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Sometimes, after your Windows 11 PC wakes up from sleep, the mouse may stop responding. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your mouse for everyday tasks. The good news is that this issue is often fixable with a few simple steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and effective solutions to get your mouse working again after sleep mode. No technical jargon—just clear instructions anyone can follow.

Whether you use a wired or wireless mouse, these tips can help resolve common problems related to sleep mode. Let’s start by checking some quick things first.

By the end, you should have your mouse functioning smoothly and understand why the problem happens.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before Troubleshooting

• Check the mouse connection: Make sure your mouse is properly plugged in or paired via Bluetooth.
• Test the mouse on another device: This helps confirm if the mouse itself is working.
• Replace batteries: If you use a wireless mouse, weak batteries can cause connection issues.
• Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches.

Step 1: Disable Power Saving for Your Mouse

Windows may turn off your mouse to save power during sleep. Disabling this feature can prevent the mouse from stopping after waking up.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
3. Right-click your mouse device and choose Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Click OK and close Device Manager.

This setting stops Windows from powering down the mouse during sleep, ensuring it remains responsive when you wake your PC.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Mouse Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause hardware issues. Updating or reinstalling the mouse driver helps fix bugs and improves compatibility.

1. Open Device Manager again.
2. Find your mouse under Mice and other pointing devices.
3. Right-click the mouse and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. If no updates are found, consider reinstalling the driver:
• Right-click the mouse and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC; Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Keeping drivers updated ensures your device works smoothly with Windows 11’s latest features and fixes.

Step 3: Change USB Selective Suspend Settings

USB selective suspend allows Windows to save power by suspending USB devices, including your mouse. Disabling this can prevent the mouse from disconnecting after sleep.

1. Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
4. Select Change advanced power settings.
5. In the new window, expand USB settings, then USB selective suspend setting.
6. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
7. Click Apply and OK.

This change helps keep your USB ports active and prevents your mouse from losing connection after waking up.

Step 4: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix hardware issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Keyboard and Bluetooth (if using a Bluetooth mouse) troubleshooters and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool can identify problems with drivers or hardware settings that might be affecting your mouse.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t work, you can try these additional options:

• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes for hardware issues.
• Check BIOS/UEFI settings: Some PCs have USB power management settings in BIOS that might interfere. Consult your PC’s manual to disable USB power saving features.
• Try a different USB port: Connecting your mouse to another port can help determine if the original port is faulty.
• Use the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center: If you have a Microsoft mouse, this software can provide advanced settings and diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my mouse stop working after sleep on Windows 11?

This is usually due to power management settings that turn off the mouse to save energy, or outdated drivers that don’t handle sleep mode properly.

Will restarting my PC fix the mouse issue?

Sometimes yes, because restarting refreshes system processes and reloads drivers. However, it may only be a temporary fix if underlying settings are causing the problem.

Can a Windows update cause mouse problems after sleep?

Yes, occasionally updates may introduce bugs or change power management behavior. Checking for new updates or driver updates can often resolve this.

Is this issue common with wireless or Bluetooth mice?

Yes, wireless and Bluetooth mice are more prone to disconnection after sleep due to power saving features and connectivity challenges.

Can I use a keyboard shortcut to wake my mouse?

The mouse itself typically cannot be woken directly, but moving or clicking it should wake the PC. Ensuring power settings allow the mouse to wake the computer is important.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your mouse still doesn’t work after sleep, consider these final options:

• Contact the mouse manufacturer: They may have specific drivers or troubleshooting tips for your model.
• Visit Microsoft Support: Official support pages offer guides and community help for Windows 11 issues: https://support.microsoft.com.
• Use System Restore: Restore your PC to a point before the issue began. Search System Restore in Windows and follow the prompts carefully.
• Consider hardware replacement: If your mouse consistently fails on multiple devices, it may be faulty and need replacing.

Conclusion

Mouse problems after sleep on Windows 11 can be annoying but are often simple to fix. Start by checking basic connections and power settings, then update drivers and adjust USB power options. Running the built-in troubleshooter can also help identify hidden problems.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, advanced tweaks like BIOS settings or contacting support may be necessary. Most users find their mouse working again with these solutions, allowing a smoother and more productive experience.

Remember to keep your Windows and device drivers up to date to prevent future issues. With patience and the right approach, you can enjoy reliable mouse performance on your Windows 11 PC.