If you have other input devices, such as another external mouse, graphics tablet, or keypad, connected to your computer, it may cause interference.

Laptop touchpad cursor jumps around while not touching it.

It may also help to clean off the touchpad itself to remove any substances on the touchpad. Wash your hands and wipe them with a towel thoroughly to remove any lotion, soap, or other oily substances from your fingers. If you're using a touchpad, you may experience erratic behavior because of moisture or a liquid substance on your finger, such as lotion or soap. If your computer has USB ports, you may also want to consider upgrading to a USB mouse. If you are using an older computer with a PS/2 mouse, try disconnecting the mouse and reconnecting the mouse into the mouse port (usually the green port). Make sure that it's not either of these problems by disconnecting the mouse from the current USB port and connecting to another USB port. It is possible that a loose connection or bad port can cause problems with the mouse. The same is true if the computer power supply is causing the interference its best to replace it. If you find the computer monitor is causing the problem, replace the monitor, as it should not be generating an interfering signal and is likely defective. If it receives and transmits wireless signals to its receiver, try moving the device or receiver. Try moving that device to another location that is farther away from the mouse. If a device with a magnet is near the wireless receiver or mouse, it can cause interference that results in erratic mouse behavior.įor all of these types of interference, the solution is to determine which device is causing the interference. It is also possible for EMI (electromagnetic interference) to cause issues with a wireless mouse. The same concept applies to computer hardware, especially a power supply. For example, if the monitor is not properly shielded or malfunctioning, it can release electrical signals that may scramble or break up the signals from a wireless mouse. Some computer monitors, and hardware in a computer, can give off electrical signals that interfere with a wireless mouse. A wireless router, keyboard, headset, cordless phones, and other devices transmit and receive signals that could interfere with the mouse signals.Įlectrical interference is also possible. Depending on where the wireless receiver is located, other device signals may interfere with signals from the mouse to the receiver. Wireless signal interferenceĪs with any wireless device, wireless mouse signals are susceptible to RFI (radio frequency interference). Try replacing the batteries or making sure they are charged to see if the batteries are causing the issue. Bad or failing batteriesīad or failing batteries can also cause low signal strength with wireless mice. If the USB receiver has a short cable, move it to the front of the computer to get a better signal. Make sure your mouse is no more than a few feet away from the wireless receiver. To communicate wirelessly with the computer, your mouse must have a strong signal between the computer and the mouse. If you have a wireless mouse, there can be several reasons why your mouse may be jumping. Putting a piece a paper under the mouse is a quick fix for this issue. For example, optical mice are notorious for not working on glossy surfaces. Bad surfaceĪlthough most mice work on any surface, if you're having problems, use a different mouse pad or surface, such as a book or piece of paper. Blowing into the hole usually removes any hair or fuzz that could cause problems. Turn the mouse over and make sure there is no debris blocking the hole. Hair or fuzz can block the sensor on the bottom of the mouse, preventing the optical sensor from working correctly. If you have an optical mouse (LED or laser) with erratic behavior, the optical eye may be blocked.

The optical portion of the mouse is blocked See our computer cleaning page for steps to remedy this problem.

For help with a frozen computer, see: What should I do when a computer freezes or locks up? The mouse is not cleanĪn optical-mechanical mouse (mouse with a ball) may not work well because the inside of the mouse is not clean. If nothing happens on your screen when you move your mouse, your computer may be frozen.

Touchpad stuck on click and drag