How to Update Drivers for Mouse and Keyboard in Windows

Drivers are essential pieces of software that allow your Windows operating system to communicate with your hardware, including your mouse and keyboard. For basic mice and keyboards, Windows has generic drivers that work automatically – you just plug them in, and they work. It’s pretty amazing how seamlessly it usually happens!

However, sometimes you might need to update drivers. Maybe your gaming mouse’s extra buttons aren’t working, your keyboard shortcuts are acting strange, or you’re troubleshooting general connectivity issues. Updated drivers can fix bugs, improve performance, and enable features on more advanced peripherals. I’ve definitely had times where a gaming mouse wasn’t performing right until I installed the latest driver (which often came bundled with the manufacturer’s software).

This guide covers the different ways you can update drivers for your mouse and keyboard in Windows, depending on whether it’s a standard device or a specialized one.

Why Update Mouse/Keyboard Drivers? (And When)

You generally only need to worry about updating mouse or keyboard drivers if:

• You’re Troubleshooting an Issue: The device isn’t working correctly, has erratic movement, unresponsive keys, or disconnects randomly.
• You Have an Advanced Device: Gaming mice/keyboards or ergonomic models often have extra buttons, macros, RGB lighting, or special functions that require specific drivers or software from the manufacturer to work fully.
• Ensuring Compatibility: Sometimes, updating drivers ensures smooth operation after a major Windows update.

For basic, standard mice and keyboards, the drivers Windows provides are usually all you need.

Method 1: Use Windows Update (Easiest, Often Automatic)

Windows Update sometimes includes optional driver updates for your hardware. This is the simplest way to check.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
2. Go to Windows Update: In the left-hand menu, click on Windows Update.
3. Check for Updates: Click Check for updates. Windows will download and install any necessary updates, which might include essential drivers.
4. Check Optional Updates: Windows might list other drivers under “Optional updates.” Click on Advanced options.
5. Click on Optional updates.
6. Expand Driver updates. Look for any available updates listed for your mouse or keyboard.
7. Select and Download: Check the box next to any relevant driver updates and click Download & install.

Windows will download and apply the updates. You might be prompted to restart your computer.

Method 2: Use Device Manager (Manual Check & Install)

Device Manager is the central place to manage all hardware on your PC. You can use it to check for driver updates directly or install drivers you’ve already downloaded.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • The quickest way is to right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
   • Alternatively, search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Locate Your Devices: In the Device Manager window, look for these categories:
   • Mice and other pointing devices: Your mouse will be listed here. It might be named generically (like “HID-compliant mouse”) or show the manufacturer’s name.
   • Keyboards: Your keyboard will be listed here. Again, it might be generic (“HID Keyboard Device”) or manufacturer-specific.
   • Expand these categories by clicking the arrow next to them.
3. Update Driver (Search Automatically):
   • Right-click on your specific mouse or keyboard device name.
   • Select Update driver.
   • Click Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search your computer and online for the latest driver. If a newer one is found, it will install it.
4. Update Driver (Browse My Computer): Use this option if you have already downloaded a driver file from the manufacturer’s website (Method 3).
   • Right-click on your device in Device Manager and select Update driver.
   • Click Browse my computer for drivers.
   • Click Browse and navigate to the folder where you downloaded the driver file(s).
   • Ensure “Include subfolders” is checked.
   • Click Next. Windows will look in that folder for the correct driver and install it if found.
5. Uninstall Device (Troubleshooting): If a device is misbehaving, sometimes simply uninstalling the driver and letting Windows reinstall the default one can fix it.
   • Right-click on your device in Device Manager.
   • Select Uninstall device.
   • Click Uninstall in the confirmation window.
   • Restart your computer. Windows will usually detect the device upon restart and automatically install the generic driver.

Method 3: Download from the Manufacturer’s Website (Best for Advanced Devices)

For gaming mice, keyboards with extra features, or other specialized input devices, the drivers and software from the manufacturer are often necessary to unlock full functionality.

1. Identify Your Device: Find the exact model name of your mouse or keyboard. Look on the device itself, the packaging, or the manual. Knowing the precise model is crucial.
2. Go to the Manufacturer’s Support Website: Visit the official website for the brand (e.g., Logitech, Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, Microsoft, Dell, HP, etc.). Look for a “Support,” “Downloads,” or “Drivers” section.
3. Find Your Model: Use the website’s search function or navigation to find the support page for your specific mouse or keyboard model.
4. Download Drivers or Software: Look for the latest drivers or the dedicated software package for your device and Windows version. Manufacturers often bundle the necessary drivers within their customization software (like Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE).
5. Run the Installer: Download the file (usually an .exe) and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers and/or software.

This method is often required to get features like programmable buttons, custom lighting, or sensitivity adjustments working on advanced peripherals.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Device Not Working After Update: If a device stops working after a driver update, go back to Device Manager (Method 2), right-click the device, and try “Roll Back Driver” if available. If not, uninstall the device and restart the PC to let Windows reinstall the default driver.
• Gaming Features Not Working: Ensure you downloaded and installed the manufacturer’s software (like G Hub, Synapse, iCUE), not just a standalone driver file. These features are controlled by the software.
• Device Not Appearing in Device Manager: Try a different USB port. Try the mouse/keyboard on another computer to see if the device itself is faulty.
• Erratic Mouse Movement: Try cleaning the mouse sensor. Ensure you’re using it on a suitable surface. If the problem persists, uninstall the driver in Device Manager and restart.

Updating drivers for your mouse and keyboard isn’t needed as often as, say, graphics drivers, especially for basic devices. But when you encounter problems or want to unlock the full potential of an advanced peripheral, knowing these methods – checking Windows Update, using Device Manager, and going straight to the manufacturer – is essential for keeping your input devices working smoothly and effectively.