Why Is My Wired Mouse Not Working – Have you ever been in the middle of an intense gaming session, and suddenly, your wired mouse stops working? Honestly, I have, and it was beyond frustrating. At first, I thought it was just a minor glitch, but after trying everything, I realized the issue could be more complicated. So, I decided to dig deep, troubleshoot step by step, and finally figure out what was wrong. If you’re facing the same problem, don’t worry because I’ve got you covered!
Quick Fixes You Should Try First
Before overthinking, you should try these quick fixes because they might save you a lot of time:
- Unplug and replug your mouse since connection issues happen all the time.
- Try a different USB port because some ports randomly stop working.
- Restart your computer since this classic fix often solves weird issues.
- Test your mouse on another device so you can confirm whether the mouse is broken.
If none of these work, don’t panic because there are still plenty of solutions left!
1. Check for Hardware Issues
Your mouse hardware might be the problem, so you should check these things right away:
- Damaged Cable – If your cable looks bent or torn, then it might be broken internally.
- Faulty USB Connection – If your USB plug feels loose, try inserting it into another port.
- Mouse Sensor Issues – If dust or dirt covers the sensor, clean it with a soft cloth.
- Power Supply Problems – If your mouse is connected to a USB hub, plug it directly into your PC.
Recommendation: 5 Best Wired Mice to Buy in 2025
- Logitech G502 HERO – 25,600 DPI, 11 programmable buttons – $55.00 on Amazon
- Razer DeathAdder V3 – 20,000 DPI, ergonomic grip – $59.99 on Amazon
- SteelSeries Rival 5 – Dual sensor, customizable weight – $58.95 on Amazon
- Corsair M65 RGB Elite – 18,000 DPI, tunable weight – $49.00 on Amazon
- HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro – 16,000 DPI, Pixart 3389 sensor – $49.85 on Amazon
2. Software & Driver Issues
Sometimes, your mouse refuses to work because of software problems, so you should check these fixes:
- Update Your Mouse Drivers since outdated drivers can cause unexpected issues.
- Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers because corrupted drivers can mess up the connection.
- Check for Windows Updates so you don’t miss any critical patches.
- Disable Conflicting Software since some apps interfere with mouse input.
3. Operating System & USB Port Problems
If your USB port or OS is acting up, then you should try these steps:
- Run Windows Troubleshooter because it automatically detects common issues.
- Check Power Management Settings so Windows doesn’t disable your USB ports.
- Reset BIOS Settings since some BIOS updates affect USB device recognition.
4. External Interference & Other Issues
Even external factors can cause mouse problems, so you should check everything:
- Too Many USB Devices? – If your PC has too many connected devices, unplug the unnecessary ones.
- USB Hub Issues – If your mouse is plugged into a hub, connect it directly to your computer.
- Mouse Pad Problems – If your surface is too smooth or reflective, use a proper mouse pad.
- Malware? – If your PC is acting strange, scan for viruses immediately.
FAQs: Why Is My Wired Mouse Not Working
1. How do I know if my wired mouse is broken?
If your mouse refuses to work on multiple computers, then it’s most likely broken.
2. Why is my mouse not moving but the buttons work?
If your cursor stays still while clicking works, then your sensor might be blocked or damaged.
3. How do I fix an unresponsive mouse?
If your mouse stops responding, then try different USB ports, update your drivers, and clean the sensor.
4. My wired mouse works intermittently. What should I do?
If your mouse works sometimes but not always, then check for a loose cable, bad port, or software issue.
5. Can a virus cause my mouse to stop working?
If malware infects your system, then it can interfere with input devices, so always run virus scans.
