A mouse wheel that won’t scroll is frustrating but usually fixable: start with the basics (clean, check batteries, try another PC) and work toward driver, settings, or Windows fixes if needed. The issue described by Mouse scroll doesn’t work in Windows 10 can be caused by hardware faults, settings, drivers, or system power/compatibility problems — this article explains the top causes and shows clear, step-by-step fixes so you can restore scrolling quickly.
You’ll learn 10 common reasons the scroll wheel stops working, precise troubleshooting steps for each, preventive tips, and when to replace hardware or contact support.
Key Takeaway
Most scroll problems are either hardware (dirty wheel, broken encoder, dead batteries) or software/settings (driver, Windows power settings, app-specific options). Test the mouse on another PC, then try the quick fixes below: clean or replace/repair the mouse if hardware is at fault; otherwise update drivers, adjust Windows mouse settings, and disable USB power management to resolve nearly all software-related causes.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Physical wheel failure or worn encoder | Test the mouse on another computer; replace the mouse if it fails elsewhere. |
| 2. Dirt or debris blocking the wheel encoder | Clean the wheel and encoder with compressed air and isopropyl swabs. |
| 3. Low or dead batteries (wireless mice) | Replace or recharge batteries and re-pair the mouse. |
| 4. Connection or receiver issues (wireless/USB) | Replug receiver, try a different USB port, or re-pair Bluetooth. |
| 5. Outdated or corrupt mouse driver/firmware | Update or reinstall mouse drivers in Device Manager or via the manufacturer. |
| 6. Incorrect Windows mouse settings | Adjust Settings > Devices > Mouse and enable Scroll inactive windows if needed. |
| 7. USB power management suspending the device | Disable power saving for USB hubs and the mouse in Device Manager and Power Options. |
| 8. Conflicting third-party software or touchpad drivers | Quit/uninstall mouse utilities or disable touchpad gestures while troubleshooting. |
| 9. Windows system file or update issues | Run SFC and DISM, or roll back problematic updates. |
| 10. App-specific scrolling issues | Check app settings, disable extensions, or test in other applications. |
Detailed Fixes for “Mouse scroll doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Physical wheel failure or worn encoder
Why this causes the problem:
- The mechanical encoder inside the wheel can wear out or fail, producing no scroll events even when the wheel moves.
Step-by-step fix:
- Unplug the mouse (or turn it off for wireless).
- Plug the mouse into another computer; confirm whether scroll works there.
- If the scroll still fails on another PC, the mouse hardware is likely faulty — replace the mouse.
- If you are comfortable opening hardware, check manufacturer warranty/repair; otherwise buy a replacement.
Notes/tips:
- Mechanical failures are common after years of heavy use; replacement is usually cheaper and faster than repair.
2. Dirt or debris blocking the wheel encoder
Why this causes the problem:
- Dust, hair, or grime can jam the wheel or block the encoder’s sensor so rotation isn’t detected.
Step-by-step fix:
- Turn off/unplug the mouse.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow around the wheel and seams.
- Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (70–90%) and gently clean the wheel and surrounding areas.
- Reconnect and test the wheel.
- If comfortable and needed, follow manufacturer disassembly guides to access the encoder for deeper cleaning.
Notes/tips:
- Do not soak electronics; use minimal alcohol and avoid wetting PCB or connectors.
- Cleaning often fixes intermittent or sticky wheel behavior.
3. Low or dead batteries (wireless mice)
Why this causes the problem:
- Wireless mice may behave erratically or disable certain functions when power is low.
Step-by-step fix:
- Replace the batteries with fresh ones or fully recharge the mouse.
- Power cycle the mouse: turn off for 10 seconds, then turn on.
- Re-pair the mouse if needed: Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add Bluetooth or other device.
- Test scrolling.
Notes/tips:
- Some wireless mice show battery icons in Windows notification area or in manufacturer apps.
4. Connection or receiver issues (wireless/USB)
Why this causes the problem:
- A faulty USB port, interference, or a poor Bluetooth pairing can drop or distort input signals.
Step-by-step fix:
- For USB receiver mice: unplug the receiver and plug into a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port).
- Try a short USB extension or move the receiver away from metal objects to reduce interference.
- For Bluetooth mice: remove the device in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and re-add it.
- If using a USB hub, connect the receiver directly to the PC.
Notes/tips:
- Interference from Wi‑Fi, USB 3.0 devices, or metal surfaces can affect 2.4 GHz receivers.
5. Outdated or corrupt mouse driver/firmware
Why this causes the problem:
- Drivers translate hardware signals to Windows; outdated or corrupt drivers can stop scroll events being recognized.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager).
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Right-click your mouse (or HID-compliant mouse) and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If that fails, choose Uninstall device, restart Windows — default Windows drivers will reinstall.
- For branded mice (Logitech, Razer, Microsoft), download the latest driver/firmware from the manufacturer’s website or use their app (e.g., Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse).
Commands:
- To open Device Manager quickly: press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.
Notes/tips:
- Manufacturer firmware updates sometimes fix wheel behavior — check the support site.
6. Incorrect Windows mouse settings
Why this causes the problem:
- Settings like scroll lines, or the “scroll inactive windows” option, can change scrolling behavior or make it seem like the wheel doesn’t work.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Settings > Devices > Mouse.
- Check Roll the mouse wheel to scroll and choose Multiple lines at a time or One screen at a time depending on preference.
- Adjust Lines to scroll each time to a higher number if scrolling is too small.
- Enable Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them if you want scrolling to work when a window is not focused.
- For classic options, open Control Panel > Mouse to adjust wheel settings under Wheel tab.
Notes/tips:
- If scroll works in some apps but not others, check that app’s internal settings.
7. USB power management suspending the device
Why this causes the problem:
- Windows power-saving can suspend USB devices, making the mouse partially unresponsive.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and right-click each USB Root Hub, choose Properties.
- Select Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK.
- Also expand Human Interface Devices and do the same for any USB Input Device or HID-compliant mouse entries.
- Open Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
- Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set to Disabled.
Notes/tips:
- This prevents Windows from suspending the USB receiver or mouse and often fixes intermittent scroll failures.
8. Conflicting third-party software or touchpad drivers
Why this causes the problem:
- Mouse utilities, background apps, or touchpad drivers may intercept or override scroll events.
Step-by-step fix:
- Close mouse utility apps (e.g., Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center).
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Startup and disable suspicious mouse/touch software and restart.
- If you have a laptop, open Settings > Devices > Touchpad and toggle off touchpad gestures or Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected as appropriate.
- Uninstall recently installed apps that might affect input.
Notes/tips:
- Booting into Safe Mode (press Shift while clicking Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > choose Safe Mode) can help determine if third-party software is the cause.
9. Windows system file or update issues
Why this causes the problem:
- Corrupt system files or a buggy Windows update can break input device handling.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator: press Windows, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Run: sfc /scannow
- After SFC completes, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart Windows and test the mouse.
- If the problem started after a recent update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history and Uninstall updates if needed.
Notes/tips:
- These commands repair corrupted system files that can interfere with device drivers.
10. App-specific or browser-specific scrolling issues
Why this causes the problem:
- Some apps have their own scrolling settings or incompatibilities (e.g., browser extensions, disabled smooth scrolling).
Step-by-step fix:
- Check whether scroll works in Notepad or File Explorer; if yes, the issue is app-specific.
- For browsers, disable extensions and test; check browser settings for smooth scrolling.
- For Microsoft Office, verify Options > Advanced > Editing options and ensure scroll settings or add-ins aren’t interfering.
- Update or reinstall the specific app.
Notes/tips:
- Testing in multiple applications helps isolate whether the problem is global or limited to one program.
Additional Recommendations
- Use an online mouse test page (search “mouse wheel test”) to see raw scroll events and determine whether the wheel sends signals.
- Keep Windows and device drivers up to date; enable automatic updates for manufacturer mouse software.
- For gaming mice, ensure profiles and DPI settings aren’t using custom bindings that change wheel behavior.
- If you suspect firmware: only update firmware via official manufacturer tools and ensure the mouse has full power during the process.
- If multiple mice have the same issue on the same PC, suspect Windows/system configuration rather than hardware.
FAQ
How can I test whether the wheel is sending scroll events?
Open a simple app like Notepad or use an online “mouse wheel test” page; if the page or Notepad scrolls when you move the wheel, the wheel is sending events.
Can software fixes restore a physically broken wheel?
No — if the wheel encoder or mechanical parts are physically damaged, software fixes won’t help and the mouse should be repaired or replaced.
Why does scrolling jump or skip even after cleaning?
Skipping usually indicates a failing encoder or intermittent electrical contact; if cleaning doesn’t help, the encoder may be near end-of-life.
Is it safe to use isopropyl alcohol to clean my mouse?
Yes — use a small amount on a swab and avoid wetting internal circuits; power off and remove batteries before cleaning.
Should I disable touchpad when using an external mouse?
If touchpad gestures are interfering with scrolling, disable the touchpad in Settings > Devices > Touchpad or enable Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected as preferred.
Conclusion
Most cases of Mouse scroll doesn’t work in Windows 10 are resolved by straightforward steps: test hardware on another PC, clean or replace the mouse if mechanical, update or reinstall drivers, and check Windows mouse and power settings. Follow the systematic steps above to identify whether the cause is hardware, settings, or software and restore normal scrolling quickly.
