"The installation of this device is forbidden by system policy" error for bluetooth mouse after updating to Windows 11 Pro

antspants, I 'forgot' the device before inserting the receiver; no re-detection, just the original error message. I've tried your suggestion, but don't see any driver-related updates offered.

spapakons, I feel cautious about disabling onboard Bluetooth since my laptop keyboard doesn't work well, so I currently rely on my Bluetooth keyboard for input. There is a mode switch for Bluetooth/wireless; when I switch it to wireless mode with the dongle inserted a light blinks red a few times, but there's no response to mouse input.

Thanks both for your suggestions. I think I'll probably be buying a new mouse. This one has lasted me several years, so I don't feel too sore about it.

Have you tried to press a mouse button in wireless mode? Some wireless mice have a standby state to preserve battery. To use them you first press a button to activate. Are you sure you have the correct wireless dongle? Dongles from other wireless mice don't work, even if they are the same model. The exception are programmable Logitech dongles that you can pair with any Logitech product from the respective Logitech utility.

spapakons, I have tried pressing buttons and moving the mouse around in wireless mode, as this mouse does have a standby state. The wireless dongle lives in a slot in the mouse, so I doubt it's got switched with another.

It’s about now that I say: You’ve tried so many things, just for poop and giggles, did you try that Group Policy Tutorial?

But it could just very well be the mouse.
Although I have never seen an issue where that message has come up in relation to a dead mouse. It’s kind of a weird message for a mouse but not if the group policy has become corrupted… maybe???

You could always get another mouse for under $30 from that company. Unless you might be able to afford a Logitech? I know times are hard, we’re being pressed up against a wall with the cost of living.

And there is always the foolproof wired option. knock on wood.