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Left Click to Highlight Text Doesn't Work Properly

Anonymous
2021-12-31T02:10:55+00:00

Hi,

I am a desktop PC user on Windows 10, and just today switched to Windows 11. Recently, I have been experiencing issues related to highlighting text/copy and paste. There are no problems when I'm on my Apple MacBook Pro, but I keep experiencing this issue on PC.

When I left-click once on PC and hold to highlight text (on Microsoft Word or internet browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge), it randomly decides to either stop or "skip" over words I've decided to highlight. Another way of putting it is that it is "forgetting" what I already highlighted and starting to highlight a new word. Otherwise, it'll think I'm trying to drag and drop the text.

Have experimented with mouse settings.

Been unable to find a solution so far.

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-12-31T04:14:41+00:00

    Hi OML. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

    Cannot left click to highlight text Windows 10:

    https://forums.tomsguide.com/threads/my-mouse-w...

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/fo...

    https://windowsreport.com/left-mouse-drag-windo...

    (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

    https://ttcshelbyville.wordpress.com/2016/08/21...

    I will give you everything that works to troubleshoot a mouse. Even if you have tried a step please do it over in sequence. I will be standing by to help as needed.

    Try all other ports on the PC, often the front and back will have different USB controllers

    When did it last work correctly? What has changed since then? Is there a System Restore point to roll back to before then? Here's how: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

    Change the batteries if wireless, try another USB port, reset mouse from button on bottom if available.

    Try the mouse in another PC to isolate if it's the mouse or Windows causing this.

    Try another mouse in this PC to confirm if Windows is the problem.

    Access the Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, choose the Mouse, then Driver tab. First try Update this Driver > Automatically, then Roll Back if available. If not choose Uninstall button, restart PC using keyboard to Ctrl Alt Del, on blue screen tab to Power Icon in bottom right, press Enter, arrow down to Restart, press Enter to restart to reinstall the driver.

    If this fails then from Device manager try uninstalling the USB controllers, restart PC to reinstall. First program the power button to Shut down the PC at Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Power Settings > Choose what Power button does so you can do the restart from it.

    Is there mouse software installed in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features? Uninstall it to see if the problem stops. This is unneeded bloatware.

    Adjust the mouse settings in Settings > Devices > Mouse, checking all settings including the Additonal Mouse Options box - check Settings on all tabs.

    Try disabling Mouse acceleration:

    https://www.techblazing.com/turn-off-mouse-acce...

    Report back all results for possible other things to try.

    To check if Windows is causing this you can also go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

    If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.f that fails then try to Uninstall the driver and restart PC to see if device works now.

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