If your mouse is not working, there are many steps you can take in order to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. The following is a list of potential fixes which may help get your mouse working.
1. Inspect the Mouse and USB Port – Check the physical condition of both the mouse and the USB port. Make sure the USB port is free of dirt and debris. If the connections are secure and undamaged, proceed to the next step.
2. Check the Batteries – If your mouse requires batteries, check to make sure they are properly installed and still have a charge. You can try replacing the batteries if necessary.
3. Update the Drivers – Outdated drivers can cause issues with hardware. To update the mouse driver, go to the manufacturer’s website and search for the most recent version of the driver. Then follow the onscreen instructions to install the driver.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall the Mouse – If updating the driver didn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the mouse. To do this, go to Device Manager (right-click on the Start menu button and select Device Manager). Find the mouse in the list, right-click on it, then select Uninstall. Restart your computer and plug in the mouse. Windows should detect it automatically and reinstall the drivers.
5. Check Other Devices – If your mouse is not the only device that isn’t working, there may be a problem with your USB ports. Try plugging the mouse into a different USB port, or try a different USB cable.
6. Reset Your Computer – If none of these steps solve the issue, you may need to reset your computer. Go to the Settings menu, select “Update & Security,” then select “Reset this PC.” This will reset your computer to its factory default settings, which should hopefully fix any software issues causing your mouse to not work.
7. Use System Restore – If you’ve recently installed a new program or update that caused the mouse to stop working, you may be able to restore your system to an earlier point. Go to the Control Panel and search for System Restore. Follow the onscreen instructions to restore the system to an earlier point.
If none of the above steps work, you may need to replace the mouse. Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer any warranty or replacement services.