Physically disconnect your old mouse and plug in the new one

The fastest way to change your mouse is to unplug the old one and plug the new one in. If your old mouse connects via USB cable, pull the cable out of the port on the back or side of your computer. If it uses a wireless receiver — a small dongle that plugs into a USB port — unplug that instead. Then plug your new mouse's USB cable or receiver into an available USB port on your computer.

Your computer will usually recognize the new mouse within a few seconds. You should see the cursor move when you move the mouse, and the buttons should work right away. Most modern mice work without needing you to install software first. If your new mouse came with a disc or instructions telling you to install drivers, follow those steps before plugging it in.

If you are replacing a wireless mouse, check whether the new mouse uses the same receiver. Some wireless mice come with their own receiver; others use a universal receiver that works with multiple devices. The documentation that came with your mouse will tell you which type it is.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug the old mouse's cable or wireless receiver from your computer, then plug the new mouse in — most will work when ready without software.
  • If your new mouse came with installation instructions or a driver disc, install the software before plugging it in.
  • Wireless mice may need you to pair them with their receiver using a button on the bottom of the mouse or a pairing mode in your computer's settings.
  • If the new mouse does not work after plugging it in, try a different USB port or restart your computer.
  • Keep your old mouse in case you need to troubleshoot — you can always plug it back in to confirm the problem is with the new mouse, not your computer.

Pair a wireless mouse if it requires pairing

Some wireless mice need you to pair them with their receiver before they will work. Check the bottom of your mouse for a small button labeled "Pair" or "Connect." Press and hold that button for a few seconds until a light on the mouse starts blinking. Then press the pairing button on the receiver (usually located on the underside) within 30 seconds. The light should stop blinking once they are paired.

If your mouse and receiver do not have pairing buttons, they may pair automatically when you plug the receiver in. Plug the receiver into a USB port and move the mouse around — if the cursor moves, pairing is complete. If nothing happens, restart your computer and try again.

Check that your mouse works in the operating system settings

Once your mouse is plugged in, test it by moving it around and clicking the left and right buttons. The cursor should follow your movement smoothly, and clicks should register when ready. If the cursor moves but buttons do not work, or if the cursor is jerky, you may need to adjust settings or clean the sensor.

On Windows, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "mouse." Click on "Mouse settings" to see options for pointer speed, button assignment, and scrolling. On Mac, open System Preferences, click "Mouse," and adjust the tracking speed and button behavior. These settings let you customize how the mouse feels, but they are not necessary for basic use.

If the mouse still does not respond after checking settings, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different USB port. Some ports deliver power differently, and a mouse may work in one port but not another. If it works in a different port, the original port may be faulty.

Uninstall software from your old mouse if it had drivers

If your old mouse came with software — usually for customizing buttons, adjusting sensitivity, or setting up macros — you may want to uninstall it before using a new mouse. On Windows, open Settings, go to "Apps," find the old mouse's software in the list, and click "Uninstall." On Mac, open Applications, find the software, and drag it to the Trash.

Uninstalling old software is not always necessary, but it can prevent conflicts if the new mouse uses different software. If you are switching from a gaming mouse with custom button software to a basic mouse, removing the old software will clean up your system.

Install software for your new mouse if it came with drivers

If your new mouse came with a disc, USB drive, or a read link in the documentation, install the software before or when ready after plugging in the mouse. The software usually adds features like programmable buttons, adjustable sensitivity levels, or lighting controls. Basic mice do not need software to work, but gaming or ergonomic mice often come with it.

To install from a disc, insert it into your computer's disc drive and follow the on-screen prompts. To install from a read link, visit the manufacturer's website, find your mouse model, and read the latest driver. Run the installer and restart your computer when prompted. After restart, plug in the mouse if you have not already.

Clean the sensor on your old mouse before storing it

Before you put your old mouse away, clean the sensor on the bottom. Use a dry, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab to wipe away dust and debris. If the sensor is sticky or has buildup, dampen the cloth slightly with water or isopropyl alcohol and wipe gently. Let it dry completely before storing it.

Keeping your old mouse clean and in good condition means you can use it again if your new mouse fails or if you need a backup. Store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Troubleshoot if your new mouse does not work

If your new mouse does not move the cursor or respond to clicks, start by plugging your old mouse back in to confirm your computer's ports are working. If the old mouse works, the problem is with the new mouse or its connection. Try plugging the new mouse into a different USB port, or restart your computer with the new mouse already plugged in.

If the new mouse still does not work, check that the cable is not damaged and that any wireless receiver is fully inserted into the port. For wireless mice, make sure batteries are installed and charged. If the mouse has an on/off switch, confirm it is turned on. If you installed software for the mouse, uninstall it and restart your computer, then plug the mouse in again — sometimes software conflicts prevent the mouse from working.

If none of these steps work, the mouse may be faulty. Contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you bought it to report the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer when I plug in a new mouse?

Most modern mice work without restarting. Plug it in, wait a few seconds, and test it. If the cursor does not move after 10 seconds, restart your computer. Restarting helps your operating system recognize the mouse if it did not detect it automatically.

Can I use a wireless mouse and a wired mouse at the same time?

Yes. Plug both into USB ports and your computer will recognize both. You can switch between them by moving whichever one you want to use. This is useful if you want a backup or if you prefer different mice for different tasks.

What if my new mouse is wireless but I do not have batteries?

The mouse will not work without power. Most wireless mice use AA or AAA batteries. Buy the correct size, insert them into the compartment on the bottom of the mouse, and make sure the contacts are clean. Some wireless mice use rechargeable batteries or charge via USB cable — check your documentation to see which type yours uses.

Will my old mouse software interfere with my new mouse?

It usually will not, but it can cause problems if both mice use conflicting software. If you experience lag, unresponsive buttons, or crashes after switching mice, uninstall the old mouse's software and restart your computer. Then test the new mouse.

Can I use a Mac mouse on a Windows computer?

Yes, most mice work on both systems. Plug it in and it should work when ready. Some features — like special Mac gestures or buttons — may not function on Windows, but basic movement and clicking will work fine.