Why is my computer mouse acting up? Here are 6 simple ways to fix it.

Computer mouse helps users perform control actions and work with devices more quickly and efficiently. However, if one day you encounter a situation where the computer mouse is erratic, jumping around, and automatically clicking, how would you handle it?

This is one of the most common errors, causing a lot of inconvenience in the process of using the computer mouse. In this article, let’s explore with FPT Shop the causes of computer mouse drift and how to handle this issue effectively!

Why is the computer mouse erratic?

The phenomenon of the computer mouse jumping around on the screen makes you feel uncomfortable when using it. If not fixed soon, it can even affect your learning and work. There are many reasons why the computer mouse is erratic, including:

• The version Touchpad you are using for the computer is outdated or incompatible with Windows.
• The computer’s port has problems or conflicts with other connected devices such as external keyboards, USB devices, etc.
• Your touchpad is not responsive anymore due to low battery, being filled with dust or food particles.
• You are using both a wireless/wired mouse and a touchpad on a laptop, causing the mouse to go crazy.
• The mouse pad is uneven or not flat, which can be a reason for computer mouse drift.
• Your computer/laptop is infected with a virus.

Most effective ways to fix computer mouse drift

After identifying the reasons why the computer mouse is erratic and jumping around on the screen, you can try the following solutions.

Method 1: Restart your computer

This is the fastest way to fix some common computer errors, including the computer mouse drift issue. You select the Windows icon on the screen or press Windows + X on the keyboard. Then choose Power > Restart to quickly restart the computer.

Method 2: Check the connection port

If you have restarted your computer and still cannot fix the computer mouse drift issue, check the mouse connection port. Unplug the mouse cable or the wireless mouse receiver and plug it into another port. In addition, try disconnecting other devices such as external keyboards or USB devices to fix the laptop mouse drift issue.

Method 3: Disable the touchpad on the laptop

As mentioned above, one of the reasons that may cause the computer mouse drift issue is that you are using both an external mouse and the touchpad on your laptop at the same time. Therefore, to fix this issue, you should disable the laptop’s touchpad when using a wireless/wired mouse.

Depending on the laptop model you are using, press the following key combination to disable the touchpad:

• For Dell laptops: Press Fn + F3 or F8.
• For Asus laptops: Press Fn + F9 or F10.
• For Acer laptops: Press Fn + F7.
• For Lenovo laptops: Press Fn + F6.
• For HP laptops: Press Fn + F7.
• For Toshiba laptops: Press Fn + F9.

Method 4: Update the Touchpad driver

You can update the Touchpad driver with the following simple steps to fix the laptop mouse drift issue.

Step 1: Press Windows + X on the computer, then select Device Manager.

Step 2: In the Device Manager, find and select Mice and other pointing Devices > Update Driver to upgrade the Touchpad driver. The system will automatically download the latest version for the Touchpad that is suitable for your laptop.

Step 3: After completing the update, restart your laptop and check if the mouse issue has been resolved.

Method 5: Scan and remove viruses

Regularly accessing websites with poor security, accidentally clicking on links, or downloading unknown software containing malicious code can cause your computer to be heavily infected with viruses. This is also why the computer mouse drifts and clicks incorrectly. You should scan and check the condition of your computer/laptop and use antivirus software immediately when detecting any abnormal signs.

In addition, you should limit access to websites with poor security and avoid downloading applications/software from unknown sources.

Method 6: Check the mouse and mouse pad

Replace the battery for your wireless mouse, use tools to blow away dust and food particles from inside the device. If the mouse pad is too old, uneven, or peeling, you should replace it with a new one to ensure smooth and responsive computer mouse operation.

Conclusion

If you have tried all the above methods and still have not fixed the computer mouse drift issue, it is likely that your device has a hardware problem. In this case, the best solution is to bring your computer, mouse to a reputable service center or repair shop for assistance, and replacement if necessary.