Start here if your mouse suddenly stops responding: most of the time the issue is due to a simple hardware, driver, or power-management conflict. This article shows how to diagnose and fix the problem step by step so you can get your pointer back quickly. The main issue is Mouse driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 — below you’ll learn the 13 most common reasons this happens and exactly how to fix each one.
You’ll see why each cause prevents the mouse from working, what Windows tools to use, precise menu paths and commands, and practical tips to avoid the problem in future.
Key Takeaway
Most mouse driver problems in Windows 10 are fixed by checking the physical connection (try another port or mouse), reinstalling or updating drivers via Device Manager, and disabling USB power-saving options; use sfc /scannow and DISM if system file corruption is suspected.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Faulty mouse hardware | Test with another computer or swap in a known-good mouse. |
| Dead batteries / power issue (wireless) | Replace batteries or fully charge the mouse. |
| Bad USB port or cable | Try a different USB port/cable and avoid hubs. |
| Bluetooth pairing or radio issues | Re-pair the mouse in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. |
| Corrupted or wrong mouse driver | Uninstall the device in Device Manager and reinstall driver. |
| Outdated driver or Windows update conflict | Update driver or roll back the last driver/update. |
| Driver signature enforcement blocking driver | Use Disable driver signature enforcement from Advanced Startup to install. |
| USB power management turning off device | Disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”. |
| Conflicting third-party mouse software | Uninstall third-party mouse utilities or start Windows in Safe Mode. |
| Stopped/disabled Windows services (HID/Plug and Play) | Start or set services to Automatic in services.msc. |
| Corrupted system files | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| Touchpad/input device conflict (laptops) | Disable touchpad temporarily or check Settings > Devices > Touchpad. |
| Malware or policy blocking drivers | Run a malware scan and check group policy / registry driver restrictions. |
Detailed Fixes for “tu mets ici le problème du 13 reasons why Mouse driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)”
1. Faulty mouse hardware
Why it causes the problem:
A physically damaged mouse (broken switch, damaged PCB) won’t send input to Windows even if drivers are fine.
Step-by-step solution:
- Unplug the mouse and visually inspect the cable and connector for frays or bent pins.
- Plug the mouse into a different computer — if it still fails, the mouse is likely defective.
- If using a wireless mouse, check the receiver: plug the USB receiver into another machine.
- Replace the mouse with a known-good unit to confirm.
Tip: Before buying a new mouse, try cleaning the sensor and buttons; sometimes debris causes issues.
2. Dead batteries or power problem (wireless mice)
Why it causes the problem:
Wireless mice lose connection or behave erratically with low battery.
Step-by-step solution:
- Replace batteries or recharge the mouse fully according to manufacturer instructions.
- Turn the mouse off and on, and press the pairing button if present.
- Reconnect: Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices then remove and re-add the mouse.
Tip: Use fresh alkaline batteries or the manufacturer-recommended rechargeable pack for best results.
3. Bad USB port or cable
Why it causes the problem:
A damaged USB port/cable or insufficient power (front-panel/USB hub) results in intermittent or no connection.
Step-by-step solution:
- Unplug the mouse and try another USB port (prefer rear ports directly on desktop).
- Avoid using unpowered USB hubs; plug the mouse directly into the PC.
- On laptops, try a different side port or a powered hub.
- If a different port works, inspect ports in Device Manager: Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers — right-click and Uninstall any suspicious entries, then reboot to let Windows re-detect.
Note: If only one USB port fails, the motherboards’ port could be faulty.
4. Bluetooth pairing or radio issues (Bluetooth mice)
Why it causes the problem:
Bluetooth interference, driver issues, or pairing problems prevent a stable connection.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and confirm Bluetooth is On.
- Remove the mouse: click the device and choose Remove device.
- Put the mouse into pairing mode (manufacturer instructions) and click Add Bluetooth or other device, then follow prompts to pair.
- Update Bluetooth drivers: Device Manager > Bluetooth > right-click adapter > Update driver.
- If pairing fails, toggle Bluetooth off/on and reboot the PC.
Tip: Keep the mouse within 1–2 meters of the receiver and away from other wireless devices during pairing.
5. Corrupted or wrong mouse driver
Why it causes the problem:
A corrupted or mismatched driver will not communicate with your mouse hardware correctly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (press Windows + X then choose Device Manager).
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Right-click the problematic entry and choose Uninstall device. If offered, check Delete the driver software for this device.
- Reboot the PC — Windows will reinstall a generic driver automatically.
- If needed, download the manufacturer’s latest driver from their website and install it using the downloaded installer.
Note: After uninstalling, use Action > Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager if Windows doesn’t re-detect automatically.
6. Outdated driver or Windows update conflict
Why it causes the problem:
New Windows updates or old drivers may be incompatible and break mouse functionality.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Device Manager, right-click the mouse and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If updating made things worse, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
- Check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install pending updates or uninstall the last update if the issue started right after it: Update history > Uninstall updates.
- Visit the mouse maker’s support page for a driver certified for Windows 10.
Tip: Create a system restore point before installing drivers or large Windows updates.
7. Driver signature enforcement blocking driver installation
Why it causes the problem:
Windows 10 blocks unsigned or improperly signed drivers unless you disable enforcement.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- After reboot, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After restart, press 7 or F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement.
- Install the unsigned driver, then reboot normally.
Warning: Disabling driver signature enforcement lowers security; only install drivers from trusted sources.
8. USB power management turning off the device
Why it causes the problem:
Windows power-saving can suspend USB devices to save power, making mice unresponsive.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- For each USB Root Hub or hub device: right-click > Properties > Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Also open Device Manager > Mice and other pointing devices, right-click your mouse > Properties > Power Management (if present) and uncheck the same option.
- Optionally disable USB selective suspend: Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting > Disabled.
Tip: On laptops, test both plugged-in and battery modes.
9. Conflicting third-party mouse software
Why it causes the problem:
Third-party utilities (macros, custom drivers) may conflict with Windows drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Apps (or Control Panel > Programs and Features) and uninstall any mouse-related software (e.g., manufacturer utility, macro applications).
- Reboot the computer.
- If unsure which program caused it, boot to Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > 4/F4) — in Safe Mode third-party programs are disabled; check if mouse works.
- If mouse works in Safe Mode, remove suspect apps and reinstall only the official driver and utility.
Note: Some gaming mice require their vendor utility for full functionality; reinstall the latest vendor utility if necessary.
10. Stopped or disabled Windows services (HID, Plug and Play)
Why it causes the problem:
Essential services like Human Interface Device Access or Plug and Play must run for input devices to function.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find Human Interface Device Service and Plug and Play.
- Right-click each service > Properties. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service is stopped.
- Reboot if you change settings.
Tip: Some OEM software changes services — if you see a nonstandard service name for input devices, investigate vendor docs.
11. Corrupted system files
Why it causes the problem:
Damaged system files can prevent drivers or HID components from loading properly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt: press Windows, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator.
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- If SFC reports issues it can’t fix, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again, then reboot.
Note: These commands need an internet connection to download replacement files if necessary.
12. Touchpad or other input device conflict (laptops)
Why it causes the problem:
Sometimes laptop touchpad settings or drivers conflict with an external mouse, disabling the pointer or preventing clicks.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Devices > Touchpad and temporarily turn Touchpad off.
- In Device Manager, under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices, disable the touchpad device (right-click > Disable device) and test the external mouse.
- Update the touchpad driver (Synaptics/ELAN) from the laptop maker’s support page.
Tip: Many laptops include a function-key toggle to disable the touchpad — try that too.
13. Malware or group policy / registry blocking drivers
Why it causes the problem:
Malware can corrupt drivers or system components; group policy or registry settings may block driver installations.
Step-by-step solution:
- Run a full scan with Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection).
- Check Group Policy (for Windows Pro/Enterprise): press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Driver Installation and ensure policies aren’t blocking drivers.
- Check registry settings that block unsigned drivers: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy — modify only if you understand registry editing (backup first).
- If infection is suspected, disconnect from the network and use a bootable rescue disk from a reputable vendor.
Warning: Editing Group Policy and Registry can cause system instability — back up before changes.
Additional Troubleshooting Tools and When to Seek Help
- Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists; if the mouse works in Safe Mode, the problem is likely a third-party driver or service.
- System Restore: If the problem started recently, restore to a point when the mouse worked: Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
- BIOS/UEFI: Check USB Legacy Support or Legacy USB settings in BIOS/UEFI; some systems disable USB in certain hardware configurations.
- Manufacturer support: If the mouse is under warranty, contact the vendor for replacement.
- Professional help: If you’ve exhausted software fixes and the mouse works on other machines, suspect a motherboard USB/controller failure — consult a technician.
FAQ
How can I tell if the problem is software or hardware?
If the mouse fails on multiple ports or different PCs, it’s hardware. If it works on another PC but not yours, it’s software/driver related.
Can I use a generic Microsoft driver as a permanent fix?
Yes — after uninstalling the problematic driver, Windows typically installs a generic HID-compliant mouse driver that provides basic functionality; for advanced features, install the manufacturer’s driver.
How do I prevent mouse driver problems in the future?
Keep Windows and drivers updated, avoid untrusted third-party mouse utilities, create restore points before driver updates, and disable aggressive USB power saving on laptops.
Why does the mouse stop after a Windows update?
Updates can change driver model requirements or replace drivers. Roll back the update via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery or roll back the driver in Device Manager.
What if the pointer moves but clicks don’t work?
This can be driver-specific, button mapping from third-party software, or hardware switch failure. Reinstall drivers, test with a different mouse, and remove any macro/utility software that remaps buttons.
In summary, most cases of Mouse driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 resolve by testing hardware, reinstalling/updating drivers via Device Manager, and disabling USB power-saving settings; use sfc /scannow and DISM for deeper system issues. If those steps fail, try Safe Mode, System Restore, or contact the mouse manufacturer or a repair technician.
