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Today, in this article we will show you how to Fix ‘Middle Mouse Button not working’ issue. The middle mouse button is an essential input component on the majority of computer mice, and when it is functioning properly, it is essential to the seamless operation of the user experience. In most cases, this button is responsible for carrying out particular functions, such as launching links in new tabs, closing tabs in the browser, or enabling smooth scrolling from within programmes.
In the event that the middle mouse button stops functioning, it can have a detrimental impact on the user’s ability to carry out these responsibilities and can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction. It’s possible that the middle mouse button will stop responding for a number of different regular causes.
The accumulation of dust and particles within the mechanism of the mouse is generally considered to be one of the most common causes. There is a possibility that this material can eventually clog the mouse wheel, which will make it difficult to scroll or register clicks. Additionally, the malfunctioning of the middle mouse button could be the result of faulty or obsolete mouse drivers. We mentioned below are the ways how to Fix ‘Middle Mouse Button not working’ issue.
What are the causes of ‘Middle Mouse Button not working’ issue
- Hardware Failure: The middle mouse button may be physically damaged or experiencing a malfunction, leading to a failure in its operation.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted mouse drivers can result in the malfunction of the middle mouse button.
- Software Conflict: Other installed software or applications may conflict with mouse drivers, causing the middle mouse button to stop working.
- Settings Misconfiguration: Incorrect mouse settings in the operating system or specific applications can lead to functionality issues, including problems with the middle mouse button.
- Dust and Debris: Accumulation of dust or debris around the middle mouse button can hinder its proper functioning over time.
- Operating System Updates: Updates to the operating system may not be compatible with existing mouse drivers, leading to functionality issues.
- Malware or Virus: Malicious software can interfere with mouse functionality, including the middle mouse button.
How to Fix ‘Middle Mouse Button not working’ issue
Update Mouse Drivers

- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Locate and expand the Mice and other pointing devices category.
- Right-click on your mouse device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.
Test in Safe Mode
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Minimal.
- Click Apply and then OK. Restart your computer.
Disable and Re-enable the Middle Mouse Button
- In the ‘Mouse Properties‘ window, go to the ‘Buttons’ tab.
- Uncheck the box next to ‘Switch primary and secondary buttons.‘
- Click ‘Apply‘ and then recheck the box.
- Click ‘Apply‘ and ‘OK.’
Perform a System Restore
- Press Win + S and type Create a restore point.
- Open the System Properties window and click on the System Restore button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous state.
Reconfigure Mouse Settings
- Press Win + S and type Control Panel.
- Open Hardware and Sound and click on Mouse.
- In the Buttons tab, ensure the Middle Button is set to its default function.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Conclusion
Are you having problems with the middle mouse button not functioning properly by any chance? Especially if you rely on the middle button for scrolling and other operations, this can be a very irritating situation to deal with. In this post, we will investigate the various factors that could be causing this issue, and we will also offer you some potential ways to restore the functionality of your mouse.
Questions and Answers
There is a possibility that the driver for your mouse is not running the most recent version, which could be the root of the problem with the middle button. In order to update the driver for the mouse, the first step is to look for Device Manager on the search bar on your desktop. The second step is to get to the Mice and other Pointing Devices section by scrolling down.
In the event that you do not possess a middle mouse button, you can do a middle-click by simultaneously pressing the left and right mouse buttons when using your mouse. On touchpads that allow for the use of multiple fingers, it is possible to use all three fingers simultaneously to perform a middle-click. If you want this to function, you will need to go into the settings of the touchpad and enable tap clicking.
The majority of the time, there are two problems that are the root cause of the mouse not scrolling normally. The initial causes of mechanical problems with the mouse wheel is dust and debris that accumulates on it. The second issue is that wireless mice have problems with low batteries.
If you want to scroll up and down on any page without using the vertical scroll bar that is situated on the right side of a document or webpage, you can use the scroll wheel that is located in the middle of the mouse. There is also the possibility of using the scroll wheel as a third button on the mouse.