How to Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel Jumps [5 Solutions]

Just like all computer hardware, your mouse is prone to technical issues. The most common problem we see is when the mouse scroll wheel goes up and down uncontrollably. 

Mouse scroll wheel jumps can usually be solved by basic troubleshooting techniques like rebooting the computer, cleaning the mouse components, replacing or recharging the mouse batteries, or checking the wireless connection or USB port.

The issue can also be resolved by updating corrupt or outdated drivers. It’s also likely that scrolling settings aren’t configured correctly.

If mouse scroll wheel issues can’t be resolved with these solutions, the problem is likely with the hardware itself. In this case, you will need to contact the manufacturer to claim your warranty.

In this article, learn how to fix mouse scroll jumps with our step-by-step guides.

Table of Contents

Start with Basic Troubleshooting

We recommend that you start with these basic troubleshooting strategies before trying anything complicated:

  • Clean your mouse: Spin the scroll wheel and use an air pump blower to remove dust and dirt that has accumulated around the wheel. Check that there’s no dirt blocking the buttons and sensors.
  • Reboot your computer: Restarting your computer can sometimes fix minor bugs.
  • Replace the batteries or charge your mouse: A mouse running on low power can result in scroll jumps.
  • Check the connection: Try connecting the mouse to a different USB port. It’s also important that all the cables on your device aren’t tangled or damaged. If you have a wireless mouse, check that other devices aren’t interfering with the Bluetooth or WiFi connection.
  • Test with a different program: Some Microsoft programs experience technical issues with the mouse scroll wheel. Test to see if your mouse works well in a different program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Chrome.

If these basic troubleshooting tricks don’t work, move on to the next section. 

5 Ways to Fix Mouse Scroll Wheel Jumps – Windows 10

If the above techniques don’t work, it’s likely that your computer has issues with the driver. It’s also likely that you need to change your mouse, touchpad, or pointer settings to avoid mouse scroll jumps.

While these solutions are more complicated than your basic troubleshooting tricks, they’re still relatively easy to execute in just a few steps:

 

  1. Troubleshoot Hardware and Devices

Before trying the other solutions, troubleshoot your mouse to identify any problems with the device.

Step 1: Open Settings, then select Update & Security.

Step 2: From the left panel, select Troubleshoot. Under the Hardware and Devices section, click Run the troubleshooter.

Step 3: If the troubleshooter detects an error, click Apply this fix.

Step 4: Close all open applications and tabs, then restart your PC.

If the troubleshooting doesn’t detect any mouse issues, try using the next solutions.

 

  1. Update your Drivers

Corrupt, missing, or outdated drivers can cause mouse wheel jumping on Windows 10. To solve the issue, you should update your device drivers.

You can either update your driver manually or automatically.

  • Updating your drivers manually: 

Step 1: Right-click on the Start Menu icon and click on Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Mice and other pointing devices. Right-click on the mouse you want to update and select Update Driver. 

Step 3: If you still experience scroll wheel jump issues, right-click on the mouse, and choose Properties. Navigate to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall the mouse. Right-click on the mouse under Device Manager and select Uninstall. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver after you restart the PC.

  • Updating your drivers automatically: 

Step 1: Click the Start button, then select Devices and Printers.

Step 2: Right-click on the name of your PC, then select Device installation settings.

Step 3: Click Yes, do this automatically (Recommended), then Save changes. Input the administrator password or provide confirmation when prompted.

When you choose these settings, Windows will automatically check for new drivers and icons for your PC. When the latest drivers are available, Windows will automatically update the system.

 

  1. Change Mouse Speed Settings

Mouse scroll jumps are also likely if your wheel speed is set too high. Adjust mouse speed settings through these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings, then navigate to Devices > Mouse.

Step 2: Navigate to the Wheel tab. Make sure that scrolling is enabled. Under Vertical scrolling, adjust The following number of lines at a time to a lower speed –– less than 5 is ideal to prevent jumping.

Step 3: Click OK to save the changes.

 

  1. Disable the Pointer while Typing

The pointer might also cause your scroll wheel to jump up and down while you’re typing. Under the mouse settings, you can disable ‘Hide pointer while typing’ to fix the issue.

Step 1: Open Settings, then navigate to Devices > Mouse.

Step 2: Navigate to the Pointer Options tab.

Step 3: Under the Visibility settings, uncheck Hide pointer while typing.

 

  1. Disable the Touchpad

If you’re using a laptop, a sensitive touchpad may also cause scroll jump issues. To fix this problem, you can adjust touchpad sensitivity or disable the touchpad altogether. With the second option, you will need to use an external mouse independently.

Step 1: Open Settings, then navigate to Devices > Mouse.

Step 2: Under the Touchpad tab, adjust the to Off to disable the touchpad. To automatically disable the touchpad after plugging in an external mouse, uncheck Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected.

If you only want to adjust the touchpad’s sensitivity level, leave the toggle to On and scroll down to Touchpad Sensitivity. Set the touchpad sensitivity to Low or Medium sensitivity to avoid scroll jumps.

Conclusion

Mouse scroll jumps can usually be solved by basic troubleshooting, such as cleaning the mouse components and checking ports and cables.

Updating mouse drivers and adjusting mouse settings are also effective solutions to mouse scroll jump issues.

If the above solutions don’t work, it’s likely that there is a hardware issue with your mouse. 

Check if the mouse is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re able to claim your warranty, you can have the computer mouse repaired, or the manufacturer may send you a new one.