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If your mouse has no response in Windows 11, start with its power and connection, then test it on another PC. That quick test helps separate a faulty mouse from a problem with your computer. If you have no pointer, use your keyboard or, on a laptop, its touchpad to work through the steps below.
1. Check the mouse’s power and physical connection
Begin with the connection type, because a USB mouse, a receiver-based wireless mouse and a Bluetooth mouse need different checks.
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Wired USB mouse
- Unplug the mouse and reconnect it. Try a different USB port.
- If it is connected through a hub, disconnect the hub and plug the mouse directly into the PC. A hub or port can be the source of the problem.
- Look for cable damage and check that dirt is not blocking the sensor.
Wireless mouse with a USB receiver
- Check that the mouse is switched on and its battery is charged or fresh.
- Unplug the receiver, wait about 10 seconds, then reconnect it. If the mouse or receiver has a reset control, try it.
- Connect the receiver directly to the PC rather than through a hub.
Bluetooth mouse
Check its battery or charge, make sure it is switched on and within range, and put it into pairing mode if required. The Windows Bluetooth checks are covered below.
2. Test the mouse on another PC
Connect the mouse to a second computer and check whether it works there. If the mouse needs a particular driver, install the correct driver for the test computer first. Microsoft recommends this check when a device has no response at all; its guidance is in Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
- It also fails on the second PC: The mouse itself is likely faulty. Replacement may be necessary.
- It works on the second PC: Focus on the original PC’s USB port, Bluetooth connection or driver configuration.
3. Reconnect a Bluetooth mouse in Windows 11
- Open Quick Settings and check that Bluetooth is on, or go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Confirm the mouse has power, is close enough to the PC and is ready to pair. Turn Bluetooth and the mouse off and on again.
- If the mouse is listed but will not connect, remove it from Bluetooth devices and add it again using Windows’ pairing flow.
- If it still will not connect, open the Get Help app and run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
For Microsoft’s connection guidance, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows and Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows.
If Bluetooth is missing or grayed out
A missing or unavailable Bluetooth control can point to the PC’s Bluetooth hardware, driver or firmware rather than a problem with the mouse. Check for driver updates and consult the PC manufacturer for model-specific steps. Microsoft outlines this situation in Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows.
Rank #2
- The next-generation optical HERO sensor delivers incredible performance and up to 10x the power efficiency over previous generations, with 400 IPS precision and up to 12,000 DPI sensitivity
- Ultra-fast LIGHTSPEED wireless technology gives you a lag-free gaming experience, delivering incredible responsiveness and reliability with 1 ms report rate for competition-level performance
- G305 wireless mouse boasts an incredible 250 hours of continuous gameplay on just 1 AA battery; switch to Endurance mode via Logitech G HUB software and extend battery life up to 9 months
- Wireless does not have to mean heavy, G305 lightweight mouse provides high maneuverability coming in at only 3.4 oz thanks to efficient lightweight mechanical design and ultra-efficient battery usage
- The durable, compact design with built-in nano receiver storage makes G305 not just a great portable desktop mouse, but also a great laptop travel companion, use with a gaming laptop and play anywhere
4. Check Windows drivers if the mouse works elsewhere
If the mouse works on another PC but not yours, check for driver updates through Windows Update or Device Manager. The exact device and driver path can vary, so use the PC or mouse manufacturer’s instructions when Windows does not identify it clearly.
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5. Use a touchpad temporarily if you have one
A laptop touchpad can provide temporary pointer control while you troubleshoot the mouse. If the touchpad also fails, check for its driver through Windows Update. In Device Manager, it may appear under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices. If updating or reinstalling its driver does not help, contact the Windows device manufacturer. See Microsoft’s Fix touchpad problems in Windows.
Rank #3
- Your hand can relax in comfort hour after hour with this ergonomically designed mouse. Its contoured shape with soft rubber grips, gently curved sides and broad palm area give you the support you need for effortless control all day long.
- You’ve got the control to do more, faster. Flipping through photo albums and Web pages is a breeze, especially for right-handers—with three standard buttons plus Back/Forward buttons that you can also program to switch applications, go full screen and more. And side-to-side scrolling plus zoom gives you the power to scroll horizontally and vertically through your music library, maps and Facebook feeds, and zoom in and out of photos and budget spreadsheets with a click.* * Requires Logitech SetPoint software (Windows) or Logitech Control Center software (Mac OS X)
- Two years of battery life practically eliminates the need to replace batteries. ** The On/Off switch helps conserve power, smart sleep mode extends battery life and an indicator light eliminates surprises. ** Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions.
- The tiny Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your laptop. There’s no need to unplug it when you move around, so there’s less worry of it being lost. And you can easily add compatible wireless mice and keyboards to the same wireless receiver.
When to replace the mouse
Consider replacement when the mouse still fails on another PC after you have checked its power and connection and installed any required driver. If replacing it, choose a connection type your PC supports—for example, a wired USB mouse if you want to avoid pairing or a wireless receiver. Do not assume another brand’s receiver, battery, cable or repair part will work with your current mouse; compatibility depends on the model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Smooth, precise and affordable wireless optical 3-button mouse with USB nano receiver for laptop, desktop and netbook PCs
- 2.4 GHz wireless (not Bluetooth) provides a powerful, reliable connection
- Nano-receiver stays in the PC USB port or stows conveniently inside the wireless mouse when not in use (note: Receiver is stored within the mouse from production and needs to be removed upon setup)
- Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10
- Easy installation - refer to user manual for instructions
Rank #4
- Pair and Play: With fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology, you’re connected in seconds to this quiet cordless mouse —no dongle or port required
- Less Noise, More Focus: Silent mouse with 90% reduced click sound and the same click feel, eliminating noise and distractions for you and others around you (1)
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 18-month battery life with an energy-efficient auto sleep feature, so you can go longer between battery changes (2)
- Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Design: Small enough to toss in a bag; this slim and ambidextrous portable compact mouse guides either your right or left hand into a natural position
- Long-Range: Reliable, long-range Bluetooth wireless mouse works up to 10m/33 feet away from your computer (3)
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