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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If your mouse wheel will not scroll in Windows 11 or Windows 10, first check the wheel settings, then test the mouse’s connection and hardware. If you mean two-finger scrolling on a laptop touchpad, use the touchpad’s separate settings and driver troubleshooting instead.
Try each step in order and test scrolling afterward. Microsoft’s guidance supports checking settings, the connection, the mouse on another PC, and drivers through Windows Update or Device Manager.
1. Confirm which device is not scrolling
A separate mouse uses a physical wheel; a laptop touchpad usually scrolls with a gesture such as swiping two fingers. Touchpad settings and drivers differ from those for an external mouse, so follow Microsoft’s touchpad troubleshooting guidance if the gesture is the problem. Microsoft notes that a missing or outdated driver can cause touchpad issues and advises contacting the computer maker if updating or reinstalling the driver does not help.
2. Check Windows mouse scrolling settings
Windows lets you adjust wheel behavior and how many lines it scrolls. Microsoft also documents a setting for scrolling inactive windows while hovering over them.
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- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
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Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
- Review the mouse wheel scrolling behavior and the number of lines to scroll per notch.
- If you expect to scroll a window without selecting it first, turn on Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse.
- Review the wheel mode and the number of lines to scroll per notch.
- If you expect to scroll a window without selecting it first, turn on Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them.
These settings can address an unexpected scroll mode, speed, or inactive-window behavior. They cannot repair a physically failed wheel. Horizontal scrolling also depends on mouse hardware that supports it.
3. Check the mouse and its connection
For a wired USB mouse
- Unplug and reconnect the mouse.
- Try a different USB port. If the mouse is connected through a hub, connect it directly to the computer.
- Check that the cable is not damaged and that dirt is not blocking the mouse sensor.
For a wireless mouse with a USB receiver
- Remove and reconnect the receiver, then allow the connection to reestablish.
- Try another USB port if needed.
- Check the mouse’s battery or charge.
For a Bluetooth mouse
- Make sure the mouse is paired with the computer.
- If reconnecting does not help, remove and pair it again using the mouse maker’s instructions.
Microsoft’s pairing instructions for Surface accessories are specific to those devices; steps may differ for other brands. See Microsoft’s Surface mouse troubleshooting guidance for that example.
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- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
For more general hardware checks, see Microsoft’s mouse and keyboard troubleshooting guidance.
4. Test the mouse on another computer
- Connect the mouse to another computer and test the same scrolling action.
- Make sure the correct driver is installed for the test computer.
- If the mouse scrolls there, focus on the original computer’s settings, connection, updates, or drivers.
- If it still does not scroll, the mouse may need replacement.
5. Check for driver updates
If the mouse works on another computer but not on yours, check Windows Update and the mouse entry in Device Manager. An update may not be available, and a driver update is a troubleshooting step—not a guaranteed fix.
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- Search Windows for Check for updates and open Windows Update.
- Check for available updates and install any relevant updates.
- If the problem continues, right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Find the mouse in its device category, open its driver options, and select Update Driver.
- If you need a model-specific driver, use the official support site for the mouse or computer maker and select the exact device model.
For touchpad driver issues, use the computer maker’s guidance and Microsoft’s touchpad troubleshooting page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Why does my mouse move but not scroll?
The wheel settings may be wrong, the mouse may have a connection or power problem, or the wheel may be faulty. Check the Windows settings and connection, then test the mouse on another computer.
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Why does my mouse scroll in some windows but not others?
The window may be inactive, or the application or location may not accept wheel input. If you expect to scroll without selecting the window first, enable the inactive-window scrolling setting in Mouse settings.
How do I fix two-finger scrolling on a laptop?
Two-finger scrolling is a touchpad gesture, not a physical mouse-wheel function. Use Windows touchpad settings and the computer maker’s driver guidance; Microsoft’s touchpad troubleshooting page covers this separately.
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- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: Contoured, wireless optical mouse with 3-button navigation and integrated scroll wheel lets you be productive all-day using either-hand; multi-OS (1), multi-device optical mouse and gives you the freedom to work or play from almost anywhere
- WIRELESS CONVENIENCE: Go cordless with 2.4 GHz USB-A connectivity that keeps you connected up to a range of 30 feet; USB nano receiver stores inside the mouse for easy portability
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Should I replace my mouse if its wheel does not work?
Test it on another computer first and make sure the needed driver is installed. If the wheel still fails there, the mouse may need replacement.
Where are the mouse wheel settings in Windows?
In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. In Windows 10, open Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse.
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