Troubleshooting Mouse & Keyboard Problems

Common Mouse Problems

Computer mice can develop issues like not moving properly, moving erratically, or not being recognized by your computer. Here are some common mouse problems and potential solutions:

Mouse Not Moving Properly

• Check sensor – Turn mouse upside down and see if the laser or LED light is blocked by debris. Gently clean with a Q-tip.

• Check surface – Mouse may not track well on shiny or transparent surfaces. Switch to a plain mousepad.

• Check batteries – If wireless, batteries could be drained. Replace batteries.

• Plug in receiver – Make sure wireless mouse USB receiver is firmly plugged into computer.

• Update drivers – Outdated mouse drivers can cause issues. Update to latest drivers.

• Adjust sensitivity – Mouse software may have sensitivity set too high or low. Adjust for comfort.

Mouse Moving Erratically

• Check sensor – As above, inspect bottom and clean any debris blocking sensor.

• Adjust sensitivity – If set too high, small hand movements can cause erratic cursor movement.

• Try different surface – Some surfaces like glass can confuse mouse sensor. Switch surfaces.

• Update drivers – Again, outdated drivers could lead to erratic behavior. Update drivers.

• Check for interference – Other wireless devices may cause interference with wireless mouse. Move further away.

Mouse Not Recognized

• Check connection – Make sure cable is securely plugged into computer for wired mouse.

• Plug in receiver – Ensure wireless mouse USB receiver is fully inserted into computer.

• Replace batteries – Try new batteries in wireless mouse. Low batteries can cause connectivity issues.

• Re-pair mouse – For wireless mice, re-pair mouse with computer. Refer to mouse documentation.

• Update drivers – Outdated drivers commonly cause connectivity problems. Update drivers.

• Try different USB port – Attempt plugging mouse into different USB port on computer.

• Test on different computer – Plug mouse into another computer. If it works, issue is with original computer.

Common Keyboard Problems

Keyboards can malfunction in various ways, such as key presses not registering correctly or keyboard itself not being recognized. Some troubleshooting tips:

Key Not Registering Correctly

• Check connection – Make sure keyboard cable is securely plugged into computer.

• Clean keyboard – Dust, crumbs, or spills under keys can obstruct key presses. Clean keyboard.

• Test key – Go to website with virtual keyboard and test key function. This isolates issue to that key.

• Toggle Num Lock/Caps Lock – Accidentally enabling these locks can cause missed keystrokes. Disable if on unintentionally.

• Update drivers – Keyboard drivers can get buggy over time. Update to latest drivers.

• Replace batteries – For wireless keyboards, swap out batteries for fresh ones if needed.

Keyboard Not Recognized

• Check connection – Ensure keyboard cable is properly connected to computer for wired keyboards.

• Plug in receiver – Make sure wireless keyboard USB receiver is firmly inserted in computer USB port.

• Replace batteries – Dead batteries are a common cause of wireless keyboards failing. Install new batteries.

• Re-pair keyboard – For wireless keyboards, re-pair keyboard with computer. Consult documentation.

• Try different USB port – Try plugging keyboard into different USB port on computer.

• Test on different computer – Plug keyboard into another computer. If it works, issue is with original computer.

• Update drivers – As always, make sure keyboard drivers are up-to-date. Update if needed.

When to Replace a Mouse or Keyboard

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps above but the mouse or keyboard still does not function properly, it may be time to replace it. Here are signs it’s time for a new device:

• Multiple keys or the entire keyboard is unresponsive

• Mouse cursor moves erratically all the time

• Mouse or keyboard repeatedly disconnects

• Physical damage like cracked case or frayed cable

• Device is outdated or incompatible with your OS

• Malfunction persists after troubleshooting and on different computers

In these cases, it’s typically more cost and time effective to simply purchase a new quality mouse or keyboard. Both peripherals are relatively inexpensive for basic, reliable models.