Why Is My Wireless Mouse Not Working Even With New Batteries? (Fixes)

Is your wireless mouse not working even after changing the batteries? This problem is very common and can happen due to connection issues, USB receiver problems, driver errors, power settings, or even a faulty mouse sensor.

The good news is most of the time you can fix it in just a few minutes.

In this guide, I’ll explain the main causes and the best working fixes for wireless mouse issues on Windows laptops and PCs.

Why Wireless Mouse Not Working Even With New Batteries?

Even if you insert new batteries, your mouse may still not work due to:

• Mouse power switch turned OFF
• Battery inserted incorrectly
• USB receiver not detected
• Weak USB port / loose connection
• Pairing issue (Bluetooth mouse)
• Windows driver problem
• Power-saving settings disabling USB
• Mouse sensor blocked by dust
• Hardware fault in mouse/receiver

Now let’s fix it step-by-step.

Fixes: Wireless Mouse Not Working (Even With New Batteries)

1. Check Mouse Power Button / Switch

Many wireless mice have a small ON/OFF switch at the bottom.

Fix:

• Turn the mouse OFF
• Wait 5 seconds
• Turn it ON
• Look for a small LED light

If there is no light, the mouse may not be receiving power.

2. Reinsert Batteries Properly

Sometimes batteries are new but not making proper contact.

Fix:

1. Remove batteries
2. Clean battery terminals (use dry cloth)
3. Insert batteries correctly (+ / –)
4. Close the battery cover properly

If the spring inside is loose or rusty, the mouse won’t power on.

3. Try Different Batteries (Important)

Some cheap batteries show “new” but have low voltage.

Best option:

Use Duracell / Energizer / Panasonic batteries
Try a fresh pair from a sealed pack

4. Unplug & Replug the USB Receiver (Dongle)

If your mouse uses a USB receiver, it may not be detected.

Fix:

• Remove the receiver
• Wait 10 seconds
• Plug it back in firmly

Then move the mouse and check.

5. Try Another USB Port (Most Working Fix)

Your USB port might be faulty or not providing stable power.

Fix:

• Plug the receiver into a different port
• Prefer USB ports directly on the laptop/PC
• Avoid USB hubs for testing

If it works on another port → your original port is the problem.

6. Restart Your PC/Laptop

A simple restart can fix temporary driver glitches.

Fix:

• Restart your computer
• Test the mouse again

This is a quick fix that works surprisingly often.

7. Check if It’s a Bluetooth Mouse (Not USB)

Some wireless mice are Bluetooth-based and don’t use a dongle.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices
2. Turn Bluetooth ON
3. Remove the mouse device
4. Pair it again

Pairing steps:

• Press and hold the mouse Pair button (if available)
• Select the mouse name in Bluetooth list
• Click Pair

8. Reconnect Mouse Using Connect Button (2.4GHz Mouse)

Some wireless mice have a Connect button (bottom side).

Fix:

• Press the connect button for 3-5 seconds
• The LED may blink
• The mouse should reconnect to the receiver

9. Update or Reinstall Mouse Drivers

Windows drivers can break after updates or errors.

Fix:

1. Press Win + X
2. Open Device Manager
3. Expand:
   • Mice and other pointing devices
   • Human Interface Devices
4. Right-click mouse driver → Uninstall device
5. Restart PC

Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.

10. Disable USB Power Saving (Very Important Fix)

Windows sometimes turns off USB devices to save battery.

Fix:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. Right-click USB Root Hub
4. Click Properties
5. Go to Power Management
6. Uncheck:
   “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”
7. Click OK
8. Restart PC

This fix works for many laptops where USB devices disconnect frequently.

11. Test Mouse on Another Computer

This is the best way to confirm if the mouse is faulty.

If mouse works on another PC:

Problem is your computer USB/drivers/settings

If mouse doesn’t work anywhere:

Mouse or receiver is damaged

12. Clean the Mouse Sensor

If the cursor doesn’t move but clicks work, sensor might be blocked.

Fix:

• Turn mouse off
• Clean the sensor with a soft dry cloth
• Try mouse on a proper surface (mousepad)

Avoid glass or shiny surfaces.

13. Replace the USB Receiver (If Possible)

Some brands allow receiver replacement (Logitech, HP, Dell).

If your receiver is lost or damaged:

• Check if your mouse supports unifying receiver
• Or buy a compatible receiver (original)

If the receiver is dead, mouse won’t connect even with new batteries.

Quick Checklist

• Mouse power ON
• Batteries inserted correctly
• Receiver plugged in properly
• Try another USB port
• Restart PC
• Re-pair Bluetooth mouse
• Disable USB power saving
• Test on another device

FAQs- Wireless Mouse Not Working

Q1. Why is my wireless mouse not working after battery change?

Usually due to USB receiver issue, incorrect battery placement, or Windows power-saving settings.

Q2. How do I reset my wireless mouse?

Turn it OFF → remove batteries → wait 10 seconds → insert again → turn ON → reconnect/pair.

Q3. Why does my mouse light turn on but cursor doesn’t move?

Sensor is dirty, surface is not suitable, or driver/receiver issue.

Q4. Is my wireless mouse dead?

If it doesn’t work on any computer even with new batteries, it may be faulty.

Final Words

If your wireless mouse is not working even with new batteries, don’t worry. In most cases, the issue is caused by a USB port problem, power-saving settings, receiver pairing, or driver errors- not the batteries.

Try the fixes above step-by-step, and your mouse should work again.

Also Read:

• Some Keys Not Working on Laptop Keyboard? Causes & Easy Fixes