Mouse lagging is a common problem faced by millions of people around the world and if you too face such a problem, it is but obvious you want an answer to the question- Why is my mouse lagging?
Some of the common issues that you may experience with your mouse could include the following:
- Your mouse might experience lagging.
- It might stop working suddenly.
- The cursor might not respond.
- The scroll might just freeze.
I understand how bothersome it is to get these mouse problems in the middle of some significant work or while streaming your favorite shows and series on your desktop.
It is exceptionally exasperating stuff to happen while playing Online Video Games. Gamers probably know how critical the situation becomes when your key of the game, i.e., the cursor, starts lagging or just simply slows down.
Both Windows and Mac users often complain about this.
So, are you looking for a solution to fix and troubleshoot the mouse lagging error?
- If your answer is a “Yes,” then you are indeed on the right page. In this article, we shall discuss the various issues your Mouse is Lagging and the solutions to troubleshoot it.
- For your convenience, we have listed the most effective ways to troubleshoot Mouse lagging errors in the simplest way possible.
Why is my Mouse Lagging?
There are several frequent situations in which this mouse behavior is apparent, including:

- It ceases to react obediently to any inputs or movements.
- When scrolling through a Word document, you will see that the scroll bar stops.
- During a PowerPoint presentation, it is often noticeable of your cursor freeze.
- You have to tap on the app icon or a link using the cursor several times because your desktop is slow to respond.
- Overall, a cluttered PC may cause latency. Close all other applications before testing your Mouse or trying the troubleshooting steps below.
Mouse Lag Troubleshoots for Windows 10
- Mouse lagging in Windows 10 is frustrating. When you’re attempting to write on Word, Stream videos, and you suddenly face your Mouse lagging, that is quite a stressful and irritating situation to deal with as it slows down your working fluency and speed.
- Mouse lag is a frequent Windows 10 problem because many factors may contribute to the issue.
- Problems with wireless mouse batteries or a recent driver upgrade may cause this.
- So, to fix this problem as quickly as possible: it is best, to begin with, the hardware (the Mouse). After that, go over every element and program that operate together. The main purpose is to make sure that your Mouse is rightly configured and functioning.
Steps for Fixing Windows 10 Mouse Lag
This problem affects all Windows 10 editions, 32-bit and 64-bit.
- Firstly, if it’s a wireless mouse, get fresh batteries. Unplug your wired Mouse from your computer and replug it. In case it doesn’t work, go for a spare mouse or a different port on your desktop.
NOTE: Unplugging and replugging your Mouse may sometimes restart the driver and get it functioning again.

- Get Rid of Dust – If your Mouse lags intermittently, dirt may be obscuring the IR sensor beneath your Mouse. A sluggish mouse scrolling indicates a dirty scroll wheel. Cleaning your Mouse is one of the first steps in solving odd mouse scrolling.
- Try it on another machine. If you don’t have another PC, try an iPad, PS4, or Xbox. You know the problem is with your computer, not the Mouse, if it works well on another device but lags on Windows 10.
- Check another USB port for the Mouse. If you’re using a USB 3.0 port on your processor, shift to a USB 2.0 port. To fix a non-working USB port, you must first troubleshoot the USB port itself.
- Install the brand-new mouse operator. There are two methods. Open Device Manager, locate your Mouse and let Microsoft download the latest driver. The easiest way is to go to the operator’s website and download the driver for your Mouse.

NOTE: If you recently upgraded your mouse driver and are experiencing mouse latency, you should roll back the driver to see if it helps. Driver upgrades may create problems like this owing to flaws.
- Examine your mouse speed and sensitivity or DPI. A recent Windows Update may have reverted your mouse settings to default. Default settings may cause mouse latency if you’re used to modifying settings. Touchpad delay and mouse acceleration may also create erratic mouse movements. In this situation, disabling mouse acceleration and updating the touchpad to “No delay” works well.
NOTE: If you think the latest Update is causing your mouse latency in Windows, remove it and reinstall it.
- Some users say Cortana causes mouse latency. Turning off Cortana is a brilliant first step. If this works, you should troubleshoot Cortana to figure out what’s wrong.
- High-definition audio devices have created mouse latency problems for specific users. Visit the Device Manager. Please turn off the High Definition Audio Device (it is regardless of sound card manufacturer). Reboot your computer before confirming that this fix fixed your mouse problems.

NOTE: Disabling this option may deactivate your HD audio device. If this test shows the sound card, you may wish to update the audio device driver or replace it.
- Turn off Fast Startup. This Windows 10 peculiarity is often helpful to speed up Windows 10 starts. Disabling it is an excellent first step in addressing unpredictable mouse functions.
- Windows Power Saving Mode may also influence mouse behavior. If your laptop is disconnected, Windows may try to switch off the USB port to conserve battery. Turn off the Power Saving mode to check if that helps.
How to Fix a Slow or Lagging Mouse on a Mac
There is nothing more infuriating than a sluggish and slow mouse, much more so while you’re in the mood to accomplish some real work. Below are the methods for troubleshooting and resolving an unresponsive, sluggish, or laggy Mouse on a Mac.
- A sluggish or slow mouse on a Mac is because of several factors, including low batteries, a malfunctioning mouse, and improper settings, as well as software-related problems.
- As a result, we’ve compiled a list of ways to repair a sluggish or slow mouse on Mac, beginning with the most straightforward fixes and progressing to more sophisticated ones.

1. Check your Mouse and the Mouse Pad
- Sift through the rear of your Mouse to ensure that the laser aperture is not obstructing by dirt/debris.
- Additionally, clean the Mouse Pad and determine if it needs replacement (Worn out, Dirty).
2. Batteries Replacement
- A frequent cause of a sluggish or slow mouse on a Mac is that the batteries have depleted their strength and become weak.
- To verify, replace the Mouse Battery with the latest one and look if it resolves the issue.
3. Restart your MacBook
- Occasionally, the issue occurs due to frozen applications or processes interfering with the operation of the Mouse on your Mac.
- To restart your computer, tap on the Apple logo from the menu bar prompting top at top and choose Restart from the drop-down menu.
- Wait for your Mac to shut down entirely. Then restart your desktop after waiting for about 30 seconds.
4. Disconnect USB-Connected Devices
- Occasionally, interference from USB 3.0 devices may cause the Mouse and Keyboard to malfunction.
- Disconnect all USB-connected devices to your Mac (excluding the Mouse and Keyboard). Restart your desktop, and check to see whether this improves your Mouse’s efficiency.
5. Alternate USB Port
- A frequent alternative cause is that the USB Port is not compatible with the Mouse due to a technical issue on your MacBook.
- To rule out this option, try plugging the Mouse onto a different USB Port and seeing if it improves performance.
- If you’re using a USB Hub, unplug the Mouse from the Hub and connect it straight to the USB Port on your Mac.
6. Deactivate the Handoff Feature
- Some customers have claimed that they could resolve the issue by deactivating Mac’s Handoff function.
- In the top menu, look for the Apple symbol and click on it. You will notice a drop down menu appear, in which you have to choose System Preferences.
- Select General from the Control Panel screen and select the Allow handoff among the Mac and other iCloud devices.
7. Disable Bluetooth
- Occasionally, a sluggish or slow mouse occurs because of the involvement of nearby Bluetooth Appliances.
- Turn off Bluetooth by clicking on the Bluetooth option appearing at the top of your screen’s right corner.
- Disconnect the Mouse from your Mac after deactivating Bluetooth > Wait 30 seconds before reconnecting the Mouse to your Mac.
- If the Mouse is plug-and-play, it should function without Bluetooth. After the Mouse works correctly, you may activate Bluetooth Back on your Mac.
8. Adjust the Speed of Tracking and Scrolling
- If the pointer seems to be hauling or moving slowly, the Mouse’s tracking activity has a low-speed setting.
- Go to the Apple Symbol and choose System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- Tap on the Mouse icon that will display on the screen of System Preferences. Now, drag the slide to your right for changing Tracking and Scrolling Speed on the next page.
- The difference is instantaneous; begin using your Mouse and see whether it feels quicker than it did previously.
9. Is Your Mouse Faulty?
- Join a second Wireless/Bluetooth Mouse to your Mac and verify that the New Mouse runs flawlessly on your Mac.
- Attach the Slow Mouse to a different computer (Windows PC) and verify that it operates. If the Mouse does not function on a different computer, this indicates that it is faulty.
- If you purchased the Mouse lately, return or replace it immediately.
10. Reset the NVRAM memory
- NVRAM, standing for Non-Volatile (RAM) Random-Access Memory, holds settings for Mac-associated external devices.
- A faulty NVRAM likely causes your Mac’s Laggy or Slow Mouse.
Conclusion
If you follow the above steps, I am sure you would be able to fix your mouse so that it does not experience lagging. If however, nothing works, then you should consider buying a new one!
Abdullah Tariq, co-founder of RoadMice is a web developer par excellence. He is an avid gamer too and is well-versed with computer accessories required for playing various titles. He is highly adventurous and loves hiking on difficult terrains in his home country whenever time permits him.