How to Fix Your Middle Mouse Button When It’s Not Working

Are your scroll wheel or middle mouse button not working? This guide will show you how to fix the most common problems that could cause your middle mouse button not working.

There are many uses for the middle mouse button. The primary function of the middle mouse button is scrolling. However, it can also be used to open new windows and perform other functions. It can be frustrating when your middle mouse button does not work.

Your middle mouse button can be affected by a number of things. Hardware malfunctions, inadequate device settings, uninstalled driver, and an incorrect Windows configuration could all lead to your middle mouse button malfunctioning.

These quick fixes will address all your potential problems.

1. For problems with your mouse hardware, check this:

You should first inspect the hardware if your mouse is having problems.

1. Try connecting your mouse to another computer running the same Windows version as you are using. If the mouse does not work on another computer, it is most likely that the problem is with . You will need to replace your mouse if your middle button on your mouse doesn’t work with the other computer.
2. You can remove the mouse and clean it using a Q-tip if it seems to be having problems. This will remove any dust or other debris that could cause problems with your mouse.

2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built in hardware troubleshooter. Before you tackle more complex problems, make sure you run the built-in device troubleshooter on your computer.

1. Enter control panel into Windows search bar. Hit enter to open your control panel.
2. Open Hardware and Sound
3. Next, open Devices and Printers.
4. Locate your mouse and right-click it. Then, hit ‘Troubleshoot.
5. The troubleshooter will start. Start your computer again if it has found and applied a fix.

3. Updating your mouse’s drivers

We recommend that you update your mouse driver if your mouse continues to malfunction. Although this is more difficult than the other fixes, it is the next step in getting your mouse working properly.

1. The search bar is located at the bottom. It should be located right next to Windows button.
2. Enter “Device Manager” to open the window. You should see a list of your devices and hardware in this window.
3. Locate your mouse. It will likely be called “mice and Other Pointing Devices”, but it may change depending on the Windows version/update.
4. Expand the mouse menu to find your mouse. The mouse will need to be connected.
5. Right-click the mouse that is acting strangely and click “update driver”.
6. The driver of your mouse will be updated.
7. After the driver has been installed, restart your computer.

4. Install OEM Mouse Drivers

Generic drivers are used when you install Windows for the first time. These are fine for most mice but some mice will not work with them. This can be fixed by installing company-specific drivers. This is easy to do.

1. Go to the website of your mouse manufacturer.
2. Look for the section on drivers installation. This section may differ from one website to another. You could also type “[manufacture]’s device drivers” into your search engine.
3. Locate your device. Many companies offer search functions that make it easier to find your model number.
4. Make sure you have the most recent drivers installed for your mouse.
5. When you are done, restart your computer. If your mouse button was previously set up in a different manner, you might need to reconfigure it.

5. Modify the Registry Settings

Your registry settings could be the reason your middle mouse button doesn’t work as it should. These instructions will help you to modify your registry settings.

1. The search bar at your bottom should be used to type “registry” into the box. This will bring up the program “registry editor.”
2. Click on “Registry Editor.” If it asks for permission to make any changes to your computer before, click “yes.”
3. This editor has many drop-down menus and many settings. Don’t be overwhelmed. We only need one.
4. Press the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” button first. You will be able to access many other menus.
5. Next, click “Control Panel” to open more settings and drop-down options.
6. To access more settings, click the “Desktop” button. Scroll down through the settings to find WheelScrollLines. These settings should be alphabetical, so they should be at the bottom. This setting controls your scroll wheel.
7. Right-click on the setting and click “modify …”.”. It will be bolded, and it should be the first choice.
8. Verify that the value data is set at “3”. Change it if it isn’t and then click “OK.”

6. Windows Security

Your mouse can also be affected by viruses. Most Windows computers come with an anti-virus program built in.

1. Click the little arrow looking like “” in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. The “window security” app is available. It looks like a shield.
3. Click on “Virus and Threat Protection” to the left.
4. To the right of the first section, click “quick scan”. This scan may detect a virus if you have one.

7. These Didn’t Fix The Problem–Now What!

Your mouse may still be acting up. This is most likely due to a hardware issue. Your mouse can be repaired or replaced. These fixes should resolve the problem. You should replace your mouse or have it repaired.