(SOLVED) Why Does My Mouse Keeps Freezing on Windows 10?

Get to understand the prime reasons that cause mouse freezing in Windows 10. Here are a set of potential remedies to easily resolve and fix the mouse keeps freezing issue:

Imagine a situation where you want to send an important assignment to your boss that is expected for review before the due date, or you want to pay your rent or electricity bill or purchase something online and these have only one option of purchasing online through internet banking.

You have mobile banking, but you have accidentally cleared your cache with your password. Your web banking account requires a password reset for login. Upon opening your laptop, you discover your mouse is unresponsive when clicking on the browser.

You try to restart your laptop, and this time your mouse opens a browser, you enter the URL of your bank, try to enter your credentials, and again your mouse freezes.

Mouse Freezing in Windows 10 – Causes & Remedies

You encounter multiple times and are uncertain and suddenly experience your mouse freeze, and to make the situation even worse, your keyboard also stops working and you cannot continue what you wanted to.

There are multiple reasons for the mouse to get stuck or freeze suddenly, such as your device runs out of power. It is a time when you recharge your device. You have recently installed the mouse, but it does not get registered by the device, your drivers have become outdated or corrupted, your Windows registry got corrupted, or dust accumulated in the mouse.

Reasons For Mouse Frozen in Windows 10

If you’re using a Windows laptop or desktop, you might encounter mouse freezing caused by multiple factors explained in this guide.

#1) Devices i.e. Laptops or Desktops may not be compatible with the type of mouse installed, as per advancements in technology, different mouse are available for laptops/desktops like wired, wireless, optical, mechanical, laser, and trackball.

Each of the mouses works on different upgraded technology – wired mouses are connected through a USB cable to a laptop/ desktop, while wireless mouse works on optics or laser to connect with devices. Mouse with wired connectivity may not be compatible with wireless or optical, it will require a compatible driver already installed or to be installed.

#2) Various hardware-related issues such as damaged or faulty touchpad, laptop or desktop overheated, installation of software or hardware that conflicts with an operating system of a device, wrong configuration setting for power management, or applications infected with malware or viruses are some reasons for mouse freeze or lag in mouse cursor movement, etc.

#3) Commonly observed reasons that can be easily rectified for mouse freezing are dirt accumulated in mouse and/or mouse pad, damaged or faulty USB cable in case of USB-enabled wired mouse, and longer distance between device and mouse in case of infra-red enabled wireless mouse.

Other reasons include the batteries in the mouse draining out and needing to be replaced with new ones, an incorrect setting for clicking, and double click speed for left-hand or right-hand mouse clicks.

#4) After the new mouse is installed, mouse drivers should be aligned or found in the device and the USB port should be able to identify the connected mouse device automatically or require manual configuration of the mouse in the Add device settings.

The Device requires a re-start after the initial installation of the device to get in sync with or recognize the mouse with the laptop or desktop.

Possible Fixes for Mouse Keeps Freezing

Alternative to the mouse is the keyboard, there are shortcut keys for all the operations that can be accomplished using a mouse. Users should have proficiency in using all these shortcut keys. The mouse enables users to conveniently and swiftly operate a laptop or desktop.

Users frequently report a mouse freeze issue in Windows-based devices, which prevents them from using laptops or desktops, and we should resolve this issue. We have listed multiple fixes here, and we expect that one solution has resulted in a possible fix for mouse freeze in Windows.

#1) Restarting Windows Explorer

One resolution for a mouse freeze is Restarting Windows Explorer. Follow the steps listed below:

• Open Task Manager by either typing in the search text field next to the Start icon in the bottom left corner OR simultaneously pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc button.
• Task Manager window will open as shown below:

• You will see a list of running processes.
• Look for Windows Explorer:
  • You may select the process labeled as Windows Explorer and click on the Restart button, OR
  • Right-click on the process labeled as Windows Explorer, and a menu will appear. Select Restart from the menu.

#2) Exit from processes that consume resources

It is observed that processes that use disk and CPU to carry out complex tasks or run applications or programs are found to affect mouse behavior or freezing of a mouse cursor.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager.
• Under Processes, look for the process (es) that are utilizing a high percentage of CPU and Disk utilization.
  • Select one of such processes and click on the End task button OR
  • Right-click on the process a menu will appear.
  • Select End task from the list.

#3) Restarting Computer

Our observation shows that most issues, including applications taking too long to open, browser freeze, or mouse freeze in Windows-based devices, can be resolved by restarting.

Follow these steps:

• Click on the Windows Icon on the left bottom corner of your computer.
• You will find various icons on the extreme left column like Power, Settings, Picture, etc.
• Click on the Power icon.
• You will find three options – Sleep, Shut Down, and Restart.
• Click on the Restart submenus.

#4) Remove and again connect a Mouse

Any accessories connected to a laptop or desktop may not perform if it is not connected properly, as per the installation guide provided along with. It is observed that re-connecting the mouse can fix the mouse freezing issue.

• Remove the mouse from the USB port.
• Connect the mouse again to the same USB port.

This may recognize the mouse as an accessory attached to the system and will fix the freezing issue of the mouse.

#5) Cleaning dust from Mouse

Dust particles, moisture, and fine particles like hair can obstruct the mouse movement as the mixture can accumulate around or near mouse rollers and left or right-clicking areas, thereby failing to function.

Use a toothpick to remove dust from the corner area. Use a brush to clean moisture and dust from the mouse surface, mouse pad, or rollers after releasing the roller balls from the back.

Cleaning the dust, moisture, lint, hair, or small foreign particles will prevent a mouse from freezing and resolve mouse freeze. It is advised to clean the mouse; the wire connecting to the USB port, the monitor, and the keyboard with a light moist cloth so that dust, hair, lint, or other fine particles can be removed from the laptop or desktop’s external parts.

#6) Recharge Batteries

Wired or wireless batteries run on a pair of AA or AAA-type alkaline batteries. Bluetooth mouse consume slightly more power as it has to remain connected to the signal as long as the mouse is in use.

Replace old batteries with new batteries for the mouse to fix the mouse freeze issue.

#7) Change USB ports

Mouse, Printer, Scanner, and Bluetooth devices have to be added to Windows-based laptops or desktop and their respective drivers should be aligned. There are limited USB port connections available for connecting speakers, headphones, or mouse. USB ports also work as charging mobile or data transfer to and from mobile or other storage devices.

USB ports configured for storage, charging, or headphones may not accept an external mouse in a laptop. Using another USB port to connect a mouse can fix the mouse freezing issue.

#8) Disable the Power Savings option for USB ports

We can manage the power utilization of batteries used in electronic devices like mobile, air conditioners, refrigerators, and computers, thereby the power used in running the CPU can be conserved.

The following steps are carried out to disable an option of power saving for USB ports where various accessories are connected for the convenience of the user and ease of operation.

• Press the Windows icon + R which will open the Run text field.
• Type devmgmt.msc in the text field and click OK.
• Device Manager interface will open.
• Locate Universal Serial Bus controllers and click to expand.
• Look for USB Root Hub.
• Right-click on it and click on Properties.

• The property window of the USB Root Hub will open.
• Select the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck the checkbox labeled Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click the OK button.

By unchecking the option under Power Management, which would allow the device to shut down to save power, we are disabling the Power Saving option for USB ports. If you’re experiencing mouse freezing on your Windows laptop or desktop, this fix will resolve the issue.

#9) Running Troubleshooting for Devices and Hardware

Windows has a utility called Troubleshooting to help find out what caused the issue and suggestions to resolve the issue. For the mouse freezing issue, we will run troubleshooting for the device and hardware in the following steps:

• Press the Windows icon + X.
• A list will appear, look for Windows PowerShell.
• A command window will open.
• Type – msdt.exe –id DeviceDiagnostic.
• A troubleshooting interface will be displayed and look for hardware and device issues.

#16) Reinstallation of Device Driver

Accessories like scanners, printers, mouse, speakers, and mikes provide additional features like scanning a document, connecting printers and sending commands for printing a particular file, moving, selecting, saving, and handling various applications with a click of a button, speakers and mike helps communicate and listen to the connected audience in the webinar and online meetings.

Each of these devices comes with their drivers – which helps devices to integrate with the operating system and make accessories work efficiently. Device drivers become a link to the operating system and hardware to communicate actions like requests to perform specific tasks.

Mouse freezing can be resolved by reinstalling device drivers so that in case corrupted or missing files in the driver can be replaced with a new fresh installation. Reinstalling mouse drivers can be done by following the steps listed below.

To open Driver Manager,

• Press the Windows icon + R keys to open the Run window.
• Type devmgmt.msc in the text field provided and Click OK.

OR

• Type Driver Manager in the text field on the bottom left corner of your computer & hit the Enter button.
• A device manager window will open.
• Look for – Mice and other pointing devices
• Check for HID-compliant mouse
• Right-click over the HID-compliant mouse
• A menu will be displayed with options like Update driver, Disable device, and Uninstall device.
• Select Uninstall device for every available instance of HID-compliant mouse.
• After the mouse device is uninstalled – reinstall the newly downloaded mouse driver.
• After installation of drivers – restart the computer.

Installing new driver software, corrupted or missing files will get replaced and mouse freezing will stop.

Suggested Read => Methods to Uninstall NVIDIA Drivers in Windows 10

#17) Disabling option ‘Enhance Pointer Precision’

One feature in the Windows 10 operating system for mouse speed is known as Enhance Pointer Precision. This feature can control how quickly your mouse reacts to user actions and is a reason for the particular mouse to behave inconsistently.

We can disable the enhanced pointer precision feature to overcome the mouse freezing issue. You can follow the steps listed below:

• Press the Windows icon + I – this will open Windows Settings.
• Under Windows Settings select Devices.
• Device Settings interface will open.
• Select Mouse on the left panel.
• Select Additional mouse options on the right side.
• Mouse Properties window will open.
• Select the Pointer Options tab.
• Under the Motion section, you will see Enhance Pointer Precision.
• Uncheck Enhance Pointer Precision.

#18) Updating Hardware Drivers

Customized computers can come in desired configurations like higher storage, multiple cores for processing complex functionality like scientific design and calculations like statistics, or multimedia installed for gaming or high-speed performance.

Computer assemblers may install some of the cheap and inferior quality parts like cables, monitors, keyboards, graphic cards, etc. to reduce the cost and sell substandard products.

Mouse freeze issues can occur because of inferior-quality drivers installed. It is advised to always install device drivers from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, or Nvidia.

• Press the Windows icon + R keys to open the Run window.
• Type devmgmt.msc in the text field provided and Click OK.
• A device manager window will open.
• Look for – Mice and other pointing devices.
• Check for a HID-compliant mouse.
• Right-click over the HID-compliant mouse
• A menu will be displayed with options like Update driver, Disable device, and Uninstall device.
• Select Update driver.
• Select Browse my computer for drivers.
• Install drivers from a reputed driver manufacturer.

#19) Updating Windows 10

Software industries keep resolving bugs observed in recently released builds and release the next build. Users can resolve mouse freezing issues and corrupt or missing files while upgrading to the Windows 10 operating system. Upgrading can be done in the following steps:

• Click on the Windows Icon in the left bottom corner of your computer.
• You will find various icons in the extreme left column like Power, Settings, Picture, etc.
• Click on Settings
• Under the Settings interface, select Windows Update and click on the Check for updates button.
• Download and install the upgraded driver.

#20) Scanning Computer for Malware

It is recommended to install antivirus software to protect your computer from malicious viruses. Scanning your computer for viruses or malware will help scan the entire device space and remove malware or viruses hidden somewhere.

• Click on the Windows Icon on the left bottom corner of your computer.
• You will find various icons on the extreme left column like Power, Settings, Picture, etc.
• Click on Settings
• Select Update & Security
• Click on Windows Security
• Click on Virus & threat protection
• Check Scan options & select Scan to protect and remove possible viruses.

#21) Disabling Fast Startup

Some of the built-in Windows features like Fast Startup will help users to quickly open the computer and start saving some time. The normal start-up will take some time because of the starting of services like auto-scan, driver health check, scanning the entire computer to verify various system files in place, etc.

Disabling fast startup and running a normal start-up can resolve mouse freezing problems. This is done in the following steps:

• Press the Windows icon + X.
• Look for Power Options from the list and click on Power Option.
• Select Additional Power Settings on the right top corner of the settings interface.
• Check Choose or customize power plan.
• You can edit the power plan as shown below

#22) Running SFC scan

The system File Checker scan feature will scan system files and look for corrupt or missing files. The scan result will list any missing or corrupt files.

• Press the Windows icon and type cmd to search for the command prompt.
• You will see the command prompt listed.
• Right-click on the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
• type sfc/scannow.
• The scanning process will commence as demonstrated below.

#23) DISM scan run

DISM or deployment image servicing and management is a command-line tool for servicing Windows images. There are commands to verify information on Windows image (.wim) files, virtual hard disk (VHD), and full flush utility files (FFU).

You can run 3 commands – CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth

• Press the Windows icon + X
• A list will appear, look for Windows PowerShell
• A command window will open
• Run the following commands at the PowerShell command prompt
  • DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/CheckHealth
  • DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth
  • DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

System administrators usually use a DISM scan to create, update, and fix system images available at Windows PE, Setup, and Recovery Environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The mouse freezing issue in Windows 10 can stop users from using the computer any further.

There are multiple ways users can resolve this issue by cleaning dirt from the mouse, changing the USB port, removing and reconnecting the mouse, scanning the system files to check if any files are missing or corrupted, updating device drivers, hardware drivers, or Windows operating system or disabling quick start, power saving option or enhance pointer precision option in mouse speed monitoring settings.