How to Install or Refresh Microsoft Mouse Driver on Windows – 2025

How to Install or Refresh Microsoft Mouse Driver on Windows

If your mouse starts lagging, double-clicking unexpectedly, or stops responding altogether, it might not be a hardware problem. More often than not, the issue lies with an outdated or corrupted mouse driver. Updating your Microsoft mouse driver in Windows can resolve these performance problems and ensure smooth functionality.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating your Microsoft mouse driver — from manual updates to using built-in Windows tools and troubleshooting tips when things go wrong.

Understanding the Importance of Mouse Drivers

A mouse driver is a small software component that allows your mouse to communicate properly with the Windows operating system. Without the right driver, the system may not recognize mouse movements, clicks, or special features such as side buttons, scroll customization, or pointer speed adjustments.

Over time, drivers may become outdated or incompatible due to:

• Windows updates or system upgrades

• New hardware installations

• Corrupted driver files

• Bugs introduced by outdated software

Keeping your mouse driver updated ensures that your device functions smoothly, maintains responsiveness, and supports the latest enhancements from Microsoft.

Checking Your Current Mouse Driver Version

Before updating, it’s a good idea to check your current mouse driver version. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.

3. Right-click on your Microsoft mouse (for example, “HID-compliant mouse”) and choose Properties.

4. In the Driver tab, you’ll see the driver provider, date, and version.

If the date is older or you suspect the driver might be outdated, it’s time to perform an update.

Method 1: Update Microsoft Mouse Driver Automatically via Device Manager

Windows Device Manager is the most direct way to update drivers. It automatically searches for the latest driver version online through Windows Update or the Microsoft database.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.

2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

3. Right-click your Microsoft mouse driver and select Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

5. Windows will now look for the latest available version and install it automatically.

6. Once completed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

If Windows says the “best driver is already installed,” you can still manually install the latest one from the official Microsoft website or through Windows Update (explained below).

Method 2: Update Through Windows Update

Sometimes, new drivers are released through Windows Update. Installing these ensures compatibility and stability.

Here’s how to check for driver updates using Windows Update:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.

3. Click Check for updates.

4. If a driver update for your mouse is available, it will be listed under Optional updates.

5. Click Download and install to proceed.

This method ensures that you receive only verified and stable drivers directly from Microsoft.

Method 3: Manually Download the Driver from Microsoft

If automatic updates don’t detect the latest driver, you can manually download and install it from Microsoft’s official website.

1. Go to the Microsoft Download Center or the Microsoft Accessories support page.

2. Search for your mouse model (for example, “Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse” or “Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse”).

3. Download the latest driver that matches your Windows version (Windows 10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit).

4. Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Restart your computer to complete the installation.

This method gives you full control and ensures you get the most compatible version for your specific device.

Method 4: Reinstall the Mouse Driver

If updating doesn’t work or your mouse behaves erratically, reinstalling the driver can fix corrupted driver files.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.

2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

3. Right-click on your mouse driver and select Uninstall device.

4. Confirm by checking the box Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.

5. Disconnect your mouse and reconnect it after a few seconds.

6. Windows will automatically reinstall the default driver.

If you prefer, you can manually reinstall the latest version by downloading it from Microsoft’s website afterward.

Method 5: Use Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center

Microsoft provides a dedicated tool called Mouse and Keyboard Center to manage and update drivers for their accessories.

Steps to use it:

1. Visit the official Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center download page.

2. Download and install the software.

3. Launch the program — it automatically detects your connected Microsoft mouse.

4. If a driver update is available, you’ll be prompted to install it.

5. You can also customize button functions, scroll settings, and pointer speed directly through the app.

This tool ensures that your mouse driver stays optimized for the latest Windows features.

Troubleshooting Common Driver Update Issues

Sometimes, driver updates don’t go as planned. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

1. Mouse Not Working After Update

• Try connecting the mouse to another USB port.

• If it’s a Bluetooth mouse, re-pair it from Settings > Bluetooth & Devices.

• Roll back the driver in Device Manager under Driver > Roll Back Driver.

2. Windows Can’t Find a New Driver

If Device Manager doesn’t detect an update, manually download one from Microsoft’s site or check Windows Update under Optional updates.

3. Mouse Lag or Unresponsiveness

Disable power-saving features:

1. In Device Manager, right-click your mouse and select Properties.

2. Go to the Power Management tab.

3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Driver Installation Fails

If installation fails, run Windows Troubleshooter:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

You can also boot into Safe Mode and try reinstalling the driver.

Best Practices for Managing Mouse Drivers

• Create a Restore Point before installing or updating drivers. This allows you to roll back if something goes wrong.

• Avoid third-party driver tools, as they may install incompatible versions. Always use Microsoft’s official resources.

• Update regularly after major Windows updates or when installing new hardware.

• Unplug unused USB devices during installation to avoid conflicts.

Benefits of Keeping Your Mouse Driver Updated

Updating your Microsoft mouse driver isn’t just about fixing issues — it offers several long-term benefits:

• Improved performance and responsiveness

• Enhanced compatibility with the latest Windows updates

• Access to new features (customizable buttons, gestures, etc.)

• Reduced system crashes or input delays

• Longer device lifespan through optimized communication

Conclusion

Updating your Microsoft mouse driver in Windows is a straightforward but essential maintenance task. Whether you choose to update automatically through Device Manager, manually via Microsoft’s website, or with the Mouse and Keyboard Center, keeping your driver current ensures smooth and reliable performance.

If your mouse begins to lag, disconnect, or act unpredictably, don’t rush to replace it — start by updating or reinstalling the driver first. In most cases, this simple fix can restore full functionality and keep your device running efficiently for years to come.