Mouse problems range from a dirty sensor to a driver conflict, and the fix depends on which category you are dealing with. These checks cover all the common scenarios.
Clean the Mouse and Surface
An optical or laser mouse will skip and jump if the sensor on its underside is dirty. Turn the mouse over and wipe the sensor window with a dry cotton bud. Also check your mousepad or desk surface — glass, glossy surfaces, and some printed patterns confuse optical sensors. Try the mouse on a plain sheet of paper to rule out a surface problem.
Try a Different USB Port or Receiver
For wired mice, try a different USB port — especially one directly on the computer rather than through a hub. For wireless mice, move the USB receiver to a port closer to the mouse or use a USB extension cable to position the receiver on the desk. Interference from nearby USB 3.0 devices can affect wireless mice operating at 2.4 GHz.
Replace the Batteries
Low battery charge causes wireless mice to skip and stutter before they stop working entirely. Replace or recharge the battery even if the mouse still moves — this is one of the most common causes and takes ten seconds to rule out.
Check Mouse Settings in Windows
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. Check the pointer speed. Also click Additional mouse settings and look at the Pointer Options tab — if Enhance pointer precision is checked and you notice inconsistent cursor speed, try unchecking it.
Update the Mouse Driver
Open Device Manager, expand Mice and other pointing devices, right-click your mouse, and choose Update driver. For gaming mice with companion software, check for updates to that application too.
Check CPU Usage
A PC under very heavy load can cause cursor lag as the system struggles to process input. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look at the CPU column in Task Manager. If something is pegging the CPU at 100%, fixing that process will fix the lag.
If the cursor still misbehaves after all of the above, ask us — there are a few rarer causes we can walk you through.