Windows 11 not responding to clicks? Here’s what you can do
- If your Windows 11 PC is not responding to clicks, look out for problems with the mouse itself.
- Other fixes include updating the driver, reconfiguring the settings, or running the built-in troubleshooter, amongst other methods here.
- Also, find out how to turn on the mouse keys feature in Windows 11.Â
A computer just like any other machine is bound to come across issues from time to time. But, the best part here is that most of these problems can easily be resolved. In this guide, we will be taking up the Windows 11 not responding to clicks error.
This is usually an intermittent thing, but when it’s there, working on the PC becomes impossible. Most users go ahead and replace the mouse believing that the issue lies with it, but that’s not always the case.
So, it’s imperative that you follow a systematic approach to quickly fix the Windows 11 not responding to clicks problem. Read the following sections to find out the underlying causes and the most effective solutions for each.
Why is my Windows 11 PC not responding to clicks?
If your mouse had been showing signs of malfunctioning for some time and the clicks then stopped working, it could well be a hardware issue. Mouses are meant to last a certain number of clicks, and once it’s past that, you may start to encounter problems.
However, if the mouse is still new, the problem could be with the configured settings or an outdated driver. Oftentimes, running an older version of the OS too can lead to the problem. But, most common of all remain issues with the Windows Explorer process.
Now, that you have a basic understanding of the underlying causes, let’s walk you through the fixes for Windows 11 not responding to clicks error.
What do I do if Windows 11 is not responding to clicks?
1. Some basic checks
Your primary approach here should be to check and eliminate any trivial issues that might be causing the problem. First, verify if the connections are in order. You can remove the end plugged into the PC and then replug it, whether it’s a wired or wireless mouse.
To be sure, plug your mouse into another computer and check if it works there. In case it does, it’s likely a software issue, and one that can be fixed with the methods listed here.
But if it doesn’t work, the mouse may be malfunctioning and you should get it repaired or replaced. Besides, if you have the mouse button on hold and are dragging something on the screen, but it unclicks automatically, that too points to a hardware issue.
2. Restart the Windows Explorer process
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
- Locate and right-click on the Windows Explorer process, and select Restart from the context menu.
- The taskbar and desktop icons may disappear and you may notice a momentary flash, which is an indication that the process has been restarted.
The Windows Explorer process is responsible for several tasks, and if it has run into a problem, you are likely to face the Windows 11 not responding to clicks error. If restarting the process does not fix it, head to the next method.
3. Update the mouse driver
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
- Next, double-click on Mice and other pointing devices entry.
- Right-click on the malfunctioning mouse, and select Update driver from the context menu.
- Finally, select Search automatically for drivers from the options in the Update Drivers window.
An outdated driver is just as likely to cause the Windows 11 not responding to clicks issue. And if that’s the case, updating the driver should fix it, since, with each new version, various features, performance enhancements, and patches for known bugs are introduced.
If you are unable to install the latest version using the Device Manager, try the other methods to update the driver.
A simpler solution would be to use a reliable third-party app. We recommend using DriverFix, a dedicated tool that scans all available sources for the update and then installs it for the drivers on the system, thereby keeping such errors at bay.
⇒ Get DriverFix
4. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box, paste the following command in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate response when prompted, to complete the troubleshooting process.
5. Reconfigure mouse settings
- Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Bluetooth & devices from the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
- Next, click on the Mouse option on the right.
- Click on the dropdown menu next to the Primary mouse button entry.
- Select Left from the menu.
- Click on Additional mouse settings under Related settings.
- Now, make sure the option for Turn on ClickLock is unchecked, and then click on OK at the bottom.
There are certain settings that if misconfigured may affect the proper functioning of mouse clicks. For instance, many users have unknowingly set right click as the primary mouse button, and are thus unable to make any selection with the left click.
Other than that, the ClickLock feature is also known to cause a certain bit of trouble with the users, so make sure that’s disabled. After making these changes, check if the Windows 11 not responding to clicks issue is fixed.
6. Check for Windows updates
- Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select the Windows Update tab from the navigation pane on the left.
- Click on the Check for updates button on the right to scan for any available newer versions of the OS.
- If any are listed after the scan, click on Download & install.
7. Run the DISM and SFC scan
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Windows Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
- Click Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt that pops up.
- Now, click on the downward-facing arrow at the top, and select Command Prompt from the list of options. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl + Shift + 2 to launch Command Prompt in a new tab.
- Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the DISM tool:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Once done, execute the following command to run the SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
Corrupt system files are often found to cause issues including the Windows 11 not responding to clicks problem. In this case, running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool and SFC (System File Checker) scan would help replace the corrupt files.
How do I turn on Mouse Keys in Windows 11?
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
- Click on Ease of Access from the option listed here.
- Next, click on the Ease of Access Center entry.
- Click on the Make the mouse easier to use option under Explore all settings.
- Finally, tick the checkbox for Turn on Mouse Keys, and then click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.
Turning on the mouse keys feature will let you control the cursor using the numeric keypad. So, even if the mouse is not working, you can still move the cursor, select options, and get done with the troubleshooting.
These are all the ways you can fix the Windows 11 not responding to clicks problem, and have things up and running in no time. In case the problem doesn’t resolve by now, it’s time you purchase a new reliable mouse for your computer.
If both mouse and keyboard are running not working, learn how to fix it since the problem is different from the one we discussed here.
Besides, find out what to do if you can’t click anything in Windows 10, if you have a PC running the previous iteration.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
