A wireless mouse can stop working out of the blue.
It may be after waking your computer from sleep, installing updates, or moving the mouse to a new system.
In most cases, the fix is simple.
How To Wireless Mouse Suddenly Stops Working
1. Replace or recharge the batteries
Most wireless mice run on AA or AAA batteries.
Weak batteries often cause the mouse to stop responding.
Try fresh batteries or charge the mouse if it has a built-in battery.
Some mice light up or flash when batteries are low.
2. Unplug and replug the USB receiver
Remove the wireless receiver from the USB port.
Wait five seconds.
Then plug it back in, preferably into a different port.
This can refresh the connection.
Ports can stop responding due to system errors or power saving features.
3. Restart the computer
A simple restart can solve driver glitches and restore mouse function.
If your mouse suddenly stopped working after an update, a reboot is often enough.
4. Try another device
Plug the USB receiver into another computer.
If the mouse works there, the issue is likely with your system.
If it doesn’t, the mouse or receiver might be faulty.
5. Update or reinstall mouse drivers
Open Device Manager.
Go to “Mice and other pointing devices.”
Right-click your mouse, choose “Uninstall device.”
Restart your system.
Windows will reinstall the driver.
You can also try “Update driver” if the option is there.
6. Remove sources of interference
WiFi routers, Bluetooth devices, and even metal desks can interfere with wireless signals.
Move the mouse and receiver closer.
Use a USB extender if needed.
7. Check USB power settings
In Device Manager, under USB Root Hub settings, uncheck the option that allows the computer to turn off the device to save power.
This can prevent the system from shutting off the mouse receiver.
8. Replace the receiver or the mouse
If none of the above work, the receiver or the mouse may be damaged.
Some brands sell replacement receivers, but many require pairing software or tools that are brand-specific.
Conclusion
And that is how to fix a wireless mouse that suddenly stopped working.
Firstly, this could happen due to waking your computer from sleep, installing updates, or moving the mouse to a new system.
But apart form the 8 other fixes in this guide, you can fix it by either restarting the computer, unplugging and re-plugging the USB receiver, replacing or recharging the batteries, and more!
Additional Reading:
USB port not working? [Check these steps]
How To Fix Laptop Not Turning On Unless Plugged In
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
