Mouse click randomly stops working in windows 11

Anonymous
2023-07-20T01:44:57+00:00

I have an issue, its on my Dell precision 3561, windows 11.

The click function stops working randomly but in a weird way... Im still able to click on text boxes (in teams for example) but I cannot click to change applications, close a window, click and drag etc. The fix to get my mouse to work again is to use CTRL + ALT + DEL which somehow resets the function. Then I am able to use my mouse again normally for a few minutes before it might stop again.

Some days this happens frequently, every few minutes, sometimes the computer will go a few weeks without having the issue. I have tried using a plug in mouse and the same issue persists. ie, I do not believe this is an issue with the mouse itself. It feels more like windows explorer itself needs to be reset?

Its incredibly frustrating when its happening frequently and I'm very keen to find a fix! Is anyone else having the same issue?

Cheers

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Lester Bernard Reyes 84,815 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2023-07-20T04:05:18+00:00

Hi, and thanks for reaching out. My name is Bernard a Windows fan like you. I'll be happy to help you out today.

I understand the issue you have, there is nothing to worry I am here to help, this issue happens due to the miscalibration of system files, in addition, are there any changes before the issue starts? like have you downloaded or installed any apps, that you think may trigger the issue? while waiting for your response, kindly follow the steps below:

Method 1. Clear cache of File Explorer

-Open Run Command ( Press Windows key + R)

-Copy, paste, and enter the file path below:

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations

Delete everything inside the AutomaticDestinations folder

-Restart PC and check

Method 2. Do clean boot:

A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

  • In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.
  • On the Services tab of System Configuration, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
  • On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.
  • Under Startup in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then select Disable.
  • Close Task Manager.
  • On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK. When you restart the computer, it's in a clean boot environment.

Troubleshooting reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-t...

Note: If the issue persists, try to change the mouse just to check, if the issue persists, we may need to roll back mouse driver and or run system repair.

Let me know how it goes and I hope that helps.

Bernard

Was this answer helpful?

50+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

92 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-16T05:01:09+00:00

    Same here on a MSI Laptop. CTRL-ALT-DEL followed by ESC will get it back. It is interesting that is is not only the click that does not work. When moving the mouse pointer (which is not affected) over a button it does not light up in "preparation" for a click.

    Also it is only at the time of wanting to switch application it becomes a problem. Eg after an extended amount of time working in MS Word and wanting to go another APP...

    i just witnessed the exactly same issue a few minutes back, on my windows 11. maybe there's some issue in last windows update..

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-18T12:16:32+00:00

    I'm using a wired USB mouse and this is happening ALL the time - at least every 10 minutes. It started with a wireless mouse and I switched to a wired mouse to test. A wired mouse made no difference.

    Was this answer helpful?

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-25T10:01:05+00:00

    I found this in a forum:

    It turns out the problem was mouse 'Button 4' in one of my mouse may spontaneously activate and stay activated. This introduces the observed behavior where it seems like left and right mouse buttons are disabled for all currently connected mouse and mouse connected in the future. The behavior which made the problem worse is the 'Mouse button 4' stays activated even if mouse wireless adapter is disconnected! Mouse button 4 also stays activated across reboots if the wireless mouse adapter is not disconnected during reboot. That's why we observed problem symptoms across reboots and disconnect/reconnect of a range of mouse.

    The solution is to explicitly disable 'Button 4' through software for the semi-broken or all mouse. The easiest solution is to use a free program called X-Mouse Button Control. Autohotkey script to disable 'Button 4' should also work well.

    Was this answer helpful?

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-24T09:15:46+00:00

    Same issue here, started randomly yesterday and is getting worse. A lot of internet search did not come up with a solution, ended up here...

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments