How to Fix Mouse Scroll Not Working on Windows 11

If the mouse scroll wheel stops working on Windows 11, everyday tasks like browsing webpages, scrolling documents, or navigating folders become frustrating fast. You may notice that clicking works fine, but scrolling does nothing—or only works in certain apps.

In most cases, this issue is caused by incorrect mouse settings, outdated or corrupted drivers, background app conflicts, or minor system glitches—not a faulty mouse.

Fix Mouse Scroll Not Working on Windows 11

The fixes below focus on restoring normal scroll behavior by checking settings, refreshing drivers, and eliminating software conflicts. We recommend following them in order and testing the scroll wheel after each step, as the issue is often resolved early.

1. Check Mouse Scroll Settings in Windows 11

Sometimes the scroll wheel is disabled or set too low in settings.

1. Open Settings on your PC.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click Mouse.
4. Under Scrolling, make sure Roll the mouse wheel to scroll is set correctly.
5. Increase Lines to scroll at a time to a higher value (for example, 5 or more).
6. Test the scroll wheel again.

Incorrect scroll settings can make it seem like scrolling isn’t working at all.

2. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls scrolling behavior in File Explorer and parts of the desktop.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Locate Windows Explorer in the list.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Wait for the desktop to reload.
5. Test scrolling in File Explorer and apps.

This often fixes temporary input glitches instantly.

3. Test the Mouse on Another App or PC

Before changing system settings, confirm whether the problem is software-related.

1. Try scrolling in different apps (browser, Settings, Notepad).
2. Plug the mouse into another USB port.
3. If possible, test the mouse on another computer.

If scrolling fails everywhere, the mouse hardware may be worn out.

4. Update or Reinstall Mouse Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers can break scroll wheel functionality.

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
3. Right-click your mouse and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. If the issue persists, right-click the mouse again and choose Uninstall device.
6. Restart your PC and let Windows reinstall the driver.

Driver refreshes fix many input-related issues.

5. Disable Scroll-Inactive Windows Feature (Optional)

This feature can sometimes behave inconsistently with certain apps or drivers.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
2. Turn Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them Off.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Test the scroll wheel again.

Disabling this can improve scroll reliability in some setups.

6. Check for Third-Party Mouse Software Conflicts

Mouse utilities from manufacturers can override Windows scroll behavior.

1. Check if you have mouse software installed (Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, etc.).
2. Temporarily exit or disable the software.
3. Test the scroll wheel.
4. Update or reinstall the mouse software if needed.

Conflicting profiles or macros often cause scrolling issues.

7. Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

Built-in troubleshooters can detect basic input problems.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Run available hardware or device-related troubleshooters.
4. Follow on-screen instructions.

This can automatically fix misconfigured input settings.

8. Check for Windows Updates

Known bugs affecting mouse input are sometimes fixed through updates.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Install all available updates.
3. Restart your PC.

Updates from Microsoft often include input and driver fixes.

9. Clean the Mouse Scroll Wheel (Hardware Fix)

If your mouse is older, physical dust buildup may be the real issue.

1. Turn off and unplug the mouse.
2. Use compressed air to clean around the scroll wheel.
3. Roll the wheel while cleaning to dislodge debris.
4. Reconnect the mouse and test scrolling.

This simple step can restore scrolling on aging mice.

Wrapping Up

When the mouse scroll wheel stops working on Windows 11, the problem is usually caused by settings, drivers, or software conflicts—not a dead mouse. Checking scroll settings, restarting Windows Explorer, and updating drivers resolves the issue for most users in minutes.

If the problem persists across multiple PCs, the mouse itself may be worn out. Otherwise, once fixed, scrolling should work smoothly again on Microsoft Windows, making everyday navigation effortless once more.