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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.

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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 78,515 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

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92 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-09T21:43:00+00:00

    Happening again as 2024. and microsoft is useless as normal

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-15T20:38:09+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...

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-17T17:21:53+00:00

    Having this issue as well. Fresh install of Win11 Home on a brand new build. Ctrl-Alt-Del is the only thing that works to get the left click back.

    I have tried literally every solution I could find on here, Reddit, Youtube. You name it, I have tried it. At one point I thought it was the Razer software while I was slowly enabling startup processes one at a time. Nope. Just didn't happen immediately upon startup.

    Currently I have everything turned off on boot except Microsoft processes and while it happens less, it's still happening.

    I'm posting this before wiping and performing a clean install of Win11. This is my 3rd build this month and the ONLY major difference (aside from the processors and video cards on these builds) is that this rig couldn't be connected to the internet when installing win11 and that part had to be bypassed.

    Other than that I haven't had this issue with any of the other rigs that were built previously. I'm at a loss and drawing a huge blank on what the issue could be and why Ctrl-Alt-Del fixes it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-28T20:34:23+00:00

    I have the same issue, tried all the fixes listed above, but no joy. The problem still persists. The longer it goes on the more I notice a secondary issue with typing when the click issue starts, as in the click stops working, there is a strange flicker and my cursor jumps back to an earlier part of a block of text I am typing. None of the above suggestions fixes either problem.

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