The basic steps to connect your Microsoft Bluetooth mouse
To connect a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse, turn on the mouse, then open your computer's Bluetooth settings and select the mouse from the list of available devices. The whole process usually takes under a minute. Most Microsoft mice pair automatically once you choose them — you do not need to enter a code or press buttons in a specific sequence.
The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, but the principle is the same: your mouse broadcasts a signal, your computer listens for it, and once they find each other, they stay connected. If your mouse has been used before, it may already be paired to another device, so you may need to clear that connection first.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on your Microsoft mouse and make sure it has fresh batteries or is fully charged before you start pairing.
- On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device and select your mouse when it appears in the list.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and click the plus button to add your mouse, then select it from the available devices.
- If your mouse does not appear, restart both the mouse and your computer, then try again.
- Once paired, your mouse will reconnect automatically whenever you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth remains enabled on your computer.
How to connect on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Once Settings is open, select Bluetooth & devices from the left menu. You should see a toggle for Bluetooth at the top — make sure it is turned on (it will be blue when active).
Click the button labeled Add device or the plus icon. Your computer will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. Turn on your Microsoft mouse if it is not already on, and within a few seconds it should appear in the list. Click on the mouse name — it usually starts with "Microsoft" — and your computer will pair with it automatically.
Once the pairing is complete, you will see a "Connected" label next to the mouse name. Your cursor should now move when you move the mouse. If nothing happens, check that the mouse has batteries installed or is charged, and that Bluetooth is still enabled on your computer.
How to connect on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle switch at the top of the window.
Turn on your Microsoft mouse. In the Bluetooth window, you should see your mouse appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds. Click on the mouse name and then click Connect. Mac will pair with the mouse automatically, and you should see "Connected" appear next to the device name.
If your mouse does not appear in the list, try turning the mouse off and back on, then wait a few seconds for it to show up again. You can also move the mouse closer to your Mac to strengthen the signal.
What to do if your mouse does not appear or will not connect
The most common reason a mouse will not pair is that it is already connected to another device. Microsoft mice can only connect to one computer at a time. If you previously used the mouse with a laptop, tablet, or phone, disconnect it from that device first. On the device it is currently paired to, go to Bluetooth settings and select "Forget" or "Remove" next to the mouse name.
If the mouse still does not appear, restart it by turning it off for 10 seconds, then back on. If you have a mouse with a physical pairing button (usually on the bottom), press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until the light blinks, then try adding it again. Restart your computer as well — sometimes Windows or Mac needs to refresh its Bluetooth connection list.
Check that your computer actually has Bluetooth. Older desktops sometimes do not have it built in. If your computer does not have Bluetooth, you can buy a small USB Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a USB port and adds Bluetooth capability.
How to reconnect after the first time
Once your mouse is paired, you do not have to go through the full pairing process again. straightforward turn on the mouse and turn on Bluetooth on your computer — they will find each other automatically and reconnect within a few seconds. This is called pairing memory: both devices remember each other.
If your mouse does not reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. On Windows, look for the Bluetooth icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner). On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar (top-right corner). If Bluetooth is off, turn it on and wait a few seconds for the mouse to connect.
Checking battery level and keeping your mouse working
Microsoft mice use either AA or AAA batteries, depending on the model. When the batteries run low, the mouse may disconnect or become unresponsive. Some Microsoft mice have a battery indicator light that blinks when power is low. If your mouse stops working, replace the batteries first before troubleshooting the Bluetooth connection.
Keep your mouse within about 30 feet of your computer for the strongest connection. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices like microwaves can weaken the Bluetooth signal, so if you are having connection problems, try moving closer to your computer or moving obstacles out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install software or drivers for a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse?
No. Windows and Mac recognize Microsoft Bluetooth mice automatically once they are paired. You do not need to read or install anything. If you want to customize button functions or sensitivity, Microsoft offers an optional app called Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center for Windows, but it is not required for the mouse to work.
Can I use my Microsoft mouse with multiple computers?
You can pair the mouse with multiple computers, but it can only be connected to one at a time. To switch between computers, disconnect it from the first computer's Bluetooth settings, then pair it with the second computer. Some newer Microsoft mice support quick switching between devices, but you still need to pair each device separately first.
Why does my mouse keep disconnecting?
Low batteries are the most common cause. Replace the batteries and see if the problem stops. If the batteries are fine, try moving the mouse closer to your computer, or restart both the mouse and your computer. If disconnections happen frequently, your Bluetooth adapter may be failing, or interference from other wireless devices may be too strong.
What is the difference between a Microsoft mouse and a regular wired mouse?
A Bluetooth mouse connects wirelessly using radio signals instead of a USB cable. This means fewer cables on your desk and more freedom to move around. The trade-off is that Bluetooth mice need batteries and can occasionally lose connection if they are too far from your computer or if something blocks the signal.
Can I use a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse with a phone or tablet?
Yes, if your phone or tablet has Bluetooth. The pairing process is the same: go to Bluetooth settings, turn on the mouse, and select it from the available devices list. This is useful if you want to use the same mouse with both a computer and a tablet, though you will need to disconnect and reconnect it each time you switch devices.