The Synaptics driver version 17.0.18.8 (released around late 2013) is a legacy driver typically associated with Windows 7, 8, and early 8.1 systems. While it provides essential touchpad functionality, it lacks the advanced "Precision Touchpad" features found in modern Windows versions. Performance Review: Synaptics 17.0.18.8 Pros:
: Use a utility like the Microsoft "Show or Hide Updates" tool to prevent Windows 10/11 from overwriting the driver with a newer version. Known Issues & Alternatives Solved: touchpad - HP Support Community - 5449717 synaptics driver version 17.0.18.8
The Fix: Users install version 17.0.18.8 to access the SmartSense slider in the Control Panel and turn it off, which restores simultaneous keyboard and mouse usage. Version Context Release Date: Roughly December 20, 2013. The Synaptics driver version 17
: While primarily intended for Windows 10 (x86 and AMD64 architectures), versions of the 17.x series also supported legacy systems like Windows 7, 8, and even XP. Device Support : It is commonly found on laptops from major OEMs like Core Functionality Driver Version: 17
Install Version 17.0.18.8: Run the installer you downloaded. If it fails, use Device Manager to manually "Update Driver" and browse to the folder containing the extracted files. Configuration: Go to Control Panel > Synaptics. Find SmartSense or PalmCheck and set the slider to Off.
driver version is a legacy touchpad driver released around October 2013
| Issue | Workaround |
|-------|-------------|
| TouchPad disappears after Windows Update | Use the “Show hidden devices” in Device Manager, uninstall ghost device, reinstall driver. |
| Gestures stop working after screen rotation (convertible laptops) | Reinstall the OEM’s companion utility (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Dell QuickSet). |
| Settings app (Synaptics Control Panel) does not open | Uninstall the driver, clean registry keys under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Synaptics, then reinstall. |