Mouse Not Being Detected in Windows 10 [Best Fixes]

Steve Larner June 7, 2023

The mouse and keyboard have been the default way to control our computers forever. It is unlikely that those two devices will be gone completely, even with the innovation of touch screens. Seeing as we depend so much on the mouse, it becomes a real pain when the device doesn’t get detected in Windows 10. If you don’t have a touchscreen, you’re stuck. Just like fixing Windows 10 Bluetooth problems, there are potential solutions for your mouse troubles.

Mouse Not Being Detected in Windows 10 [Best Fixes]

If you find yourself in this “mouseless” situation, there are a few quick tests you can perform to see whether it is the computer or the mouse itself causing the problem. This article discusses troubleshooting steps in order or complexity and the likelihood of it being the issue. Follow each step in order and retest after each one.

Method #1: Reboot Your Computer

A simple reboot has been the primary troubleshooting tool for Windows since those heady days of Windows 3.1. It cures many issues, and it is like a breath of fresh air. There are many reasons why it fixes problems, but the main one is that it refreshes all links, services, and open tasks in Windows. The sheer number of services running on the average computer means it is too easy for an app or driver to get stuck. A reboot generally fixes the problem.

Method #2: Change the Mouse USB Port

If you’re using a USB mouse, unplug it from your computer and plug it into another USB port. If you have to disconnect something else to make room, do that. Just pull something that isn’t vital and avoid removing your USB keyboard, although it doesn’t matter that much.

Move the mouse to a different USB port. If you move the mouse and it works, the USB port is the issue. If the mouse still doesn’t work, the device may be the problem. So, try it on another computer. If it still doesn’t work, replace the mouse.

Method #3: Check the HID Service

The Human Interface Device (HID) is a service that allows USB devices to use Windows resources. Occasionally, the HID becomes stuck, so check that it is running okay.

Right-click on the Start Menu icon or an empty section in the Windows Taskbar, then select “Task Manager.”
Select the Services tab and then the “Open Services” text link at the bottom.
Scroll through the list until you see Human Interface Device Service. It should be running.
If the service is running, right-click and select “Restart,” and then retest your mouse.

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to check the mouse drivers.

Method #4: Check Mouse Drivers

Drivers contain instructions that allow Windows to interpret specific hardware commands for the device in question. They are like an interpreter that lets Windows speak to the hardware and vice versa. If anything happens to those drivers, the two cannot communicate properly. Corruption is often the cause.

Right-click the Windows Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Find the category titled Mice and other pointing devices. If the entry has a red circle or yellow triangle by it, there is an issue. Continue whether there is an issue or not.
Right-click the mouse device and select “Update driver.”
Select “Search automatically for updated software” and let Windows find the most suitable one.

If Windows finds a new driver and installs it, all is well and good. If it says you are already using the best driver, you have another step to perform. Go to the mouse manufacturer’s website and download the latest Windows 10 driver for your mouse’s specific model. Install the driver and retest.

Method #5: Start Windows in Safe Mode

The final test is to start Windows in Safe Mode, a very low-level state where all third-party drivers, apps, and many Windows 10 features get turned off. Safe Mode will test whether Windows’ core is giving you issues.

Left-click the Windows Start Menu icon and select “Settings.”
Click on “Update & Security.”
Select “Recovery,” and then select “Restart now.”
Once rebooted, select “Repair my computer -> Troubleshoot and Advanced options.”
Select “Startup Settings“ and “Restart.” Your computer will reboot again.
Press “F4” on your keyboard for Safe Mode when you see the first screen.

Using Safe Mode, Windows will load into a simple state with no third-party drivers. If your mouse works here, it is the driver causing issues or something else conflicting with it. Uninstall the driver, reboot your computer, and let Windows install a driver. If that fails, install a brand new driver from the manufacturer. Lastly, if your mouse still doesn’t work, it’s time to replace it.