Mouse intermittently stops working after startup or when switching windows
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MellowCedar47
My mouse works inconsistently when I start my PC. Sometimes it functions normally, but other times the pointer stops responding when I change pages or use Alt+Tab while playing a game. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete temporarily brings it back, but I don't want to repeat that every time. I've tested multiple mice, including a wired model and an Attack Shark X11 using its 2.4 GHz USB receiver, so I'm wondering whether the issue could be related to Windows, USB drivers, or my motherboard. My system has a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, RTX 5080, ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboard, 32 GB of DDR5 memory, and a 2 TB WD Black SN850X SSD.
Answers
The fact that Ctrl+Alt+Delete temporarily restores input could point to Windows Explorer, a graphics driver, or another program hanging rather than a physical USB failure. Update the BIOS, AMD chipset drivers, and NVIDIA driver, and test with overlays and background utilities disabled. A clean boot can help identify software that interferes when switching windows or returning from a game.
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Since the problem happens with several different mice, the mouse itself is probably not the cause. Try plugging the mouse directly into different rear motherboard USB ports instead of a hub or front-panel port. Also reinstall or update the AMD chipset and motherboard USB drivers, then check Windows Device Manager for USB devices with power-management errors. Disabling “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” on the affected USB hubs can also help.
MellowCedar47: I’ve tested both the wireless receiver and a separate wired mouse, and the behavior is the same. That makes me suspect the PC or motherboard rather than the mouse.
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MellowCedar47: The system uses a Ryzen 7 7800X3D with an ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi board, so I’ll check the BIOS and chipset drivers first. If the issue continues with multiple ports and a clean boot, I’ll consider whether the motherboard or its USB controller is faulty.