A non-functional mouse can make navigating your computer nearly impossible. Whether it’s a wired USB mouse, a Bluetooth wireless model, or a touchpad substitute, sudden input failure disrupts productivity and limits your ability to interact with your PC. Thankfully, most mouse issues can be resolved with a series of logical steps involving physical checks, driver resets, and software tweaks.
Start with basic physical inspection. If you’re using a wired mouse, unplug it and try a different USB port—preferably one on the back panel of a desktop, which usually delivers more consistent power. Avoid using USB hubs or splitters during testing. If it’s a wireless mouse, replace the batteries or recharge the internal battery if applicable. Some wireless models require re-pairing if the signal is lost. Ensure the USB receiver (dongle) is securely inserted and that the mouse’s power switch is on.
Test the mouse on another computer. If it fails there too, the device itself may be defective. Conversely, try another mouse on your current system. If a different mouse works, the issue is likely with the original device or its configuration on your system.
Assuming the mouse powers on but doesn’t respond, open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager). Expand “Mice and other pointing devices.” Look for any entries with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a driver problem. Right-click and select “Uninstall device.” Then unplug the mouse, restart your computer, and plug it back in—Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.
If the mouse is not listed at all in Device Manager, try clicking “View” > “Show hidden devices” and expand other categories like “Human Interface Devices.” Some advanced mice may appear under multiple listings depending on additional features (e.g., gaming buttons, scroll wheels).
For Bluetooth mice, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and that the mouse is listed as connected. If not, remove the device from the list and pair it again. Bluetooth connectivity can be disrupted by interference, driver issues, or Windows update glitches.
To update mouse drivers manually, return to Device Manager, right-click your mouse, and choose “Update driver” > “Search automatically for drivers.” You can also visit the manufacturer’s website (Logitech, Razer, Microsoft, etc.) to download the latest drivers or control software, which may be required for full functionality.
If the cursor is frozen or moving erratically, try booting into Safe Mode. Restart your PC, press and hold Shift while clicking “Restart,” then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Choose “Enable Safe Mode.” If the mouse works there, a third-party application or driver may be interfering with normal function.
Another common culprit is USB power management. Windows may turn off USB ports to save power, especially on laptops. Open Device Manager, expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” and double-click each “USB Root Hub.” In the Power Management tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Apply this to all USB hub entries.
Also check mouse settings under Control Panel > Mouse. Adjust pointer speed, enable or disable enhanced precision, and check button assignments. Sometimes these settings become corrupted and cause unresponsiveness or unexpected behavior.
If your system recently installed an update or driver change, use System Restore to roll back to a known working configuration. Open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore, then select a restore point dated before the problem began.
For touchpad users on laptops, ensure the touchpad is enabled. Many laptops include a function key (e.g., Fn + F5 or F6) that toggles the touchpad. Also go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and verify it’s turned on. If you have a precision touchpad, click “Additional settings” and check configurations under the device properties window.
Run system diagnostics if available. Some laptop brands offer built-in diagnostics (Dell SupportAssist, HP PC Hardware Diagnostics, etc.) that can test mouse and touchpad functionality.
Finally, if none of the above solutions resolve the issue and your mouse works on another PC, your current Windows installation may be corrupted. As a last resort, perform a Windows repair using the Media Creation Tool or reset the PC while keeping files.
In summary, a mouse that’s not working can usually be fixed through physical tests, USB port changes, driver reinstallation, power setting tweaks, and software troubleshooting. By isolating the issue step-by-step, you can quickly restore full pointer control and avoid unnecessary hardware replacements.
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