How to Fix Non-Responsive Mouse Side Buttons in Windows

Restore functionality to your mouse side buttons in Windows with this step-by-step troubleshooting guide for drivers and software configuration.

1. Check physical hardware and connection. Disconnect the mouse and reconnect it to a different USB port, preferably one directly on the motherboard rather than a hub. Test the buttons in multiple applications to ensure the failure is not isolated to one specific program. If the buttons do not register in any application, proceed to driver reinstallation.
2. Update or reinstall mouse drivers. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section, right-click your mouse model, and select Uninstall device. Unplug your mouse, wait five seconds, and plug it back in to trigger a clean driver reinstallation by Windows.
3. Install manufacturer peripheral software. Many mice require proprietary software to map side buttons correctly. Download and install the latest version of the manufacturer's software, such as Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, or Corsair iCUE. Launch the application and verify that the side buttons are correctly assigned to the 'Forward' and 'Back' commands.
4. Modify HID-compliant mouse settings. Return to Device Manager and expand Human Interface Devices. Locate HID-compliant mouse, right-click it, and select Properties. Navigate to the Power Management tab and ensure 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power' is unchecked, then click OK.