Wireless mice offer a way to connect to your computer without needing to use cords or cables. They also save space and keep your desktop clutter-free.
To connect a mouse to a computer, you first need to plug in the mouse’s receiver into a USB port on your PC or laptop. This will enable Windows or macOS to find and install the drivers needed for the mouse’s wireless connectivity.
You may need to follow the instructions in the user manual for your specific mouse. You should also check your computer’s driver software to ensure that it is compatible with the receiver.
Some wireless optical mice use a radio frequency to communicate with the receiver. Position the receiver as far away from your computer’s speakers and microphone as possible, but not directly between them. The distance will vary from mouse to mouse, but you should be able to move the receiver a few feet from your computer without having to worry about interference.
Other types of wireless mice use a Bluetooth receiver. These are more expensive than wireless mice that use USB receivers, but they can connect to your computer from a wider range and have more advanced features.
A Bluetooth receiver requires a USB port to function, but not all computers have them. You can use a USB hub to increase the number of USB ports on your computer, or you can purchase a special adapter that lets you plug in your wireless mouse to a USB port.
Pairing the Mouse
To pair your mouse with your computer, you need to put it into pairing mode and then follow the on-screen instructions to connect it. Generally, a light will be on or flashing to indicate that it is ready for pairing.
Once your mouse is in pairing mode, it will be automatically detected by your computer. Once the connection is successful, your mouse will be listed as a Bluetooth device in the Device Manager.
If the mouse is not listed in the Device Manager, place it in discovery mode by following the on-screen instructions provided by your mouse’s manufacturer. Once it is discovered, you will be able to select it from the list in the Device Manager.
How to Connect Your Mouse With a Laptop
The easiest method for connecting your wireless mouse to your computer is through the USB port, which you can typically find on the back of laptops and on the front of desktops’ CPU boxes. Once you’ve connected the mouse to your computer, you’ll be able to control the device using the Windows or macOS interface.
For Macs, connect your wireless mouse to the computer through the Mac’s Bluetooth interface. This is typically found in the system preferences menu, or it can be accessed by clicking on the “Bluetooth” icon in the “System Preferences” window.
If you’re using a Bluetooth mouse, you should be able to go as far as 33 feet from your computer without interference. However, you may need to re-pair your mouse if you move out of range.