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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/windows-mouse-keyboard/

Your wireless mouse or keyboard stopped working on a Windows computer

For: Windows computer

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Microsoft. Written for Windows 11.

A wireless mouse or keyboard usually comes back with fresh batteries or by reconnecting it. Try these in order.

This page is for you if

  • The pointer won't move when you move the mouse
  • Nothing happens when you type
  • It works for a while, then stops

Good to know first

Some wireless mice and keyboards come with a tiny plug, called a USB receiver, that goes into the computer. Others use Bluetooth and have no plug. If the mouse doesn't work at all, use a laptop's touchpad or a mouse with a cord to follow these steps.

Do these steps

  1. Check the batteries

    Put in fresh batteries or charge it. Make sure its power switch is on.

  2. Unplug the receiver

    If it has a small USB receiver, unplug it from the computer. Wait about 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

  3. Try another USB port

    Plug the receiver into a different USB port on the computer. If it goes through a hub, plug it straight into the computer instead.

  4. Press Reset

    Look on the bottom of the mouse or keyboard for a Reset button. Some receivers have one too. Pressing it disconnects and reconnects the device.

  5. Clean it

    Make sure no dirt is blocking the keys or the light on the bottom of the mouse.

If it uses Bluetooth

  1. Turn Bluetooth off and on

    Click Start, Settings, then Bluetooth & devices. Turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

  2. Remove it and pair again

    In Bluetooth & devices, click Devices. Click More options (three dots) next to the mouse or keyboard, then Remove device, then Yes. Then pair it again.

  3. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

    Click Start, Settings, System, Troubleshoot, then Other troubleshooters. Next to Bluetooth, click Run and follow the steps.

Good to know

  • Try the mouse or keyboard on another computer. If it doesn't work there either, it may need to be replaced.
  • Windows Update can install a missing driver. Type check for updates in the search box on the taskbar, open it, and click Check for updates.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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