Pointing device problems split cleanly between trackpad and external mouse. The fixes overlap but the diagnoses differ.

Trackpad has stopped working

1. Function-key toggle

Many laptops have a Fn + F-key combination that disables the trackpad. Look for an icon that looks like a trackpad with a line through it (often F5, F7, or F9). Press it once.

2. Driver reset

Windows + X → Device Manager → Mice and other pointing devices. Right-click the trackpad entry, Disable, then Enable again. Or right-click → Uninstall device → restart.

3. Check Windows settings

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad → toggle it off and back on.

4. Reinstall the precision touchpad driver

If you have a Microsoft Precision Touchpad (most modern laptops), the driver comes from the vendor. Reinstall from your laptop manufacturer's support page.

External mouse is erratic

1. The surface

Optical mice misbehave on glossy or transparent surfaces — glass, polished wood, dark uniform colors. Use a mouse pad or paper.

2. Battery

For wireless mice, the LED indicator usually changes color or blinks when battery is low. Swap batteries or charge.

3. USB receiver

If a wireless mouse keeps disconnecting briefly:

  • Move the USB receiver from the back of the desktop to a front port — distance and metal both interfere
  • For laptops, plug into a different port — USB 3.0 ports can interfere with 2.4 GHz wireless

4. Bluetooth pairing

If a Bluetooth mouse loses pairing repeatedly:

  • Remove the device in Bluetooth & devices
  • Put the mouse in pairing mode (usually a button on the bottom)
  • Re-add it

Cursor lags or jumps

This is almost always one of:

  • Surface dust — clean the mouse pad
  • High CPU load — see the [slow laptop article](/kb/laptop-slow-or-overheating)
  • Polling rate mismatch with a gaming mouse — uninstall vendor utility
  • A second touchpad gesture triggering — disable "tap to click" if you keep clicking by accident

Cursor moves on its own

Almost always a stuck or sensitive trackpad. Disable the trackpad temporarily via the Fn key toggle. If the cursor still moves with the trackpad disabled, an external device is the cause — check what's plugged in.

When to ticket

Open a ticket if the trackpad is unresponsive after a driver reinstall, or if a wired mouse fails on multiple ports — that's hardware. Include a description of which scenarios trigger the problem.