How To Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel Issues


What if we told you that there’s a simple way to fix your unreliable mouse scroll wheel? Yes, you can fix your erratic mouse in just under 3 minutes - with our help.

Even the best mice money can buy can cause big headaches if they're not working right, especially the mouse sensor. It’s a device that you use all the time and it can make or break your computer experience. If you are experiencing problems with your mouse wheel, whether it's a wireless mouse or wired, then it’s time to fix it.

In this guide, we will show you how to fix your mouse scroll wheel when it is misbehaving. Let's get started.

How To Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel When It's Not Working Properly

The mouse scroll wheel is a very useful feature that enables us to scroll through documents, websites, and other content effortlessly. However, if it is not working properly, you will find it quite frustrating. So, let’s see some of the solutions to fix the mouse scroll wheel when it’s not working properly. Here you go:

  • First, use a different USB port to connect your mouse. A faulty USB port can cause problems with your mouse.
  • If you are using a wireless mouse, you might also want to try changing the battery. 
  • Next, check if it is working properly on other applications. If yes, the problem is with the application you are using. In that case, update the application or contact the application’s support team.
  • If the problem persists, try uninstalling your mouse drivers. This resolves the issue in most cases. To do that:
    • Press Windows key + X, then select Device Manager from the menu.
    • Find Mice and other pointing devices, click on the arrow to expand it, then right-click the item under it and select Uninstall device.
    • Restart your computer.
  • Finally, try disabling the Tablet mode, if it is on, to see if it makes any difference. To disable:
    • Press Windows key + A to launch the Action Center.
    • Find Tablet mode and just click on it to disable it.

If none of the above solutions work, try another mouse and see if it has the same problem. If not, the problem is of course with your mouse. Get a new one! Logitech M510 could be your next mouse.

Read More:How To Clean A Mouse Mat

How To Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel When the Cursor Goes Up And Down Erratically

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Most of us have been there: You go to a website and then scroll the mouse wheel down to read the content. But, when you do this, the mouse pointer jumps all over the place and you have to scroll all the way down/up to the point you were at.

It's annoying and it's a waste of time. But what if you could fix this problem? Here is how:

  • Start by experimenting with the fixes listed in the previous section. If the issue isn't fixed, proceed to step 2.
  • Try changing the scrolling settings. Erratic scrolling can potentially be fixed by just altering the mouse settings. Here is how:
    • Press Windows key +I to open Settings.
    • Go to Devices > Mouse.
    • Play with the slider under Choose how many lines to scroll each time until you find the sweet spot. The default is 3; change it to 5 or 6 lines and see if it stabilizes the erratic behaviour.
  • It's worth cleaning the area around the scroll wheel. The dust and debris trapped in the scroll wheel can interfere with the sensors, thereby causing the problem. Blow off the dust; we recommend using a can of compressed air.
  • Lastly, enable enhanced pointer precision. To do that:
    • Open Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound.
    • Choose Mouse under Devices and Printers.
    • Navigate to the Pointer Options tab and under Motion, make sure the Enhance pointer precision box is checked. 

If you are still experiencing the issue, it's likely that you have a defective mouse. Try a different mouse to see if it works properly. If it does, it’s time to look for a new one to replace your defective mouse. We have compiled a list of the best mouse in 2022 for you to make an informed purchase. Hope this helps!

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