Mouse Not Working or Jumpy? Fixes That Usually Work

The pointer won't budge. Or it jumps across the screen, or moves in slow motion, or clicks stop registering. It's a small thing that stops all work, and it's usually a small fix.

No mouse? Get around with the keyboard

While you troubleshoot, you can still use the computer:

• Tab and Shift + Tab move between buttons and boxes; Enter or Spacebar clicks; the arrow keys move through lists and menus.
• Windows key opens Start; type what you want and press Enter. Type Bluetooth or mouse to jump straight to the settings below.
• Alt + F4 closes the current window. Alt + Tab switches between windows.
• Mouse Keys lets the number pad move the pointer. Turn it on with Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock (Microsoft's accessibility shortcuts), or at Settings > Accessibility > Mouse > Mouse keys.

Wireless mouse with a small USB receiver

1. Batteries first. It's the most common cause by far. Replace them or charge the mouse, even if a light comes on.
2. Check the switch on the bottom of the mouse is on.
3. Move the receiver. Plug the little USB receiver into a different port, ideally one directly on the computer rather than a hub, dock or monitor. If it's in the back of a desktop under the desk, a short USB extension cable to bring it closer often fixes a jumpy pointer.
4. Restart the computer.

Bluetooth mouse

1. Make sure Bluetooth is on: Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. If the mouse is listed but not working, click the … next to it, choose Remove device, then Add device > Bluetooth and pair it again. Most mice need a pairing button held down for a few seconds to be found.
3. If it pairs but keeps dropping, move it closer to the computer and away from metal desks and other wireless gear.

Wired mouse

Try a different USB port, and if you have one, a different mouse. If a second mouse works, the first one has failed. Mice are cheap; replace it.

Laptop touchpad stopped working

• Many laptops have a key on the top row that turns the touchpad off, often shared with an F key and marked with a touchpad picture. It's easy to press by accident.
• Check Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and make sure the switch is on.
• On the same page, if Leave touchpad on when a mouse is connected is unticked, the touchpad turns itself off whenever a mouse is plugged in, including a wireless receiver you forgot about.

Pointer jumps, drifts or moves too fast

• Look at the surface. Ordinary optical mice need some texture to track. Glass desks, glossy tables and some mouse mats confuse them. A plain mouse mat or a sheet of paper is a quick test.
• Clean the sensor on the bottom of the mouse. A bit of hair or dust over it causes erratic movement.
• Adjust the speed at Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Mouse pointer speed.
• Laptop pointer wandering while you type? Your palm may be brushing the touchpad. Turn the touchpad's sensitivity down in the Touchpad settings.

Still not working: reinstall it in Windows

Right-click Start and choose Device Manager (use the arrow keys and Enter if you have no pointer). Open Mice and other pointing devices, select the mouse, press Shift + F10 for the right-click menu, choose Uninstall device, and restart. Windows reinstalls it automatically.

If you use a mouse with its own software (Logitech, Microsoft), updating or reinstalling that software from the maker's website can also help.

When to call someone

Get help if no mouse works on the computer (including a known-good one), if the keyboard has stopped too, or if it happens on several computers at once. Those point to a USB, driver or Windows problem rather than the mouse. For a single tired old mouse, a replacement is cheaper than anyone's time.

Get in touch if it's more than a mouse problem.

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