Even though laptop manufacturers prioritize light-weight, fast and portable machines, many users still prefer using a wired mouse to the built-in touchpad or wireless mouse. A wired mouse is better when using a laptop to make precise movements like drawing or using design software. If you are one of these users and would like to know how best to connect a wired mouse to a laptop, you’ve come to the right place.
Connecting a wired mouse to a laptop is not complicated. Just plug in the mouse’s connecting wire to your laptop’s USB port, then verify that the mouse is working. If the mouse is working, you are good to go.
For more precise instructions on connecting a wired mouse to a laptop, read this article to the end.
Overview of Connecting a Wired Mouse to a Laptop
Using a wireless mouse or an in-built touchpad may look like the obvious choice when using a laptop. But, using the touchpad may not always be accessible.
First, many gamers prefer using a wired mouse. This is mainly because gamers’ wired mice are customized to suit their needs. They are small, fit perfectly in hand, and are much easier to move quickly. The gamers wired mice also have additional features for an improved gaming experience.
But, a wired mouse doesn’t only benefit a gamer. It is convenient for anyone who likes to operate a laptop within a safe distance from the eyes. Installing and using a wired mouse is also as simple as plug-and-play. Anyone who wants to avoid lengthy mouse connection steps will prefer using a wired mouse.
Additionally, artists and designers prefer using a wired mouse to make precise marks and draw using laptops. Overall there are still several reasons to use a wired mouse. Next, we get into exactly how to connect a wired mouse to a laptop.
Connecting a Wired Mouse to Laptop: Step-by-Step Guide
There are two common types of wired mice, the USB mouse, and the PS/2 mouse. Most current laptops use the USB mouse, but some older generation laptops may still have PS/2 ports. Follow the instructions below to connect a wired mouse via USB:
Step #1: Verify that your laptop model is compatible with the wired mouse. Even though USB mouse incompatibility is rare, it’s still essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the mouse works correctly on your laptop.
Step #2: Plug in the mouse’s USB cable end to your laptop’s matching USB port, mainly on the laptop’s left or right-hand side.
Step #3: Restart your laptop if the wired mouse is connected. Restarting your laptop will reboot the system and run and install any drivers necessary for the proper functioning of the mouse.
Step #4: Move the mouse a few times and check if the cursor responds. Ensure the cursor is not dragging or stuck.
Step #5: Start using the wired mouse on your laptop if everything is working.
As earlier mentioned, some wired mice use PS/2 ports. Typically, a laptop with PS/2 ports will have two similar ports. The mouse’s port is color-coded green or has a mouse icon. Ensure you find the mouse PS/2 port before you begin the connection.
After finding the correct PS/2 port for your mouse, follow the steps below to connect:
- Shut down your laptop.
- Then, connect the mouse’s cable end to the laptop’s mouse PS/2 port.
- Now, turn on the laptop and wait a few seconds for the laptop’s operating system to detect the mouse.
- After that, move the mouse and check the laptop to see if the cursor responds.
- Finally, if the cursor moves well, begin using the wired mouse.
Summary
As you have learned, connecting a wired mouse to a laptop should only take a few minutes. Remember to check if your laptop’s operating system works well with the wired mouse before connecting.
Luckily, most wired mice are compatible with Mac OS X and Windows platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you use a USB port to connect the wired mouse, remove the mouse’s cable from the port, then wait a few minutes to reinsert it. Ensure you insert the cable in the correct port, then verify if the mouse is working by checking the cursor movements.
You will need a Bluetooth adapter to convert a wired mouse to a wireless device and avoid using a USB port.
Wired mice are just as reliable and convenient as any other computer mice.
