There may be several issues which can cause your mouse not to work properly with Microsoft Windows. This document contains the more common solutions that should be followed for best results.
If you are using a
USB mouse, disconnect the mouse cable and then reconnect to a different USB port. If the mouse is connected to a
USB hub, unplug the mouse cable and the connect it to a USB port on the back of the computer.
PS/2 mouse
If you are using a mouse with a
PS/2 connection, check the back of the computer to verify that it is plugged into the PS/2 mouse port and not the PS/2 keyboard. If the mouse has worked properly in the past (i.e., this is not a new mouse), turn off the computer, then disconnect and reconnect the mouse.
Wireless mouse
- Make sure the mouse is receiving power by checking for some indication of power (usually a light). If your mouse has a power switch, it is often located on the bottom side.
- If the mouse does not appear to be on, replace the batteries.
- Make sure the wireless receiver is within range and is not blocked by too many objects.
- Disconnect the wireless USB adapter and try plugging it into a different port.
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Mouse software or driver conflict
Boot into Windows Safe Mode. If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is likely a driver or software conflict. To fix this problem, follow the steps below.
- Open Windows Device Manager.
- Expand the mouse (mice) option in Device Manager by clicking the + symbol.
- Remove all mice listed by highlighting each device and then pressing the delete key on the keyboard.
If the mouse still does not work in Normal Windows, follow the basic troubleshooting steps for your version of Windows.
- Check if a driver has been installed for the mouse. You can check in the Device Manager for this. While Windows may have a standard or default driver for the mouse, installing a driver for your specific mouse may fix the issue. You can check our driver list page to find links to some of the more popular manufacturers' websites to download a driver for the mouse.
If a driver is installed for the mouse, it is recommended that you check if there is an updated driver for the mouse. Updating the driver may fix issues with a non-functioning mouse.
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Hardware issues
Bad Port
If the previous solutions did not solve the problem, try another mouse. If that mouse works, try the mouse that is not working with another computer. If multiple mice do not work, the problem is with the mouse port. If you are using the PS/2 or USB port on the back of the computer, the motherboard is likely bad and needs to be replaced.
Bad Mouse
If the mouse does not work with more than one computer, the mouse is bad and should be replaced. If you are using a wired mouse, check the mouse wire. If the wire has been partially cut or is frayed, this is likely the cause of the mouse not working. Replace the mouse if this is the case.
DOES IT WORK ON ANOTHER PC?
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