How to Install Mouse Drivers on Windows 10

Most USB and Bluetooth mice work in Windows 10 as soon as you connect them because Windows includes a basic HID-compliant mouse driver. For extra features—such as programmable buttons or sensitivity profiles—install the maker’s software for your exact model. If the mouse malfunctions, try Windows Update or Device Manager before a manual driver package.

Before you install anything, identify the mouse

Find the exact model name or number on the mouse, its packaging, or your order record. Confirm Windows’ system type at Start > Settings > System > About. Not every mouse has a downloadable driver, and a laptop touchpad is a separate device.

Install the mouse maker’s software

1. Find the official support page. Search the manufacturer’s official site for the exact model. Choose Windows 10 and the matching system type if asked. Avoid third-party driver sites and updater utilities.
2. Download the package listed for that model. The package may be called software, a utility, or a driver. For supported Logitech devices, see Logi Options+. Availability depends on the model. A companion app adds controls but is not necessarily a replacement for Windows’ basic HID driver.
3. Run the installer. Open the download, approve the permission prompt only for a recognized publisher, and follow setup. Connect the mouse if asked; restart only if requested or needed for new features.
4. Confirm Windows still recognizes the mouse. In Device Manager, expand Mice and other pointing devices. A basic mouse commonly appears as “HID-compliant mouse”; names vary by model and connection.

Update a mouse driver with Device Manager

Use this route if the mouse is detected but may need an update. Windows may report that no newer driver is available.

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices. If the mouse is not listed there, check Human Interface Devices or look for an “Unknown device.” For a touchpad, the entry can be in either category.
3. Right-click the device that matches the mouse and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers. If Windows says the best driver is installed, check the maker’s support page or optional updates below.

Check optional driver updates in Windows Update

Optional driver updates are not necessarily installed automatically. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then View optional updates if shown. Under Driver updates, choose only an entry matching the mouse and select Download and install. Restart if prompted; labels can vary by build.

If no optional update appears, none is listed there. Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. PCs continue to run, but regular free updates and support have ended; availability can depend on servicing or Extended Security Updates enrollment.

Install a downloaded driver manually

Use manual installation only when the manufacturer supplies a package and instructions. Extract a ZIP if needed. In Device Manager, right-click the mouse, choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, select the driver folder, then choose Next. Do not force an incompatible or unknown driver.

If the mouse stops working after an update

Try another USB port, reconnect the receiver, check the battery, and restart. If the problem followed an update, open Device Manager > mouse Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, if available, then restart. You can uninstall only the affected mouse and restart so Windows can try to reinstall a compatible driver. Do not remove every HID device; that category includes other input hardware.

Mouse driver or touchpad driver?

An external mouse and laptop touchpad are separate devices. A touchpad may need a model-specific driver for gestures or scrolling; find it on the laptop maker’s support page. Install Synaptics or ELAN software only when listed for that exact touchpad.

For the basic pointer, start with the driver Windows already provides. Add the manufacturer’s supported software for extra controls, or use Device Manager and Windows Update to troubleshoot a driver problem. Microsoft’s current guidance is available in Update drivers through Device Manager and Automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers.