ProblemFor an external mouse in Windows 11. A laptop’s built-in touchpad is outside this guide. If the pointer moves but only the primary click fails, the connection is not completely lost; keep any USB or device error code.

Mouse not working in Windows

Separate a stationary pointer from differently configured buttons and check the external mouse connection.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~4 min

  1. Check the link and powerStart with how this mouse connects.

Find your situation

See all the clues. Choose the one that matches what you observe.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Check the link and power

Start with how this mouse connects.

  1. For USB or a receiver, unplug and reconnect after a few seconds; try a direct port without a hub. Confirm the correct receiver and charge or batteries for a wireless mouse.

  2. Check for dirt obstructing the sensor and follow its cleaning instructions. If Bluetooth will not pair, use the related guide instead of reinstalling all USB devices.

02

Check the primary button if movement works

Do not confuse a different assignment with a lost connection.

  1. Use a working input device or open Settings with Windows + I and navigate with Tab, arrows and Enter. In Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, check Primary mouse button.

  2. If the primary button is reversed from what you expect, choose your preference and test. If only one app fails, compare another before changing drivers.

03

Test the mouse on another compatible PC

Keep movement and button results separate.

  1. If another PC is available, connect using the correct receiver or method. Check any manufacturer driver requirement.

  2. If it also fails there, tell the manufacturer whether the sensor, buttons or entire device is affected. If only this PC fails, keep any Device Manager code.

Next step

Still not working?

For Code 10, Code 43 or USB not recognized, follow that issue. If the keyboard also fails, you may lack a way to control Windows: seek assistance instead of repeatedly forcing shutdowns.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.

Related problems