How to Fix a Wireless Optical Mouse that Has Frozen

If you have a wireless optical mouse, one of the most common reasons that it will begin to stick is if the battery if dying. You should always begin troubleshooting a frozen wireless mouse by verifying that the batteries are at full capacity. Once you have recharged or replaced the batteries, if your mouse continues to freeze from time to time, there are steps you can take to remedy this.

How to Fix a Wireless Optical Mouse that Has Frozen

Ensure that your keyboard is still responsive to verify that the problem is with your wireless optical mouse.

Install Proper Drivers

If your wireless mouse came with an installation disc, verify that you have installed the disc. If you have and your mouse is still frozen, you may need to update your driver.

Right-click on "Computer," then select "Properties." Click on "Device Manager," then "Mice and other pointing devices." Select your device or select the device with an exclamation next to it. Click "Update driver software," select "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the onscreen prompts.

If this process does not work, check the manufacturer's website for updated drivers for your wireless optical mouse.

Clean the Lens on the Mouse

Dust caught in the lens may be the culprit for a frozen mouse. Use compressed air to remove any debris. Be sure not to touch the actual laser.

Check your Mouse Pad

Many optical mice have issues with certain designs, colors or patterns on some mouse pads. Many stores now sell mouse pads designed for optical mice. To check that the problem is with the mouse pad, try using your mouse on a magazine.

Resync Your Mouse

Occasionally, your wireless mouse and USB dongle may lose their connection to each other, which can cause freezing. The USB dongle on most wireless mice will have a sync or connect button which needs to be pressed to begin the process of resyncing the dongle with your wireless mouse. Once pressed, press the similar button found on your mouse to sync the two devices. Give it a few seconds to establish the link and then try your wireless optical mouse again.