How to Tell if Your Computer Mouse Is Dying

Let’s face it, there are times when you just get that feeling. It happens while you’re scrolling through YouTube comments, clicking through replies to find an informative response among all the angry ones. The mouse freezes, and you end up liking a hate comment, which you strongly oppose morally. While freezing is not always a sign that your computer mouse is dying, it is a possibility.

In the article, you will look at the types of issues that your mouse may be facing and how you can fix them. When it comes to determining how to tell if your computer mouse is dying, there is a list of symptoms that you can compare to your situation.

Mouse Issues That Can Be Solved

Today’s electronics are quite complicated. A smack to the side of the television no longer works on a standard LCD/LED screen television. The same level of complexity applies to the computer mouse we use today. However, there are a few mouse-related situations that you can handle on your own.

Cursor Freeze

If the mouse cursor freezes and stops working at some point, this does not mean that the mouse is at fault. The same thing can happen if your computer is overworked. Shut down any background applications and see if the problem persists. Alternatively, restart your computer to see if it restores your computer mouse.

If the problem persists and your mouse appears to be in good working order, you may need to reinstall your mouse driver.

Cursor Movement isn’t Smooth

If the cursor movement is not smooth while drawing with the mouse or performing any other task, there is most likely dust or dirt in the sensor area. Rather than dismissing it as a lost cause, consider cleaning it. To clean this area, use a microfiber cloth and soapy water.

Another cause of the cursor’s unsmooth movements is the surface on which it is placed. Computer mice do not work well on shiny surfaces like varnished wood and glass. This problem is easily solved by using a mousepad.

How to Tell if Your Computer Mouse Is Dying

Every electronic device, no matter how good it is supposed to be, will eventually cough up and die. The same holds true for your mouse. As with any failing device, there is a list of symptoms to look out for that will indicate if your mouse is failing.

Random Cursor Movement

One of the early signs of how to tell if your mouse is dying is when your cursor starts moving randomly. You’ll notice that your cursor moves to one of the corners. To eliminate false positives, make sure your mouse pad is clean, as this may also be the source of the problem.

If the problem persists after cleaning the surface, there could be a problem with your tracking laser. This is a troublesome issue, especially if you use your mouse for detailed work such as 3D design or gaming.

Stops Working Suddenly

A common sign that your mouse is dying is that it stops working for short periods. This will be visible when your cursor stops moving and your mouse’s laser light goes out. This is a serious issue because the mouse can stop working during critical tasks. Gamers will suffer greatly if this issue occurs in their mouse.

The Issue with the Buttons

A standard mouse has three buttons: left, right, and center, with the latter serving as a scrolling roller. A gaming mouse, on the other hand, could have three to six programmable buttons. Any of these buttons can malfunction, indicating that your mouse is dying.

Torn Cord (Wired)

The cord of a wired mouse is prone to breaking. This damage could be caused by faulty materials, abnormal bending, or rat bites. The cord is usually damaged where it connects to the USB jack or the mouse. You could tape up the damaged cord and keep using it, but your mouse will eventually fail.

The Issue with the Bluetooth device (Wireless)

Wireless mouse is a fan favorite these days, with everyone preferring to be free of the constraints of wires. They do, however, have limitations. Even if you are in range for your wireless mouse to work, there is a chance that you will lose network connectivity, which is very common with a mouse on a low battery. This issue may also arise if your mouse’s dedicated Bluetooth receiver begins to malfunction. Related: How To Use a Wireless Mouse Without Receiver

Conclusion

To summarize, you don’t have to be an expert to figure out to tell if your computer mouse is dying. There are more signs around. Many of them are temporary and can be resolved with a simple cleaning procedure – others will tell you that you need a new mouse.

Most technicians avoid repairing mouse because it is too time-consuming. It would also be more expensive than purchasing a new one, so a dying mouse should be discarded to make room for a new one. The good news is that mouse is relatively cheap and can offer good value for money.