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Why is My Computer Mouse Not Working?

Beth Huston Profile image

Written By:

Beth Huston
Updated November 18, 2022

Even the best computer mouse can cause problems if it isn’t working correctly. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my computer mouse not working?” know that you aren’t alone. There are a variety of things that could be causing a malfunction, and plenty of people deal with these issues regularly. Keep reading to find out the different reasons that could be behind your mouse not working.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The first issue to consider is anything hardware-related. Consider how long you’ve had the mouse and any recent accidents, like spilling water on it.
  • Next up, you could be looking at an issue in the mouse settings. Check the mouse settings on your computer and see how everything looks.
  • Finally, you might just need to update the device drivers. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer’s website and looking for your device.

What to Do if Your Computer Mouse Is Not Working

There are few things more aggravating than your mouse not working, whether a wired model plugs directly in through a USB port or it’s entirely wireless. Knowing how to fix a mouse on a computer is a crucial skill, even if it’s just learning how to unfreeze computer mice.

Insider Tip

If nothing else works, it may simply be time to replace your mouse with a new model.

Hardware Issues

The first thing to consider is the mouse itself. If you’ve had it for years and it’s seen plenty of use, you’ll likely just need to replace the entire mouse. Other things, such as spilling liquids on it, can also render your mouse unusable. Of course, it might just be the batteries, so check those as well. Learning how to change batteries in a wireless mouse is another way to solve issues with defective hardware.

Incorrect Mouse Settings

You should also consider the settings. To do this, simply visit your computer’s device manager and see your settings. You can control everything about your mouse, including how quickly the mouse cursor moves. If the cursor speed is too slow, it might seem like your mouse isn’t moving and, therefore, not working.

Warning

Outdated drivers can cause a mouse to stop working, so be sure to keep them up-to-date.

Outdated Device Drivers

Another potential problem is old drivers. This can happen when the drivers haven’t been updated in a while. An outdated driver can wreak havoc on your system and keep things from working correctly. Simply navigate to the manufacturer’s website and see whether they have drivers you can download. This is the best way to update with the correct drivers.

STAT: In 2020, China exported computer accessories amounting to over 31.5 billion U.S. dollars, the highest in the world. (source)

Why is My Computer Mouse Not Working FAQs

Is a wireless mouse the better option?

A wireless model is still going to be a USB device. It just doesn’t link physically to your computer through the USB port. The lack of that extra wire makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

What should I do if my mouse starts acting up?

The first thing you should always do is hit the power button on your computer and power cycle the machine. Sometimes this is all it takes to get things back in working order.

How do I know if it’s time to update a mouse driver?

That depends on the type of computer you’re using. However, either operating system should have a place where you can check to see if driver updates are available, and then you can update drivers are necessary.

Can I bring my mouse to a repair shop?

While you can find a repair shop that will fix a broken mouse, it’s normally cheaper to just purchase a new one. Mice are not the most expensive input devices out there.
Beth Huston Profile image
Beth Huston
Beth has an eye for all things editorial, overshadowed only by her drive to understand everything through dedicated research. You can find Beth reading fantasy in her spare time… especially if it’s by Brandon Sanderson.