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If your mouse is not working while playing The Stanley Parable on Windows 11, it can be frustrating. This issue can prevent you from fully enjoying the game. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and detailed steps to get your mouse working again. No advanced technical knowledge is required. Just follow along carefully.

Many mouse-related problems in games are caused by software or settings conflicts. Identifying the cause is the first step. Then, you can apply the right fix.

Read through the instructions below and apply them one by one. This will help you find the solution that works best for your situation.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

• Ensure your mouse is properly connected: Check if the USB or wireless receiver is plugged in and working.
• Test your mouse outside the game: Confirm it works normally on the Windows desktop or other applications.
• Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.
• Update Windows 11: Keeping your system updated can fix compatibility issues.

Step 1: Run The Stanley Parable as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges can solve permission-related problems that may block mouse input.

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or executable file.
2. Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Launch the game and check if the mouse input works.

This allows the game to access necessary system resources, which might be restricted otherwise.

Step 2: Disable Mouse Acceleration and Enhance Pointer Precision

Windows settings like mouse acceleration can interfere with how the game reads mouse movement. Disabling these can improve compatibility.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
3. Click on Additional mouse settings on the right.
4. In the Mouse Properties window, go to the Pointer Options tab.
5. Uncheck the box labeled Enhance pointer precision.
6. Click Apply and then OK.
7. Restart the game and test the mouse.

This step helps to prevent erratic mouse behavior inside the game.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Your Mouse Drivers

Outdated or corrupted mouse drivers can cause input issues. Updating or reinstalling drivers often fixes this problem.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
3. Right-click your mouse device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. If an update is found, install it and restart your PC.
6. If the problem persists, right-click the mouse device again, and choose Uninstall device.
7. Restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the mouse driver automatically.

Keeping drivers up to date ensures the mouse communicates correctly with the system and games.

Step 4: Change In-Game Mouse Settings

The Stanley Parable has specific settings that can affect mouse functionality. Adjusting these might resolve the issue.

1. Launch the game and go to the Options or Settings menu.
2. Find the Mouse or Controls section.
3. Try toggling options like Raw Input or Mouse Acceleration on or off.
4. Save changes and test if the mouse now works properly.

Raw Input allows the game to get direct data from your mouse, bypassing Windows settings. This can improve accuracy.

Step 5: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows 11’s fullscreen optimizations sometimes interfere with mouse input in games.

1. Right-click on the game’s executable or shortcut, and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box labeled Disable fullscreen optimizations.
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Restart the game and check if the mouse works.

This disables Windows features that might conflict with the game’s control input.

Alternative Method: Use Compatibility Mode

If the problem persists, you can try running the game in a compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.

1. Right-click the game executable and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
4. Select Windows 10 or Windows 7 from the dropdown.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Launch the game and test the mouse.

This can fix issues caused by Windows 11 compatibility conflicts.

FAQs

Why is my mouse working on the desktop but not in The Stanley Parable?

This usually happens because the game might not be detecting the mouse input correctly due to permissions, conflicting settings, or driver issues.

Can running the game as administrator really fix mouse problems?

Yes, running as administrator allows the game to access hardware input directly, which can solve permission-related blocks.

What if my mouse is wireless? Could it affect gameplay?

Sometimes wireless mice can have latency or connection issues. Try using a wired mouse to see if that fixes the problem.

Does updating Windows 11 help with game mouse issues?

Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes and drivers, which may resolve compatibility problems.

Can antivirus software block mouse input in games?

In rare cases, security software may interfere with game processes. Temporarily disabling antivirus while testing can help identify this.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix your mouse issue, consider these final steps:

• Verify game files: Use Steam or your game launcher’s verify integrity tool to repair corrupted game files.
• Reinstall the game: A fresh install can remove any problematic configurations.
• Check official forums and support: Visit The Stanley Parable’s official support page or community forums for specific advice.
• Contact Microsoft support: If you suspect Windows 11 issues, Microsoft support can assist.

Conclusion

Mouse problems with The Stanley Parable on Windows 11 can usually be fixed by following simple troubleshooting steps. Start by confirming your mouse hardware works and running the game as administrator. Adjust Windows and game settings related to mouse input, update your drivers, and disable fullscreen optimizations if needed.

Trying these steps one by one will help identify and resolve the issue effectively. If all else fails, verifying game files or reinstalling the game is a good final option. With patience, you will have your mouse working smoothly and enjoy the game fully again.