Why doesn't the mouse work on a laptop?

Wireless and wired computer mice and touchpads rarely require special settings or complicated additional steps when connecting. In most cases, even drivers are not needed: it is enough to either find a suitable USB connector or activate available Bluetooth technology in Windows. Touchpads (touch panels) on laptops turn on automatically and work almost inextricably with the operating system.

And yet, situations when the mouse is not detected by the system, the cursor does not move, and the buttons are not pressed do occur, which means it’s time to figure out what to do if nothing works.

Why doesn't the mouse work on my laptop?

Let's find out the main reasons why the mouse on a laptop does not work.

Windows terminology

This troubleshooting guide Please note that instructions may vary for different versions of modifications.

The Start menu is a window in the lower left corner of the user's screen that can be accessed by clicking the Windows or Start button.

" Control Panel " is a window that links to many of your computer's settings. It usually opens from the Start . On the right half of the start menu there should be a button labeled “Control Panel.”

Additionally, there may be a button labeled " Devices and Printers " which is a shortcut to most mouse settings. Note that if you don't have a handy mouse, you can access the Control Panel by pressing the Windows Key + R, typing " control " in the dialog box that opens, and pressing Enter or the Ok button.

Driver problems

Another source of the problem may be damaged mouse drivers. You can check the driver status in the same Device Manager, in the paragraph indicated above. A properly functioning device has no warning signs. The General properties tab should say "Device is working normally."

If your mouse or other pointing device is marked with a yellow exclamation mark, this is more likely to indicate a problem with the driver. In this case, you need to go to the device properties.

Switch to the “Drivers” tab and remove the driver by clicking the button of the same name.

After that, restart the laptop and reconnect the mouse. If you have any difficulties uninstalling the driver, use the free Driver Store Explorer utility. Allowing you to remove problematic drivers from the system.

As an additional measure, you can try removing the device itself...

Then update the configuration in Device Manager or restart the computer.

Types of mice that can be used on a laptop

If we talk about the types of mice that can be used on a laptop, we can note the main ones:

Optical . Or as it is also called a wired laser mouse.
Optical wireless mouse . Such a device operates via a Wireless Bluetooth connection using a special signal router that is connected to the laptop.
Well, the last thing is the Touchpad. This thing is an important part of every laptop , which makes the device mobile and convenient for many.

By the way, we have already talked about the best mice of this year.

Checking if your computer mouse is faulty

If you have questions about how to configure the mouse if it does not respond at all when connected to the PC, check at what stage it stopped working. These can be either hardware or mechanical faults.

Mechanical failure of a computer mouse

These include a cable break, dust or liquid getting inside the case. In such cases, you can either clean and dry the mouse yourself and repair the broken wire, or contact a service center for help.

Also considered mechanical failures are burnout of the USB connector and internal damage to the touchpad. Then you can’t do without visiting a service center.

Computer mouse driver incompatibility

If the mouse on your laptop does not work for this reason, reinstall the driver for it and check your PC for malware.

You can also turn on the device in Safe Boot mode (when turning it on, press F2 or Delete, then o) and check whether the mouse works after that. A panacea for such cases is a complete reinstallation of the entire operating system.

How to use my computer without a mouse

A broken mouse can be a unique challenge. If you don't have a backup mouse that works, navigating your computer can be difficult. Luckily, if your keyboard still works, you can still do almost everything you can with a mouse.

This article explains how you can do many basic things without using a mouse, here's a short list:

TAB : Allows you to navigate between various selectable elements in your current program (for example, toggles between links on a web page). Note that SHIFT + TAB behaves the same way, but moves your selection in the opposite direction.
ARROW and ENTER : When using the menu at the top of the program (File, Edit, Help, etc.), you can use the arrow keys to select which menu item you want to use, then press ENTER to use it.
ALT + TAB : Switch between running programs.
ENTER : Typically used for left clicking.
SHIFT + F10: Can be used for the right mouse button.
WINDOWS KEY or CTRL + ESC : Opens the Windows Start menu.
ALT + F4 : Closes the current program.
WINDOWS KEY + R : Allows you to launch various programs. Type "control" and press ENTER to launch the Control Panel.

When the mouse pointer disappears

Laptop users note that the treasured arrow most often does not appear on the monitor when connecting a peripheral device via USB. There are not too many reasons for her such capricious behavior, but each of them requires its own approach.

Possible reasons for the disappearance

Most often, the solution to the problem of how to return the missing mouse cursor back to the screen is due to the fact that:

the driver responsible for the operation of the equipment has stopped responding to requests;
there is mechanical damage;
the system is infected with a virus;
new components downloaded after the update damaged old files;
connection port does not work;
hotkeys were accidentally pressed.

Separately, I would like to highlight Windows 10, changes in the system registry of which are the most common reason for the disappearance of the pointer.

How to find out why the cursor disappeared

If the mouse does not work because the port has failed, the pointer appears on the screen but does not move across the screen.

You can suspect a virus if, shortly before the problem occurred, you visited unverified sites or downloaded unlicensed files. A distinctive feature of this malfunction is that the cursor moves independently, without a command.

When it comes to Windows 8 and 8.1, most often the problem is related to the installation of add-ons that could corrupt files. This option should be considered after updating the system. In Windows 10, the source of trouble that occurs regardless of updates is the system registry.

Problem solving methods

In the case when the cursor disappears due to a port failure, the equipment should be connected to another connector. If this does not help, the reason lies in a broken mouse, you need to purchase a new one.

To check the system for the presence of a virus, you can monitor it using an antivirus. Users have access to both free demo programs and paid analogues.

System update problems are handled as follows:

We hold down the left Ctrl + Shift and Num Lock, thanks to which cursor control is transferred to the keyboard arrows.
In the Start menu we find “Mouse”, it is located in the control panel.
Next, go to “Pointer Options”.
In the “Visibility” column, uncheck the checkbox, if there is one, in the “Display pointer trail” cell.
Save the changes.
We again switch to the “Command Line” through the search menu.
Right-click on the link that opens and open it.
In the window we write “sfc /scannow”.

If the check shows that the files have been restored, you can safely restart the laptop. If this does not happen, launch Command Prompt, enter “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and press Enter. We reboot and return to “sfc /scannow” again.

To make changes to the system registry, press “Win + R”, which will open access to a new window in which we enter “regedit”. As a result, you will be taken to the registry, in which you must select “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”. Next, you should open System with the EnableCursorSuppression element. If the value contains the number 1, you need to replace it with 0, after which the tool closes and the laptop restarts.

Mouse won't turn on

When the computer is on but there is no light coming from the bottom of the mouse. Let's find out the main reasons why the mouse on a laptop does not work?

Incorrectly connected

In case the mouse cursor is not responding, make sure your USB is connected to a USB port that can be used. Make sure the only mouse connected to your computer is the one you're working with.

The mouse is on, but the cursor does not move

You have confirmed that the mouse is turned on (for optical mice there is a light at the bottom), but moving your physical mouse does not move the cursor on the screen.

Using the wrong surface (mouse pad)

The mouse may be unresponsive because you have it on a clear or shiny surface.

The mouse needs a surface that can reflect the outgoing beam from the LED to the sensor in the mouse.

Textured surfaces are better because they allow the mouse to more easily recognize movement. Choose a mouse pad that is not shiny or transparent. You can temporarily use some type of paper or folder to place under your mouse.

The mouse is dirty

If the bottom of the mouse is not clean, dirt may interfere with the sensor's operation. Use a damp towel or wipe to clean the bottom so the light has a clear path back to the sensor.

Hardware problems

Troubleshooting system problems
A troubleshooting program is automatically built into the operating system (experts will tell you which one is better). The wizard works in semi-automatic mode and when launched, it detects errors and system failures and fixes them itself.

The test includes assessing the functionality of the entire system, checking settings, and restarting necessary services and adapters. Users just launch the wizard, no further actions are required - the program itself will perform all the actions.

Most often, the troubleshooting wizard solves the problem of the mouse falling asleep, poor contact with USB (if the port is working), etc.

If the technician did not help, it is likely that the equipment is damaged and must be serviced or replaced. For example, the user flooded the buttons or clicked on them too much, which led to broken contacts.

FAQ

Why doesn't my wireless mouse work on Windows 7?

The problem may be a soft or too smooth table surface (fabric/mirror), connection to the front USB ports (it is better to reconnect to the rear ports), or old drivers.

Incorrect computer settings

Your mouse settings may be changed in some way. To fix this, go to the Control Panel ( Start or Windows -> Control Panel).

Then go to Hardware and Sound and look under Devices and Printers (note that Devices and Printers can be directly accessed from your computer's Start menu). Select the "Mouse" option.

The settings will then appear on your screen. Select "Default" and then exit it. This will change the mouse settings to the default settings. If this doesn't work, try restarting your computer. Turn off and then turn your mouse back on your computer after the restart process is complete.

System failure

After hardware problems, a failure in the operating system is the most common cause of mouse failure. However, it is not at all necessary that this failure be global. It’s just that at some point your manipulator stops working.

The problem is solved by simply restarting the computer using the touchpad or the Win + D and Alt + F4 hotkeys. If the touchpad also does not work, press on the keyboard the button responsible for turning it on and off. The combination Fn + F9, Fn + F7 or Fn + F5 (it may differ on different laptop models).

Buttons don't work

You can click the mouse, but nothing happens on the computer; OR, you can't press the mouse buttons.

Check for obstacles

Make sure nothing is blocking the buttons. Paper, crumbs, or food may resist the buttons or prevent them from clicking correctly. Try blowing under the buttons or using something small (like a paperclip) to remove larger obstructions. If you can't easily remove the obstruction, disassembling the mouse may be a viable option to check for hidden blockages.

Incorrect computer settings

The issue is resolved as in the method above.

Buttons can be replaced

If your mouse is older or has been used for a while, the buttons may be so worn that they are ineffective. If so, you can restore them by replacing the worn parts.

USB is worn out or broken

Any USB mouse cable is susceptible to damage if you press it frequently, get it caught in the door, or let your cat chew on it.

Remove damaged wires

If part of the cable is damaged, you can cut out the broken part and solder the internal wires together.

Replace damaged plug

If the USB plug itself is damaged, you can unplug the plug and solder a new one.

Touchpad cursor disappeared

Few people use a touchpad on a laptop, and in case of various breakdowns, the problem is solved by connecting a mouse. But what to do when the manipulator is not around?

The touchpad does not function because it is disabled. The device is turned on by simultaneously pressing the F9 and Fn keys on the keyboard (Asus); F6 and Fn keys (Lenovo). In other models the combinations are different, but all have Fn.
The touchpad does not function because it is dirty. Its surface must be clean and the fingers working with it must be dry. Dirt is removed using wet wipes and a dry towel.
The touchpad does not function because it is disabled in the BIOS. When you restart the laptop, you need to open the BIOS (by pressing the F2 or Del key, depending on the manufacturer), in which you need to find the Internal Pointing Device parameter. Its value should be Enabled (the value can be changed by double-clicking on the parameter and changing the value from the keyboard).

In any case, if the laptop cursor disappears, any novice user can fix the problem by turning on the system recovery utility (in the main menu of standard programs). To do this, press the Win key to bring up the main menu, find the Standard item and click it. In the menu that appears, you need to highlight the System item and select the system restore line.

Laptop Electronics

Re-enabling the touchpad using the Fn key

One story happened to me when I turned on WiFi on my laptop and accidentally disabled the touchpad. For a long time I searched for the reason, without immediately realizing what had happened. It turned out to be simple, laptops have an additional functions button called Fn at the bottom left of the keyboard. To enable a function on a laptop, press the combination of the Fn and F1...F12 buttons. On these same buttons F1-F12, pictures or symbols are drawn to apply the parameter. For example, to enable the touchpad, you need to press Fn+F7; on the F7 button itself there will be an image of something like a touchpad. You can press all the buttons in order Fn+F1...F12, but remember that there is a function to turn off the display; press again the buttons on which the screen went dark.

On some HP laptops, the touchpad is turned on and off by double-tapping the edge of the touchpad itself. Asus and acer brands may have a separate button next to the touchpad. If the touchpad still does not work, then move on.

What to do if the cursor twitches

There may be several explanations for this, which are related to Windows not working correctly:

Weak computer configuration;
Virus programs;
Overheating of PC components, for example, video card;
Mouse malfunction;
Damage to system files.

First, you should make sure that the system is really damaged. Launch the command line as administrator and enter the command:

sfc /scannow

If the files are truly damaged, they will be restored. When executing this command, you can fail, then this method comes to the rescue:

On the command line enter the command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This function restores the original system image. It is somewhat comparable to the previous command, but it downloads files from the Update Center. Therefore, you must have the Internet turned on.