Guide to Configure Magic Trackpad on Windows 10/11
Published
5 min read
How to Setup and Use Magic Trackpad on Windows 11/10
The Apple Magic Trackpad has gained immense popularity among tech enthusiasts for its sleek design, multi-touch functionality, and seamless compatibility with macOS devices. However, many users may not be aware that it can also be utilized on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines. This article will guide you through the process of setting up and using the Magic Trackpad on Windows, including installation, configuration, and optimization for an enhanced user experience.
Understanding the Magic Trackpad
Before diving into setup, it’s important to understand what makes the Magic Trackpad unique. This input device allows for multi-touch gestures, which means users can perform a variety of commands using finger movements. Some popular gestures include scrolling, pinch to zoom, swipe between apps, and much more. While these features are natively supported on macOS, using them on Windows requires some additional configuration.
Compatibility and Requirements
To use the Magic Trackpad on a Windows device, you need the following:
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Magic Trackpad – Either the original or the Magic Trackpad 2, which comes with improved features and a rechargeable battery.
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Windows 10 or Windows 11 – Ensure your operating system is updated to enhance compatibility and access the latest features.
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Bluetooth Adapter – A functional Bluetooth adapter is essential for wireless connectivity. Most modern laptops come with built-in Bluetooth, but if you’re using a desktop, you may need to purchase an external adapter.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Step 1: Power On the Magic Trackpad
Before connecting to your Windows machine, ensure that your Magic Trackpad is charged. If you have the Magic Trackpad 2, use the Lightning to USB cable to charge it.
- Turn On the Magic Trackpad – To do this, locate the power switch on the back of the trackpad and slide it to the «On» position. The green LED will indicate that it’s powered on.
Step 2: Pairing the Magic Trackpad with Windows
After powering on the trackpad, the next step is to pair it with your Windows device.
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Enable Bluetooth on Your Windows Device:
- Windows 10: Click on the Start Menu and navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Toggle the Bluetooth switch to «On.»
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices. Enable Bluetooth from the toggle switch.
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Pair the Magic Trackpad:
- In the Bluetooth settings, click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
- Select “Bluetooth” from the options presented.
- Your Windows device will search for available Bluetooth devices. When you see «Magic Trackpad,» click on it.
- Follow any prompts that may appear to complete the pairing process.
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Confirmation: Once successfully paired, Windows should display “Connected” under the Magic Trackpad.
Step 3: Driver Installation
Windows might not natively support all the gestures that the Magic Trackpad is capable of. To unlock its full potential, you can install drivers. While Windows may recognize the trackpad with basic functionalities immediately, to harness the extra features, you’ll need to install third-party drivers.
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Touchpad Blocker and Magic Utilities: One of the best tools available is Magic Utilities, which is designed specifically to support Apple input devices on Windows. Here’s how to install it:
- Visit the Magic Utilities website.
- Download the Magic Utilities installer compatible with your version of Windows.
- Install following the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer once the installation is complete.
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Alternative Options: Other tools like Trackpad Blocker or AnyPad might also help improve functionality and add gesture support.
Step 4: Customizing Trackpad Settings
After successfully installing the required drivers, it’s time to customize the settings.
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Access Trackpad Settings:
- Open the Magic Utilities application. Here, you can access various customization options for your Magic Trackpad.
- Depending on the version of the utilities, you’ll generally find options to adjust tracking speed, gestures, and more.
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Gestures Configuration:
- You can enable or disable specific gestures based on your preferences.
- Common options include two-finger scrolling, three-finger swipe, and gestures for Mission Control.
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Adjusting Sensitivity:
- The sensitivity settings allow you to control how responsive the trackpad is to your touch.
- Typically, you can set these preferences within the same utilities application.
Common Gestures and Their Usage
Now that your Magic Trackpad is set up and customized, understanding the common gestures and how to use them will significantly enhance your productivity.
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Scrolling: Use two fingers to scroll up or down through documents and web pages.
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Zooming: Pinch in and out with two fingers to zoom in and out of images or web pages.
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Swipe Between Applications: If configured, you can use three fingers to swipe left or right to navigate between open applications.
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Mission Control: Swiping up with three fingers can trigger Mission Control, which displays all open windows.
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Right Click: Tapping with two fingers works as a right-click.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While using the Magic Trackpad on Windows is generally smooth, you may encounter a few issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Connectivity Problems
If your Magic Trackpad isn’t connecting:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Windows device.
- Make sure the Magic Trackpad is charged.
- Restart your Windows device and try re-pairing.
Gestures Not Working
Sometimes, gestures may not work as expected. Ensure:
- The Magic Utilities or any driver software is correctly installed and updated.
- Check the settings in the utilities application to see if the gestures are enabled.
Trackpad Response Issues
If the trackpad feels unresponsive or sluggish:
- Adjust the tracking speed in the Magic Utilities settings.
- Ensure that no other software conflicts are affecting the functionality.
Maximizing Your Magic Trackpad Experience
The Magic Trackpad isn’t just about basic navigation; it can significantly enhance your productivity when configured correctly.
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Explore More Gestures: The more familiar you become with gestures, the smoother your workflow will be. Take time to learn various combinations and functionalities that suit your work needs.
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Use Third-Party Applications: Consider integrating software like BetterTouchTool, which allows for even more extensive customization of gestures and shortcuts for applications.
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Regular Updates: Keep your Windows OS and Magic Utilities updated to benefit from the latest enhancements and features available.
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Custom Shortcuts: Customize shortcuts within specific applications you use frequently to streamline your tasks further using the Magic Trackpad.
Conclusion
Setting up and using the Magic Trackpad on Windows 10/11 may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and tools, it can be a seamless experience. By managing the settings and gestures effectively, you can enhance your productivity and enjoy the ergonomic benefits offered by this exceptional input device. Whether you’re a designer, writer, or casual user, integrating the Magic Trackpad into your Windows workflow can significantly improve your computing experience. Embrace the power of multi-touch technology and discover the difference it can make in your daily tasks.
Apple’s Magic Trackpad 1 and 2 have gained popularity for their sleek design and intuitive multi-touch gestures. While these devices are primarily designed for macOS, they can also work with Windows operating systems like Windows 10 and Windows 11. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to set up and use Apple Magic Trackpad 1 & 2 on Windows, allowing you to enjoy the unique features and functionalities they offer.
Understanding the Apple Magic Trackpad
Before we delve into the setup process, it’s essential to understand the two models of the Magic Trackpad:
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Apple Magic Trackpad 1: Launched in 2012, this initial version is slightly bulkier and less refined than its successor. It features a glass surface and Bluetooth connectivity but lacks the rechargeable battery present in later models.
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Apple Magic Trackpad 2: Released in 2015, this version was designed to enhance user experience further. It has a lower profile, a larger surface area, and comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, ensuring prolonged usage without the need for constant battery replacements.
Regardless of the model, using the Magic Trackpad on Windows requires a few steps, including installation, configuration, and customization.
Compatibility Check
Before starting, ensure that your Windows PC is compatible with the Bluetooth version required for the Magic Trackpad:
- Magic Trackpad 1 typically requires Bluetooth 4.0 or later.
- Magic Trackpad 2 operates on Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, with added support for advanced features.
Most Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices should meet these requirements, but it’s always good to check your hardware specifications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Magic Trackpad
Step 1: Connecting Your Trackpad via Bluetooth
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Turn on the Trackpad: For Magic Trackpad 2, use the power switch located on the back to turn it on. For the Magic Trackpad 1, ensure it has sufficient battery life. Note that this model requires AA batteries.
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Open Bluetooth Settings on Your PC:
- Windows 10: Click on the Start Menu > Settings (Gear Icon) > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Windows 11: Right-click the Start button and select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & devices.
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Enable Bluetooth: Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on.
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Add a Bluetooth Device:
- Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.”
- Select “Bluetooth” from the options.
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Put Your Trackpad In Pairing Mode: On the Magic Trackpad, press the button until the LED light flashes. This indicates it’s discoverable.
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Select the Trackpad: Your device should appear in the list. Click on it to initiate pairing.
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Complete the Pairing Process: You might receive a confirmation prompt; follow the on-screen instructions. Once paired, the trackpad should work with your Windows system.
Step 2: Installing Drivers
By default, Windows might not have the necessary drivers to make the most of the Magic Trackpad’s features. Here’s how to install them:
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Using Boot Camp Drivers:
- Download and install the Boot Camp drivers from Apple’s support page.
- Extract the downloaded files and navigate to the Boot Camp folder.
- Locate the “AppleBluetoothInstaller.exe” and run it.
- Follow the prompts to install the Bluetooth driver.
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Using Third-Party Drivers: A popular choice among users is the «Trackpad Block» driver, which enhances functionality and gesture support for the trackpad on Windows.
Step 3: Configuring Your Trackpad Settings
Once connected, open the Control Panel to adjust settings:
- Go to Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Mouse.
- Select the Device Settings Tab: Click on your Magic Trackpad.
- Adjust Settings: You can modify the pointer speed and configure gestures (if the third-party software is installed).
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the touchpad settings can also be accessed via the “Settings” app:
- Navigate to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and adjust the sensitivity and gestures.
Using Gestures on Windows 10 & 11
The Magic Trackpad supports several gestures that enhance navigation on Windows. Here is a rundown of supported gestures:
- Scrolling: Swipe with two fingers to scroll vertically or horizontally.
- Zooming: Pinch to zoom in or out.
- Right-click: Tap using two fingers to perform a right-click.
- App Switching: Swipe left or right with three fingers to switch between open apps.
- Task View: Swipe up with three fingers to access the Task View.
While macOS provides extensive gesture support, Windows can sometimes require additional software to enable advanced features.
Tips for Optimizing Your Experience
To get the most out of your Magic Trackpad on Windows, consider these optimization strategies:
- Install BetterTouchTool: This third-party software enables greater customization of gestures, allowing you to set unique commands for different gestures.
- Use Precision Touchpad Features: If your Windows device supports precision touchpad features, enable these for improved responsiveness and gesture recognition.
- Regularly Update Drivers: Installing updates for your touchpad can enhance compatibility and add new features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Connection Issues
If your trackpad isn’t connecting:
- Ensure your Bluetooth is enabled and functioning on your computer.
- Restart your Bluetooth service: Go to the Services app, find Bluetooth Support Service, and restart it.
2. Trackpad Not Functioning Correctly
- Update your driver using the Boot Camp installer or check for additional driver software.
- Verify that Windows recognizes the trackpad: Navigate to the Device Manager and check if the trackpad is listed without issues.
3. Gestures Not Working
- Some gestures may require third-party applications like BetterTouchTool.
- Ensure that your drivers are up to date.
Maintaining Your Magic Trackpad
To ensure a long lifespan for your Magic Trackpad:
- Keep it Clean: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to keep the glass surface clean. Avoid using excessive moisture.
- Battery Care: For the Magic Trackpad 1, regularly check the battery levels and replace them when necessary. For the Magic Trackpad 2, ensure you charge it regularly.
Conclusion
Using the Apple Magic Trackpad 1 and 2 on Windows 10 and Windows 11 can significantly enhance your computer experience. While there might be some hurdles to overcome, the trackpad’s intuitive design and gesture capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for Windows users looking for an innovative navigation solution. By following the setup and usage guides, you can enjoy the seamless functionality of Apple’s Magic Trackpad, even on a non-Apple operating system. With persistence and the right software, you can enjoy a fully functional gesture-based interface on your Windows device.
Windows Precision Touchpad Implementation for Apple MacBook family/Magic Trackpad 2
This project implements Windows Precision Touchpad Protocol for Apple MacBook family/Magic Trackpad 2 on Windows 10. Both USB (traditional and T2), SPI and Bluetooth trackpads are supported.
Donation?
A few people asked me why I removed donation. My current financial situation doesn’t require me to accept donation for the budget of future development. If you are considering donation, please consider other meaningful projects and foundations, such as Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Official Driver?
Bootcamp 6.1.5 offers official driver for T2-based model and Magic Trackpad 2. You can also consider using the official driver if you have such Mac. If you have an older model (e.g. MacBooks before 2018/2019), this is the only implementation for these models (yet).
Future Plans and feature tracking
Use the Azure DevOps Board to track feature and device support plans. Bug reports should go to Github issues.
See it in action (YouTube video)
Converged Installation Guide
IMPORTANT: Given changes in Microsoft driver code signing policy, and the compliance need of EV certificate, CI auto builds beyond 2021/01/06 04:00AM EST will not be automatically signed with normal code signing certificate. These builds are still supposed via TestSigning, but not recommended for normal users. Proper WHQL and EV dual-signed packages will be released manually, which can be downloaded from the release page.
- Make sure you uninstalled
Trackpad++completely if you have previously does so - Go to the release tab in Github and download the newest version for your architecture
- Right click
AmtPtpDevice.infand install it - If you have a Magic Trackpad 2 and want to use it in Bluetooth mode: manaully pair it in PC Settings.
Note: it is unnecessary to enable test signing, or install the certificate manually. Doing so may cause problems in installation. See this issue for detailed explanation.
Also Uninstallation (extremely important for reinstallation Trackpad++ and such)
See also here.
- Go to device manager
- Find the «Apple Precision Touch Device», «Apple Multi-touch Trackpad HID filter» and «Apple Multi-touch Auxiliary Services»
- Right click «remove the device» and also check «uninstall driver»
- Rescan devices
Installation with Chocolatey
The drivers are available as a Chocolatey package. To install using Chocolatey run:
choco install mac-precision-touchpad
For developers
- SPI/T2 version is kernel-mode driver, using KMDF Framework v1.23. Bluetooth driver uses KMDF Framework 1.15. Windows 10 Driver Development Kit Version 2004 or higher is required for development and testing.
- USB version is a user-mode driver, using UMDF Framework v2.15. Windows 10 Driver Development Kit Version 2004 or higher is required for development and testing.
ReleaseSignedconfiguration is reserved for production build only, and it will be rendered as unsigned if you attempt to build using that configuration. (Historically it’s signed, but due to EV certificate’s requirements, the process has changed.)
Device support
There is a bring-up issue for certain MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. I am looking into it. If you have such device with Windows installed, please contact me so I can look into the issue remotely (as I don’t have many devices).
- Non-Retina MacBook
- Some non-Retina MacBook Pro (2011 and 2012)
- MacBook Pro with Retina Display (MacBookPro 10,1, MacBookPro10,2 & MacBookPro11,1)
- All recent MacBook Air (Please report if your model is not supported)
- MacBook Pro with Retina Display (2013, 2014, 2015, 13-inch & 15-inch)
- New MacBook (12-inch)
- MacBook Pro 2015, 2016, 2017 (a few SPI devices are in work-in-progress state)
- T2-based devices: MacBook Air 2018, MacBook Pro 2017/2018/2019/2020: Use default fallback, experience might not be optimal. Open a issue if you encountered dead touch regions.
- Magic Trackpad 2 & 3 (USB)
- Magic Trackpad 2 & 3 (Bluetooth connection)
Roadmap
- Touchpad Device Power Management
- Touchpad Protocol Stack Implementation
- Touchpad Raw Input Output (in Driver Trace)
- HID Protocol Implementation (PTP Touch)
- HID Protocol Implementation (Configuration)
- Device Test (Magic Trackpad 2)
- Refine input experience (tip switch detection and pressure)
- Refine input experience (gesture experience)
- More Models
- SPI
- KM Driver cross-cert
- Bluetooth
- Defuzz
- Input sensitivity configuration
Acknowledgements
UPDATE 2021/05: She got an M1 Mac now.
People familiar with me know that I don’t use Apple MacBook (so development work of this driver occurs on a Surface Pro 4). People probably think it doesn’t make sense that I started this project. The motivation behind this project origin from complaints from my girlfriend. Hearing about frequent complains about Dell XPS 13’s touchpad (though it passed Precision Touchpad certification), I decided to start this project, so by the time she switches to MacBook Pro, she will have excellent touchpad experience out-of-box, even on Windows. This driver is made for you, but also for everyone.
I would like to thank projects like magictrackpad2-dkms and macbook12-spi-driver that inspire me. I would also like to thank my friends for providing me immense help on devices and testing.
License
- USB driver is licensed under GPLv2.
- SPI driver is licensed under MIT.
Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster
You can use Apple Magic Trackpad with Control Panel on Windows PC with Boot Camp. It’s a small utility that lets you use this amazing device with your Windows PC.
If you are running Windows 11/10, it is now easy to set up and use Magic Trackpad on Windows 11. All you need to do is pair the Magic Trackpad to your Windows 11 PC via Bluetooth.
- Turn on the Magic Trackpad
- Open Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices
- Click Add device and select the Bluetooth option
- Choose Apple Magic Trackpad and wait for it to pair.
That’s all you need to do.
To use all of Magic Trackpad gestures on Your Windows 11/10 PC, you can install the open-source drivers available on Github.com.
After downloading it, extract its contents to a folder location of your choice, then open Device Manager > Action > Add drivers and browse to the folder location of the driver.
Once done, you can open Windows 11 Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and customize the Gestures.
You are all set to use Apple Magic Trackpad on Windows 11!
If you are using Windows 8/7, you need to take these steps:
- Download the update (Drivers) for 32-bit Windows operating systems or 64-bit Windows operating systems.
- The files are enclosed in a .zip file. Double-click BootCamp_3.2_32-bit.exe for 32-bit Windows systems or BootCamp_3.2_64-bit.exe for 64-bit Windows systems.
- A permissions dialog appears, then click Yes.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
The Multi-Touch trackpad supports different gestures depending on the operating system you use. Refer the chart given below in regard to learning about the differences.
Once you have Apple Magic Trackpad on your Windows PC, the default Mouse properties are useless now. The trackpad gestures or speed cannot be customized in Windows, and thus here the need arises for the Magic Trackpad Control Panel.
Magic Trackpad Control Panel is a wonderful tool that allows you to set the tracking speed, double-click speed, and scrolling speed of the Trackpad, and can be used to change both one-finger and two-finger gestures. Download the Apple Magic Trackpad Control Panel application and install it. It is not officially developed by Apple and is in its beta version but works like a charm in Windows.
Now extract the downloaded zip folder and run the padset-0.3.exe file (It will automatically initiate and installs, as it doesn’t have any UI) and then run Trackpad Control Panel.exe file and let it installs successfully.
After successful installation, a small icon in the Taskbar notification area will appear. Right-click on the icon and select Show Customize option to view Magic Trackpad Control Panel settings.
If you choose the One Finger Gestures, then you will find options to enable/disable Tap to Click, Dragging, Drag Lock, and Secondary Click. For the secondary click, you can choose the Bottom Right Corner or Bottom Left Corner position.
In case you choose Two Finger Gestures, you will find options to enable/disable Scroll and Secondary Tab.
So, do share with us, your experience of using Apple Magic Trackpad on Microsoft Windows.
Nitin Agarwal is an MVP alumni and a Pro Blogger. He was awarded as Most Valuable Professional for 3 times by Microsoft in Windows Expert — Consumer category. He is immensely inspired by Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and APJ Abdul Kalam.
Reader Interactions
Your Magic Trackpad is not scrolling on Windows? Our driver makes any Magic Trackpad (including the USB-C model) scroll on Windows.
Tap to click
Tap to click with 1, 2 and 3 fingers.
- 1 finger = Primary click
- 2 finger = Secondary click
- 3 finger = Middle click
Middle mouse button
3 finger tap to click and 3 finger dragging gives you full middle mouse button functionality.
Middle mouse button can be disabled.
Custom buttons
Customize up to 3 button areas.
Map these actions to any button:
- Left click
- Right click
- Middle click
- Forward navigation
- Backward navigation
3 finger dragging
Precise dragging with 3 fingers.
Options are either:
- Left click while dragging.
- Middle click while dragging.
- Right click while dragging.
- Left + Right click together while dragging.
Adjustable sensitivity
Configure scroll and swipe sensitivity.
Silent clicking
Enjoy the sound of silence.
Click pressure
Adjust the click pressure as seen on macOS.
Smooth scrolling
Pixel based, butter smooth touch scrolling at your finger tips.
Back / forward navigation
Navigate back and forward with horizontal swipes. Configure the direction to your needs.
Desktop and Task View navigation
Quickly change your virtual Desktop with horizontal swipes. Swipe up to see the Task View, swipe down to show your Desktop.
Virtual desktop navigation and Task View requires Windows 10 or 11.
General features
Any Windows desktop
Supports Windows 7*, 8*, 10+11°,
both 32bit^ and 64bit platforms.
Bluetooth
No more cable clutter. Wireless Bluetooth support for all external Apple input devices.
A compatible Bluetooth adapter / driver is required.
Seamless USB
Seamless wired USB support for all rechargeable Apple input devices. Plug-in, recharge and continue to work.
Supported USB devices:
- Magic Keyboard
- Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
- Magic Trackpad
- Magic Mouse (recharge only)
BootCamp compatible
All Magic Utilities are compatible with Apple BootCamp and can be used on any Windows computer, including Intel based Macs.
Original device specific BootCamp features will not work until the device related Magic Utility has been uninstalled.
Low battery alerts
Battery indicator and customizable battery alerts for all devices on Bluetooth and USB connections.
Retina
Windows High DPI support for all user interfaces. No blurry text or graphics on your retina screen.