use a tool like DriverStore Explorer to avoid future reinstall headaches
If you're unsure which touchpad brand you have, HP Support Assistant can help detect it