When you slide your finger over a trackpad on a laptop, your cursor stays motionless, which is a little strange. Even worse, when the click buttons stop working, you won’t be able to operate your laptop.
Every laptop manufacturer has a unique configuration. Troubleshooting may need a different method based on the brand. Why is my mouse not working on my laptop? Fine question. We have the best solutions here.
Laptop Mice Problems
The actual problem with a broken laptop mouse is that it’s not as simple to replace as a regular mouse. You can’t just disconnect your laptop’s touchpad and replace it with a new one.
To save costly repairs, investigate the mouse to discover whether the loss of operation is due to a setup issue.
Cause for laptop mouse not working
This issue might emerge as a result of the following factors:
Computer froze: If the Num lock key on your laptop keypad is activated, the mouse will not operate. When this key is continually hit, the Lock toggles the keyboard on and off. Your laptop will be frozen and all hardware will stop working if the indicator does not change. Restart the laptop to fix the problem before moving on to the next step.
No Num Lock Key: If your keyboard doesn’t have an LED and you don’t have a Num Lock key, simply hit the “Ctrl+Alt+Del” keys at the same time. A blue Windows choice will appear on your screen as a result of this activity. If this function isn’t shown on your screen, it signifies your system is stuck. To resolve this issue, restart your computer as instructed above.
Mouse Conflict: If you’ve just installed new hardware, you could wish to uninstall it to determine if it’s the source of the problem.
Not Connected properly: If the mouse is not properly attached, it will not operate. Mice come in two varieties.
- If you’re using a USB mouse, unplug the cord and plug it into another USB port. Avoid using a USB hub since it might not have enough power to establish the connection.
- If you’re using a wireless mouse, ensure sure it’s receiving enough power. Check the power indicator for power notifications regularly. This will manifest itself as light. Also, ensure sure the power switch is turned on. If the mouse is turned on but not operating, replace the batteries and make sure the wireless receiver is not obstructed and is within range. Finally, if the problem persists, unplug the USB adapter and insert it into another port.
Mouse Conflict/ Driver Conflict: There might be a driver conflict if the mouse is in Safe mode. To resolve the issue, follow these instructions.
- In Device Manager, expand the mouse option. To do so, click the plus sign (+).
- Remove the listed mouse by selecting each one individually and pressing the delete button.
If this doesn’t work, run a Troubleshooter by following the Windows instructions.
Outdated or Missing Drivers: To check for this, go to Drive Manager and see whether a driver for your mouse has been installed. The problem might be resolved by installing a driver that is compatible with the mouse.
Look through the page’s list of links to find links to prominent mouse manufacturer websites where you can obtain mouse drivers. If your mouse already has a driver, ensure sure you have the most recent version. Download the most recent update if you haven’t already.
Hardware issues: If none of the previous techniques work, try switching to a different mouse to see if that helps. If the alternative mouse works, try your main mouse on a different computer.
If the problem persists, the issue is most likely with the mouse port. Consider switching it out for a different port. If they still don’t function, it’s time to replace the motherboard.
How To Get the Mouse To Work on Laptop
A simple adjustment can sometimes restore the functionality of a laptop mouse. Other times, a total replacement is required. Even if you aren’t up to replacing the part, the remainder of the troubleshooting should be simple enough for a novice to handle.
Keep in mind that to fix your laptop mouse, you may need to connect an external mouse.
Before You Start
Many individuals ignore an issue that causes the mouse on a laptop to stop working. When a rival external device is plugged in, the computer stops both devices from operating at the same time.
While logic would suggest that the culprit is a mouse, cables can get twisted, and other devices can have the same effect.
Remove all of the devices that are linked to your USB ports. Remove any USB hubs you may have. Once the PC is clear of competing devices, try using your laptop mouse again.
If that works, try reconnecting your gadgets one at a time. Begin with any hubs or extensions you have. Try using your laptop mouse again between each new device connection. You’ll know which gadget is causing it if it stops operating.
Next, try connecting the device that’s causing the issue to a different port. It’s conceivable that the port has been damaged and is giving inaccurate information. Swap things about until you find a setup that works for you — and makes sure you have a working laptop mouse. Here are the possible solutions to fix ” laptop mouse not working”.
Solutions To Fix Mouse Not Working
- Check Your Settings
- Look for a Touchpad Key
- Check Tablet Laptop Mode
- Run Antivirus and SFC Scan
- Try different USB Ports
- Hardware solutions for wireless mouse only
- Restart the Laptop
- Update your mouse driver
- Reinstall your mouse driver
- Disable the Fast Startup Option
- Remove Any External Mice
- Review Mouse Settings in Windows
- Try the function keys
- Try Troubleshooting
- Check mouse properties
Let us go through each solution one by one:
Solution 1: Check Your Settings
Before you assume the laptop mouse is malfunctioning, you should check a few settings.
Device Manager
Windows’ Device Manager allows you to see all of the devices that are connected to your computer. Examine it to verify if the laptop recognizes your laptop mouse. If it isn’t, you may need to run a scan to assist Windows in finding it. You may update the drivers or reinstall the mouse to see if it helps.
- Open the Device Manager application.
- Choose “Scan for Hardware Changes” from the context menu when you right-click on your computer’s name.
- If Windows detects new devices and wants to install drivers, follow the prompts.
- Expand the category “Mice and other pointing devices” by scrolling down.
- Choose “Update driver” from the context menu of each mouse.
- If required, update the driver by following the instructions.
- Right-click on the mouse you’re troubleshooting’s entry.
- Select Uninstall.
- To confirm, select “Uninstall.”
- Once the installation is complete, wait for Windows to detect the mouse again. As long as it’s connected, it should identify and install itself.
Check your touchpad and mouse settings if none of these techniques help you fix the mouse.
Hardware Settings
Specific hardware settings might lead you to believe your mouse is malfunctioning. In fact, it is misconfigured and isn’t reacting appropriately. You could, for example, have your touchpad switched off or your scroll settings erroneously adjusted.
- In your settings, look for Touchpad.
- Check to see whether it’s turned on. To switch it on and off, you may move a button at the top of the page.
- Increase or decrease the sensitivity.
- Change the tap’s parameters.
- Make certain that each set is exactly how you want it. As you make adjustments, try out the mouse to see if any of the settings help.
Windows settings are frequently to blame for the problems that customers encounter. Even if you haven’t changed your settings and they’re still on default, this might be an issue because they’re not to your liking. It’s a lengthy procedure since you have to double-check everything, test it, then double-check it again.
In the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the settings, the limitations of your laptop’s capabilities, and the nature of the issue.
BIOS Settings
Depending on the laptop model you have, you’ll need to use a different approach. Look for a touchpad or mouse option in your BIOS. Check to see whether it’s turned off.
Some laptops that you don’t own may have been configured by your employer or school to deactivate specific functionality. Talk to an administrator if this is the case and you don’t have access.
Solution 2: Look for a Touchpad Key
Some laptops feature a key that turns off the touchpad automatically. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the price will differ.
Examine the F keys on the top of your keyboard first. The touchpad may be turned on and off by pressing the Fn key together with the Fn key.
Next, seek a touchpad picture among the buttons. If you come across one, tapping that key may cause it to toggle. However, you may need to use the Fn key to press it.
Immediately after pressing the button, try using the mouse. If it still doesn’t function, press the button again to restore the mouse to its previous state.
Solution 3: Check Tablet Laptop Mode
Many current laptops may also be used as tablets. The mouse on the laptop half of the computer stops working while the tablet is activated.
First, double-check that the detachable portion is securely attached to the laptop. It may block the mouse from operating if it hasn’t clicked into position because it isn’t being detected in laptop mode.
If it doesn’t work, look for and disable the tablet input service. Its purpose is to verify that the tablet controls function properly in that mode.
- Open the Services program by typing Services into the Windows start menu.
- Look for “Tablet PC Input Service” in the search bar.
- Make a right-click on the entry.
- Stop by pressing the Stop button.
Check to check if the laptop mouse works once the service has been disabled. If it does, you may either enable it to launch automatically in the future or deactivate it manually when switching modes.
Solution 4: Run Antivirus and SFC Scan
Running an antivirus check as well as the System File Checker might assist in resolving any issues with your mouse.
Antivirus Scan
Unless you use a third-party antivirus, scan for infections with the built-in Windows antivirus. If you do, use the dashboard to perform a scan.
- Open the matching software by typing Windows Security into the Windows start menu.
- In the left sidebar, select “Virus and threat protection.”
- Select Quick scan from the drop-down menu.
- Allow time for the scan to complete.
Viruses and malware can prevent some aspects of your computer from functioning properly. They can cause your mouse to move erratically or perhaps stop moving altogether. If Windows detects a danger, follow the prompts to quarantine or eliminate it.
System File Checker (SFC)
- Press Windows key+X.
- Choose Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type “
SFC /scannow” without quotes and press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete.
If SFC detects any issues, follow the on-screen instructions to correct them.
Solution 5: Try different USB Ports
If your wireless cable isn’t working, double-check that it’s attached to your laptop properly. Remove it and plug it back in, or try it with another USB port.
- Remove the receiver or cable from the laptop port.
- Allow a few minutes to pass.
- Reconnect the cord and test the mouse to see whether it works.
Solution 6: Hardware solutions for wireless mouse only
Try these methods if you use a wireless mouse:
- Remove the old batteries and swap them out for fresh ones. Check to see whether the mouse is working now. Open the Control Panel and go to Bluetooth to check the battery state of your Bluetooth mouse.
- Check the box next to “Total Battery Power Remaining.” It will alert you when the mouse’s batteries need to be replaced.
- Check to see if the mouse’s wireless receiver is within range. Make sure there aren’t any obstacles in the way.
- You may also try inserting the wireless USB adapter into a different port after unplugging it.
It’s also necessary that your wireless mouse has enough power to function. Check to see if the indicator light is turned on. If it is not getting power, try moving the mouse around on the mousepad or turning off and on the mouse’s power switch, which is usually located on the bottom.
Solution 7: Restart the Laptop
Some difficulties might be resolved simply by restarting your laptop. If the two options above haven’t worked, restart the laptop after disconnecting the mouse. Try connecting the mouse in again once the system has restarted.
Solution 8: Update your mouse driver
An outdated driver might be the cause of a malfunctioning mouse. Check for the latest updates on the manufacturer’s website. Make certain that the drivers you install are compatible with your mouse. Drivers may be updated in two ways.
Manual driver update
To complete this process, go to your mouse manufacturer’s website and look for a driver that is compatible with your version of Windows. Download the update after you’ve found the proper one.
Automatic driver update
If you don’t have time to make a manual update, you can use a third-party program to do it for you. An application like this will search the internet for available drivers and download and install them for you.
Identifying why your mouse is not functioning on your laptop might be difficult. But if you are patient enough to follow the steps in this article, you will almost likely discover a solution that will work for you. If neither of these work, you may need to reinstall the drivers.
Solution 9: Reinstall your mouse driver
If your mouse isn’t operating properly, use Device Manager to replace the mouse drivers on your laptop. The mouse drivers are installed via the Microsoft driver repository; to do so, follow the procedures below:
- By hitting the Windows key + X, you may access the Device Manager.
- Choose “Mice and other pointing devices” from the drop-down menu, then delete “HID-Compliant Mouse.”
- Your laptop will prompt you to restart it. Permission must be granted. You may now verify your USB or wireless mouse after the mouse driver has been loaded.
Solution 10: Disable the Fast Startup Option
One of the causes of the mouse not working on your laptop is a fast startup. To disable it, follow the instructions below:
- Select Power Option by pressing Windows + X.
- Now choose “Choose what the power button does” followed by “Change settings that are currently unavailable.” Remove the checkmark from the “Turn on rapid startup” box.
- Make a backup of your modifications. Restraining your computer may take a little longer now, but it will almost certainly fix your mouse.
Solution 11: Remove Any External Mice (For touchpad mouse)
(Use this solution if your touchpad mice are not working).
Moving on, removing any USB mice you have attached to your laptop is another easy. It is a vital troubleshooting step for a laptop touchpad that isn’t working. You should also unplug any Bluetooth mice you’re using.
The reason behind this is that certain laptops include a function that disables the touchpad when an external mouse is connected. It’s possible that this is why your touchpad has stopped working. When testing this, turn off your computer, unplug any non-essential gadgets and accessories, and then turn it back on.
If you reset your computer and your mouse touchpad works, you’ve identified the problem. You may be able to change this setting to keep your trackpad active even if you have a mouse hooked in, depending on your computer.
Solution 12: Review Mouse Settings in Windows (For Touchpad mouse)
(Use this solution if your touchpad mice are not working).
Check the mouse settings in Windows to see if anything has gone wrong. To begin, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad.
Make sure the Touchpad slider is turned on here. As previously indicated, there’s another box underneath this entitled Leave touchpad on while a mouse is attached. Take a look at the other touchpad options while you’re here to make sure your mouse input works as expected.
If this option does not fix your problem, you may be able to find touchpad-specific settings in another area. Click the Additional mouse settings link on the right side of Settings > Devices > Mouse. If you don’t see it, horizontally drag the Settings window until it displays.
On the right side of the resultant dialogue box, there should be a tab titled Device Settings, TouchPad, or something similar. You may activate or disable the touchpad here; if it wasn’t working earlier, it might be disabled. Re-enable it and check if your touchpad starts working again.
Solution 13: Try the function keys
Sometimes the mouse won’t move because you accidentally deactivated the trackpad by using the function keys. If that’s the case, we’ll have to re-press the keys to turn it on. Here’s how to do it:
- Hold down the Fn key on your keyboard and press the touchpad key (or F7, F8, F9, F5, depending on the laptop manufacturer).
Move your mouse around to see whether the mouse is still locked on your laptop.
Solution 14: Try Troubleshooting
If your laptop does not recognize the mouse after connecting it in, you can use the hardware troubleshooter. To start the troubleshooter, navigate to “Control Panel”. Then open “Troubleshooting,” and choose “Hardware and Devices.” Restart your laptop when the operation is finished to see whether the mouse works.
Solution 15: Check mouse properties
Another possibility for this mouse-got-stuck issue is that the trackpad has been switched off.
- To free your mouse, hit the Windows logo key on your keyboard, then copy and paste “main. cpl” into the box and click OK.
- Select your device from the Device Settings menu, then Enable > Apply > OK.
Hopefully, your mouse will unfreeze and operate properly this time.
Additional Tips
Here are some more basic guidelines for using both USB and wireless mice with your laptop.
- Check that you’re just using the mouse on a nice, level surface. For a more uniform work surface, a mousepad is recommended.
- Examine the mouse for any signs of hardware damage. A missing ball, damaged housing, failure of the optical sensor to illuminate, or sticky/silent clicking of the finger switches are all possible causes. In this scenario, replacing the mouse rather than fixing it is preferable, as most mouse hardware components are very inexpensive when compared to other parts.
- Because an external mouse communicates with a USB receiver on your laptop through wireless signals, it’s conceivable that the receiver is out of sync with the wireless mouse, leading it to cease operating. As a result, you should think about resyncing the USB port with the mouse, which is a simple process. When you press the Connect button on the USB receiver, a light will flash on the receiver. Then hit the mouse’s Connect button. The flashing light on the USB receiver will cease blinking, indicating that your receiver is now synchronized with the mouse.
Conclusion
The techniques outlined here should resolve the majority of trackpad issues. However, your mouse may be still broken.
In such an instance, you’re most likely dealing with a hardware problem. It’s possible that a cable has been broken or that the touchpad has worn out. In that case, you should either take your computer to a repair shop for a professional opinion or switch to an external mouse.