Wireless mouse - Microsoft Arc - moves curser and screen bars but click not working - just started

CJKC5 0 Reputation points
2026-11-09T16:30:35.1633333+00:00

The mouse can be used to move the curser but click not working. Have rebooted, windows update is current, have removed and set up the mouse on Bluetooth a couple of times. Battery power is a 74%.

This issue just started

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-09T16:31:17.65+00:00

    Test the Arc Mouse on another Bluetooth-capable PC; if pointer movement and scrolling work there but neither side clicks, the mouse’s click mechanism has likely failed and the practical resolution is service or replacement.

    Isolate the mouse from Windows

    1. Pair the Arc Mouse with another Windows PC.
    2. Curve the mouse to turn it on.
    3. Test the touch surface correctly:
      • Left-click: press the left side with one finger.
      • Right-click: press the right side with one finger.
      • Keep other fingers off the touch surface while testing.
      These are the documented Arc Mouse click gestures.^1^
    4. Interpret the result:
      • Clicking fails on both PCs: this points to the mouse hardware. Microsoft’s Windows guidance recommends replacement when a mouse also fails on another PC.^2^
      • Clicking works on the second PC: continue with the Windows checks below on the original PC.

    Clean and check the click surface

    Before cleaning, flatten the Arc Mouse to turn it off and remove its batteries. Wipe the touch surface and seams with a soft, lint-free cloth. If needed, apply a small amount of 70% or weaker isopropyl alcohol to the cloth—never apply liquid directly to the mouse.^3^

    Reinstall the batteries, curve the mouse, and test both sides again.

    If it works on another PC

    1. Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse.
    2. Check Primary mouse button and switch it temporarily from Left to Right.^1^
    3. Test both physical sides:
      • If one physical side works and the other never does, the mouse’s click surface is probably defective.
      • If both sides work after changing the assignment, restore the preferred primary-button setting.
    4. If neither side works only on this PC, open Device Manager → Mice and other pointing devices, open the mouse device, select Driver → Update Driver, and follow the prompts. Microsoft documents this as the next driver check for Windows mouse problems.^2^

    Since restarting, Windows Update, Bluetooth removal/re-pairing, and the battery check have already been completed, there is no need to repeat them. If clicking fails on another PC after cleaning, pursue Microsoft support or replace the mouse rather than making further Windows changes.

    References

    1. Use Surface Arc Mouse
    2. Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows | Microsoft Support
    3. How do I clean my Microsoft mouse or keyboard?
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Emma1-N 15,005 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-09T23:12:24.18+00:00

    Welcome CJKC5,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that your Microsoft Arc Mouse still moves the cursor and scrolls, but clicking stopped working recently. You have already restarted, updated Windows, paired the mouse again over Bluetooth, and checked that the battery is at 74%.

    To narrow down the issue, could you please confirm:

    • Does clicking work on the Windows sign-in or lock screen, before you sign in?
    • Do you use Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center or any other mouse or keyboard customization software?

    Please make sure you already tried the Q&A Assist steps. In addition, please try the following:

    1, Put in new batteries

    • Even at 74%, partly drained batteries can sometimes cause buttons to stop responding while movement still works.
    • Put fresh AAA batteries in the mouse, curve it to turn it on, and test clicking again.

    2, Run a clean boot to rule out software conflicts

    • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    • On the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
    • On the Startup tab, select Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
    • Restart the PC and test clicking. If clicking works, turn the services back on a few at a time to find the one causing the problem.

    3, Stop Windows from turning off the Bluetooth adapter to save power

    • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
    • Expand Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter, and select Properties.
    • On the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, select OK, and restart.

    Looking forward to your update.

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