Why Can’t I See My Mouse on my Computer?

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Updated March 27, 2023

If you are new to the world of digital accessories, you may wonder why you can’t see your mouse on the computer. Even the best computer mouse is susceptible to varied issues that can cause the mouse pointer or cursor to disappear from view. So what causes this bizarre problem, and how can you fix it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • If your external mouse cursor or mouse pointer disappears from the desktop, it is likely a software issue, not a hardware issue.
  • Troubleshoot this problem by downloading and installing new mouse driver software or by repairing system files.
  • An additional mouse option is to reset everything, including the computer and the Bluetooth receiver.

What Causes a Mouse to Disappear?

This happens for many reasons, similar to when learning why a mouse light is on when the computer is off. In most cases, this is a software issue and not a hardware issue, which is helpful when learning what a wireless mouse is. In other words, this happens most often with wireless mice if you are comparing wired vs wireless mouse designs.

Insider Tip

You should try cleaning your mouse and the workspace, though this is unlikely the cause of a disappearing mouse.

It could be a Bluetooth or driver issue, even if you know the definition of a PS2 mouse.

What to do When Your Computer Mouse Disappears?

Though the underlying causes vary here, there are some common troubleshooting steps worth considering to bring your mouse back to visibility.

Update Your Mouse Driver

This is a common first step with many modern mice. In the old days, mouse software was fairly static with plug-and-play functionality. Modern mice are complicated pieces of technology and require an active software driver to ensure proper integration with your system. If you have an ancient driver, it likely accounts for your mouse randomly disappearing from the desktop. To fix the issue, download the new driver software and install it by following the on-screen prompts. Reset the computer via the power button and check to see if this resolves the issue.

Reset Everything

If updating the driver didn’t work, it is time to bring out the big guns and reset anything and everything. Start by removing every connected device from your list of Bluetooth accessories. Next, turn off Bluetooth entirely. Unplug every accessory from USB ports and related ports. Power down the computer and leave it powered down for a few minutes. Plug everything back into the correct ports and power the computer on. Turn Bluetooth on and connect the mouse to check if this fixed the problem.

STAT: Many Windows 10 users have reported that their mouse pointer or cursor has disappeared. This usually happens when they have just upgraded from previous versions of Windows or woken their computer up from sleep mode. (source)

Repair System Files

Corrupt files could cause the mouse to disappear, so download, install, and run a system file repair manager. There are many out there to choose from.

Mouse Disappeared FAQs

Why can't I see my cursor?

A disappearing cursor is a common mouse malfunction problem, from the Magic Mouse to a traditional mouse device or USB device. Install new driver software to start the troubleshooting process.

How do I get my mouse pointer back on an ASUS laptop?

Follow the above steps, including plugging in a USB mouse or Magic Mouse to reset the computer and download the new driver software. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software, as this step should not differ according to the mouse model.

How do I get my mouse pointer back on a Chromebook?

To restore the mouse pointer on a Chromebook, reset the computer via the power button, install new driver software (use a wired mouse for this), and check on the mouse settings.
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