A wireless mouse often consists of two parts: the mouse, which contains a battery, and a wireless adapter, which is usually USB. The mouse sends signals to the adapter, which transfers them to Windows in order for the command to be performed. It’s a simple settings that works nicely most of the time.
This guide is for you if you’re having problems with your wireless mouse. It will have you up and running in no time by teaching how to troubleshoot a wireless mouse in Windows!
Common Problems When Using a Wireless Mouse
Erratic movement, the desktop pointer bounced or jerking about, or the cursor not moving correctly are all symptoms of a wireless mouse malfunction. All of these problems may be addressed with one of many remedies. This guide assumes that the wireless mouse functioned perfectly for a time before abruptly failing. Let’s get this party started!
Solution 1: Change the Surface the Mouse is On
Even optical mice might have issues with the surface they are used on. It might be too shiny, too abrasive, or otherwise undesirable. Try a different mouse mat, table, or book to see if changing the surface solves the problem.
If the surface is overly shiny or has certain patterns, your wireless mouse will have problems. Another issue could relate to the colour of the surface. Colours like red, cyan, purple, and flat black could hinder mouse movement tracking.
Solution 2: Check the USB Dongle
Check that the USB dongle remains in place and hasn’t been moved or shifted out of place. Remove it, wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it or plug it into a different USB port. Allow Windows to pick it up and try it again.
When you insert a USB device, Windows seeks for drivers to operate/recognize it. A simple reinsertion of the device may fix small, brief issues in the Registry, etc.
Solution 3: Change the Battery
After verifying that the battery is in position, clear of dirt and debris, and has sufficient power, you have eliminated many common causes of wireless mouse problems, but you ought to think about changing the battery.
If the mouse works, you’re done with troubleshooting. If it doesn’t, you can either leave the new batteries in place or replace them. In any case, stay reading to learn more about how to solve the problem.
Solution 4: Clean Your Mouse
While it’s apart, verify that the optical port is clean and free of dirt and debris.
1. Loosen and remove the screws that maintain the mouse together when the mouse turns off and the battery is removed. Usually, just one or two.
2. After that, carefully separate the mouse. To get rid of the internal holding clips inside the mouse, you could have to use a plastic pry tool.
3. Using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol, carefully eliminate any dirt, pet hair, or sticky drink residue.
4. Reassemble the mouse and turn it back on after allowing the inside of the mouse to dry for a few seconds.
5. Finally, test it to make sure that everything is working properly.
Solution 5: Reboot Your Computer
A complete computer reboot, often referred to as a ‘3-pin reset’ in the trade, can resolve a variety of challenges. If the mouse seems to be fine, restart your computer to check if it recovers the mouse and resumes normal operation. If not, continue troubleshooting.
Solution 6: Check Your Mouse Drivers
Because driver challenges often lead to device problems, here is the natural place to start troubleshooting your wireless mouse. We’ll let Windows update the drivers first, and then install them manually if necessary.
Here’s how to check your Windows drivers.
1. Type “dev” in the “Windows Search/Cortana box” or right-click the “Start Screen” icon and select “Device Manager.”
2. Scroll to the bottom and take “Mice and other pointing devices.”
3. Right-click on the mouse and select “Update driver.”
4. Allow Windows automatically find and install a driver.
5. If Windows fails to find a driver update, try a manual install.
6. Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest and most latest driver for your mouse.
Solution 7: Try the Mouse on a Different Computer
The final step in troubleshooting is to move the mouse. If it was operating great and then suddenly stopped working, and nothing else worked, it might be a hardware problem. A separate computer is the best way to test that notion. This process is saved for last since you will most likely have to install the driver on the other device and then delete it after it is finished. While it isn’t challenging, it is time-consuming.
If you follow all of the steps outlined in this article, the mouse will most likely not work on the new computer. However, given the design of Windows, it’s not out of possibility that some internal problem is preventing the wireless mouse from operating.
Mouse Troubleshooting
Unfortunately, hardware issues with your mouse are possible. Begin with the most straightforward answer and work your way down the list. Never underestimate the power of a simple reboot or hardware cleaning. You’d not believe how much dirt and debris ends up inside the mouse.
