Mouse not detected or working in Windows

If you use a mouse frequently, you may have encountered instances where it would not work. This may irritate work, particularly if the device is necessary for completing tasks quickly. Your mouse might still work, so you can wait to throw it away. If the mouse stops moving or doesn't show up on your monitor, several issues could prohibit it from working properly in Microsoft Windows.

If your laptop's external mouse isn't functioning properly, here are a few options that might assist you in unlocking, rediscovering, or unfreezing your mouse in different situations.

1. Computer frozen

Software-related issues are the most frequent reason for computer freezing. The mouse no longer responds on the monitor is typically the first sign that a computer has stalled. Corrupt files, such as malfunctioning device drivers, unsuitable software, apps stuck in a loop, malware, viruses, or viruses overwriting sensitive system files or writing to protected system memory, could all be to blame. Here are some solutions to solve this situation.

• Double-click the Esc key.
• Stop any frozen programs. To force-quit, the programs using the most CPU or memory, use Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on a Windows computer to open the Task Manager from the menu.
• Your Windows machine is a fresh start. Restarting your computer can fix many of these problems if a system process stalled or cached memory files were the issue.
• Try plugging your mouse in and out again.
• Use the keyboard's Num Lock key. When Num Lock is continuously pressed, your keyboard's LED indicator should turn on and off. If this indicator remains unchanged, your computer is frozen.

2. Hardware conflict

The conflict between the new board and your existing hardware can occur when you install a new board on your computer. It's known as hardware conflict. So, this conflict may affect the existing mouse. Here are some solutions to solve this situation.

• The new hardware's drivers should be updated.
• Change the card's slot on your computer.
• Take other cards out of your computer.
• Turn off any onboard devices
• your motherboard's BIOS should be updated.
• Try it there to see if the card functions properly on another PC.

3. Mouse is not properly connected

The mouse will only function if it is connected properly. Mice come in two varieties.

USB mouse:

Try using these solutions:

• Unplug USB cables, wait a little period for Windows to unload the device driver, and then plug the device back in.
• Your computer's other USB port might function.
• Ensure the USB hub has power if you use one between the device and the PC. Remove the USB hub and try plugging the device straight into a USB port on the computer if it's still not working.
• Verify that none of the cables on your device have been damaged.
• Any battery-operated equipment should be checked to ensure that the batteries are either new or completely charged.
• Check to see if anything is obstructing the keys or the sensors.

Wireless mouse:

Make sure the wireless mouse is receiving enough power if it is one. For power notifications, check the power indicator frequently. Light will be the manifestation of this.

Replace the batteries and ensure the wireless receiver is in range and unobstructed if the mouse is on but not working after trying that. Make sure the power switch is switched on as well. If it still doesn't work, try unplugging and re-plugging the USB adapter.

PS/2 mouse:

When using a PS/2 mouse, ensure it is plugged into the mouse port, not the keyboard port on the computer's rear. Shut down the computer, unplug the mouse, then re-plug it if it has previously worked properly (i.e., it's not a new mouse).

Tip

If the keyboard on the computer is functional, shut down Windows correctly by clicking the Windows key, choosing shut down with the arrow keys, and then pressing Tab.

Note: While a computer is on, a PS/2 mouse shouldn't be unplugged and re-plugged.

4. Incompatible mouse Drivers

One of the first places to look for a Windows mouse issue is your system drivers. For most of your hardware, Windows manages driver updates; this also applies to Windows mouse drivers. However, it is only sometimes accurate, and occasionally it fails to detect a driver update after it has been released. That does not imply that a driver update cannot be installed manually.

• Use the Start Menu search bar to enter "device manager" and click on the best match.
• Look under Mice and other pointing devices, choose, then use the right mouse button to select Properties.
• Update Driver after selecting the Driver tab.

If You're Using the Correct Driver

Browse my computer for driver software to see if you have the right driver downloaded. Click Next after using the Browse feature to locate the driver on the following page. It will install the Windows 10 mouse driver. Please restart your computer after it's finished.

If You Don't Have the Correct Driver

Now, Windows will automatically check the Internet and your computer for any driver updates and install them as necessary. If no updates are available, Windows will inform you. If you still need to download a driver directly from the manufacturer, select Automatically search for updated driver software.

The mouse driver is outdated or missing.

Verify the installation of a driver on the mouse. You can check the Device Manager for this. Even if Windows already has a standard or default driver, installing a driver for your specific mouse may fix the issue. Please check for an update that has been released since the driver was installed if a mouse driver has been installed. Updates to the driver could fix problems with a damaged mouse.

5. Mouse Issues with the Hardware Troubleshooter

You can try using one of the troubleshooters built into Windows to find and fix mouse problems. Depending on the problem, these troubleshooters may not succeed, so you should proceed by following their advice.

For instance, the Wi-Fi troubleshooter frequently offers a full network reset, returning your settings to default if your internet connection is lost, rather than merely recommending turning the router on and off initially.

The Windows hardware troubleshooter can be found here:

• Open the Settings window by pressing the Windows Key + I.
• Open Troubleshoot > Updates & Security.
• Select Run the troubleshooter under Hardware & Devices.

After attempting to identify any mouse problems, Windows will prompt you to install a remedy.

6. Beeping sound and lagging on the mouse

Your mouse may occasionally lag and make an odd beeping sound, which is a driver-related problem.

If you are encountering some Windows mouse lags, follow the steps below:

• Locate Human Interface Devices in the Device Manager. This repair may work for you if you see XINPUT Compatible HID or HID-compliant vendor- mentioned.
  
• Select Update Driver Software using the right mouse button.
• Select Let me select a device driver from a list on my computer, then click Browse my computer for driver software.
• Select Have Disk on the following screen. Utilize the Browse button to find the extracted files. Then choose Open > OK, then HID-compliant device. You can now search the system for the driver of your choice.
• Go back to the driver selection screen and choose the "new" driver there. You should restart your computer after clicking Next.

Please be aware that depending on the system, the Human Input Device (HID) listing may change. This fix has been demonstrated to work on numerous systems with various hardware configurations.

7. Issue with Mouse Accelerator

When mouse acceleration is enabled, the cursor's movement changes according to the mouse's movement speed. Therefore, when you move the mouse quicker on your mousepad, covering the exact distance, you will notice a larger displacement in the cursor location.

It would be best if you moved your mouse to aim at titles like CSGO, Battlefield, Overwatch, etc. The game mechanics and aiming speed become muscle memory for a player who has played it for hundreds of hours. However, many experienced players appear to miss the shots because of mouse acceleration. If this feature is enabled, if you flip your mouse quickly enough, you will undoubtedly miss your target.

• In the Windows search box, type "Mouse settings."
• The mouse icon should be clicked on the first result.
• The principal buttons, scrolling speed, and pointer speed are available here as basic choices. On the right side, select the "Additional mouse options" link to access further settings.
• Check the "Pointer Options" tab in the top section of this window.
• The cursor speed and acceleration settings can be found in the "Motion" section.
• The "Enhance pointer precision" checkbox should be unchecked before applying.

If the smoothness of your cursor movement abruptly decreases, the mouse acceleration has been turned off.

8. Issue with Nvidia Drivers Installation

Every time Windows receives an update, customers report having mouse problems in particular settings or circumstances. Specifically, the movement stops, but the mouse buttons still function. Or perhaps your left mouse button suddenly stops responding. The use of old Nvidia drivers is a frequent solution to this problem. So, let's see how to update them.

• Go to the Nvidia drivers page first before updating your drivers. From the drop-down menus, choose your Nvidia product, then click Start Search.
• This displays your Nvidia graphics card's latest recent drivers. Install the most recent version after selecting it.

You might also access the desktop app if you utilize the Nvidia GeForce Experience to see whether an update is available.

9. Operating system files corrupted

File corruption typically occurs when there is a problem with the "save" operation. The file that is being saved will probably be corrupted. In some circumstances, the operating system may have a problem with faulty system files that prevent the mouse from working properly.

So, if you come across a corrupted file, perform the procedures listed below:

• First, try opening the file on a different computer or device. If the file opens without issue on another device, the initial machine is probably where the issue is.
• Use a file recovery application like Recuva, DMDE, or the free app PhotoRec if the second device or PC proves ineffective. Use a free version to gauge the severity of your issues before upgrading if they are more complicated.

If you have a Windows restore point saved from the time the mouse was working, use it to return your system to that state.

10. Other Hardware problems

Sometimes the mouse may not function properly due to certain hardware problems.

The issue with Port:

If the preceding fixes did not work, try a different mouse. Test the faulty mouse on a different computer to see if that one works. The mouse port is to blame if more than one mouse isn't working properly. Using the PS/2 or USB port on the computer's back may require replacing the motherboard.

The mouse issue:

If the mouse can no longer be used with any computer and the cable is partially frayed or damaged, the mouse has to be replaced. A new mouse can be bought for less money than trying to fix a broken one.