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If your mouse is not working in Windows 11, you’re not alone. This issue can show up in different ways—your mouse may not be detected at all, the cursor may freeze, or a Bluetooth mouse may keep disconnecting. The good news is that most causes are software or settings related, and you can fix them without replacing hardware.
This guide walks you through every common scenario, starting with quick checks and moving to advanced fixes.
Common Mouse Problems in Windows 11
Users usually experience one of these issues on Windows 11:
- Mouse not detected
- Mouse cursor frozen or not moving
- USB mouse not working
- Bluetooth mouse keeps disconnecting
- The mouse works in BIOS but not in Windows
Each issue has a slightly different cause, so follow the section that matches your situation.
Quick Checks (Try These First)
Before changing system settings, do these basic checks:
- Restart your PC
- Unplug the mouse and reconnect it
- Try a different USB port
- If wireless, replace or recharge batteries
- Test the mouse on another computer
If the mouse still doesn’t work, continue below.
Scenario 1: Mouse Not Detected in Windows 11
If nothing happens when you plug in the mouse, Windows may not be recognizing it.
Fix 1: Check Device Manager
- Press Windows + X
- Select Device Manager
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices
- Look for:
- Disabled device (right-click → Enable)
- Yellow warning icon
If the mouse isn’t listed, check Universal Serial Bus controllers for errors.
Scenario 2: Mouse Cursor Frozen or Not Moving
A frozen cursor often means Windows Explorer or a background process has crashed.
Fix: Restart Windows Explorer
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find Windows Explorer
- Right-click it
- Select Restart
This refreshes the desktop without rebooting.
Scenario 3: USB Mouse Not Working
This is one of the most common problems, especially after updates.
Fix 1: Disable USB Power Saving
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click USB Root Hub
- Select Properties
- Go to the Power Management tab
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
- Click OK
Repeat for all USB Root Hub entries.
Fix 2: Reinstall Mouse Driver
- In Device Manager, right-click your mouse
- Select Uninstall device
- Restart your PC
Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Scenario 4: Bluetooth Mouse Keeps Disconnecting
Bluetooth mice can disconnect due to power settings or driver issues.
Fix 1: Re-pair the Bluetooth Mouse
- Go to Settings
- Open Bluetooth & devices
- Remove the mouse
- Restart your PC
- Pair the mouse again
Fix 2: Update Bluetooth Drivers
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Bluetooth
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter
- Select Update driver
Scenario 5: Mouse Works in BIOS but Not in Windows
If your mouse works in BIOS or UEFI but not after Windows loads, the issue is software-related, not hardware.
Fix 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Go to Settings
- Select System
- Click Recovery
- Choose Restart now under Advanced startup
- Select Safe Mode
If the mouse works in Safe Mode, a driver or startup app is causing the problem.
Fix Windows Update–Related Mouse Issues
Some mouse issues appear after a recent Windows update.
What to Do:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update
- Install any pending updates
- If the issue started after an update, use Update history → Uninstall updates
This often fixes compatibility bugs.
Graphics Driver Conflicts (Less Common but Important)
In rare cases, graphics drivers from manufacturers like NVIDIA or AMD can interfere with cursor behavior.
Updating or rolling back the graphics driver may resolve cursor freezes or lag.
Mouse Issues and Best Fixes (Quick Comparison Table)
| Problem | Best Fix |
|---|---|
| Mouse not detected | Check Device Manager |
| Cursor frozen | Restart Windows Explorer |
| USB mouse not working | Disable USB power saving |
| Bluetooth mouse disconnecting | Re-pair Bluetooth |
| Works in BIOS only | Test Safe Mode |
| After Windows update | After the Windows update |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Driver incompatibility or power-saving settings usually cause this. Updating drivers fixes it in most cases.
Yes. USB power management and Bluetooth power saving can disable devices to save energy.
If the mouse works on another PC or in BIOS, it’s not hardware-related.
Final Thoughts
When your mouse is not working in Windows 11, the issue is usually tied to drivers, power management, or Windows updates, not a broken mouse. Start with quick checks, then move through Device Manager, power settings, and Safe Mode.
Most users fix the problem without reinstalling Windows or replacing hardware.
