Mouse is not working
Restore pointer control by checking power, connection, surface, and drivers.
- Updated
- September 18, 2026
- Reading time
- 7 min read
- Windows support
- Windows 11 · Windows 10
Quick diagnosis
Restore pointer control by checking power, connection, surface, and drivers.
Symptoms
- Pointer does not move
- Buttons or scroll fail
Likely causes
- Battery or connection
- Sensor surface
- Driver or hardware
Quick reversible checks
- Use a clean opaque surface
- Try another port or battery
Establish the scope
Compare pointer movement with buttons and scrolling. If movement fails only on one surface, inspect the sensor path; if every action fails, check power and connection. A working second mouse on this PC and failure of the original on another PC help localize an accessory fault.
Apply the safer fix first
Reconnect USB directly or re-pair Bluetooth. Clean the sensor and review button and pointer-speed settings.
Investigate the cause
Test this mouse on another PC and a known-good mouse here. Update chipset, USB, or Bluetooth drivers only if fault stays with Windows.
Protect the recovery path
Retain keyboard navigation or another pointer before removing a pairing or driver. Do not keep using a leaking battery, damaged cable, or hot receiver.
Verification
- Move the pointer across the screen and test the affected buttons and scrolling in an ordinary app.
- Repeat on the normal surface and connection after sleep/wake if that was the original trigger.
When to stop
Do not continue with broader resets when batteries swell, cables are damaged, or the mouse fails multiple computers. Preserve the observations already collected and use the device maker, network administrator, Microsoft support, a qualified repair technician, or data-recovery help according to the evidence.
Review the safe troubleshooting workflow before any broader recovery step.