Windows 10/118 min readReviewed 2026-07-29

Mouse works in Safe Mode but not normal Windows

Use a clean boot to isolate third-party input filters, overlays, and startup services after Safe Mode proves the basic HID path.

Quick diagnosis

Safe Mode success does not identify the exact program, but it shifts the investigation from mouse hardware toward normal-mode software and drivers.

1
Confirm Safe Mode once
Test pointer movement and clicking in Safe Mode, then restart normally.
2
Perform a clean boot
Use Microsoft’s clean-boot procedure to disable non-Microsoft services and startup items temporarily.
3
Re-enable in groups
Restore half the disabled items at a time until the failure returns.
4
Repair the identified component
Update, remove, or reconfigure only the program or supported driver that reproduces the issue.

Uninstall or update the isolated filter, overlay, capture, or remapping component.

Record clean-boot changes and do not disable Microsoft services.

• Return System Configuration to normal startup and restore unrelated startup items.

• If the mouse also fails in Safe Mode or preboot diagnostics, return to USB and hardware isolation.

It proves the basic path can work, but intermittent hardware still requires cross-PC testing.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows
Microsoft Support. Safe clean-boot isolation and restoration procedure.

Diagnose it in this order

Test pointer movement and clicking in Safe Mode, then restart normally.

Use Microsoft’s clean-boot procedure to disable non-Microsoft services and startup items temporarily.

Restore half the disabled items at a time until the failure returns.

Update, remove, or reconfigure only the program or supported driver that reproduces the issue.