How to Fix a Computer Mouse That’s Not Working

How to Fix a Computer Mouse That’s Not Working

A malfunctioning mouse can be frustrating, whether it’s unresponsive, erratic, or completely dead. If you’re dealing with a faulty computer mouse, don’t worry—there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix it. Follow these steps to get your mouse working again.

1. Check the Connection

Before diving into complex solutions, start with the basics.

• Wired Mouse: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to your computer. Try plugging it into a different USB port.

• Wireless Mouse: Replace the batteries or charge the mouse if it has a built-in battery. Ensure the wireless receiver is properly inserted into a functional USB port.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches causing your mouse to stop working. Restart your computer and see if the issue persists.

3. Clean the Mouse

Dirt, dust, and debris can interfere with the mouse’s sensor or buttons.

• For optical and laser mice, use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the sensor.

• If you have a mechanical ball mouse, remove the ball and clean the rollers inside.

• Wipe down the buttons and scroll wheel to remove grime that may cause sticking or unresponsiveness.

4. Try a Different Surface

Optical and laser mice may not work properly on glossy, glass, or reflective surfaces. Try using a mouse pad or a matte, non-reflective surface to see if the tracking improves.

5. Update or Reinstall Mouse Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your mouse to stop working. Here’s how to update them:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.

3. Right-click your mouse and select Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If that doesn’t work, uninstall the mouse driver and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

6. Check for Hardware Issues

If your mouse still isn’t working, test it on a different computer. If it works there, the problem may be with your PC’s USB ports or settings.

• Try a different USB port.

• If using a wireless mouse, switch the USB receiver to another port.

7. Disable USB Power Management

Windows sometimes turns off USB devices to save power. To prevent this:

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).

2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

3. Right-click USB Root Hub and select Properties.

4. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

8. Scan for Malware

Viruses or malware can interfere with your mouse’s functionality. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program to rule out infections.

9. Replace the Mouse

If none of the above steps work, your mouse may be faulty. Consider replacing it with a new one, especially if it’s old or has suffered physical damage.

Conclusion

A non-working mouse can be a hassle, but these troubleshooting steps should help you resolve most common issues. If you’re still having problems, ABQ Computer Pros can help diagnose and fix your computer hardware issues quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for expert computer repair services!