Have you noticed recently that you have to press the mouse button multiple times to get the click registered? Well, there could be many reasons behind this problem.
From worn-out mouse switches, a dirty mouse, and dead batteries of a wireless mouse to a PC that needs to be restarted after an update, you can try troubleshooting this issue by finding the root cause.
And if nothing seems to work, you might be using the mouse incorrectly. In this article, we will look at the common causes of why a mouse click doesn’t get registered and possible ways to fix this problem.
At the end of this guide, you will have a clear idea of why your mouse is suddenly acting up and whether it’s just a temporary glitch or you need to replace the mouse.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why Do I Have to Click Twice On My Mouse?
If you are pressing too hard on your mouse button or have to press it multiple times for the click to register, there can be a few explanations for this to be happening.
Some of these explanations are the following:
A Dirty Mouse
Sometimes dust can settle inside the mouse enclosure and clog the buttons. When this happens, the buttons get stuck, and therefore when you press them, a click is not registered.
Dust can be cleared out by using a compressed-gas duster, which is specifically designed to blow out dust and tiny particles from around and under the buttons of a mouse or a keyboard.
Nearly Dead Mouse Batteries
If you are using a wireless mouse, a mouse click that doesn’t get registered could be happening because of dying batteries. If you recently changed the batteries and the mouse is still acting up, you may need to replace the batteries.
Clicking problems often occur when the mouse is not getting sufficient power to transmit the signal. Once this problem is resolved, your mouse will start functioning normally.
Wireless Connection Interference
Wireless mice send signals to a receiver connected to your PC through radio frequency or Bluetooth connection. If this signal is interfered with by other wireless devices around, mouse clicks may not get registered.
One way to avoid this problem is to position the mouse’s wireless receiver away from other wireless devices around, such as speakers or cordless phones.
The wireless connection may also get temporarily suspended and this would cause your mouse to stop working for a short period of time. Once the connection is reset, the problem disappears. You can also try turning the mouse off and then on again to refresh its wireless connection with the PC.
Faulty Windows Update
Windows updates are usually provided to fix bugs and introduce new features. However, sometimes these updates start causing more problems and a mouse working incorrectly could be one of them.
To resolve this, try uninstalling the recent Windows update and then see if the problem goes away.
Windows updates also require your PC to restart. If you are getting a prompt to reboot your PC, it’s recommended to do it as soon as possible. Sometimes if rebooting is delayed, peripherals attached to the computer start behaving abnormally.
A Malfunctioning Mouse
If you got yourself a defective mouse, the first problem you would notice is a mouse click that doesn’t get registered. If you have to press harder on the button or click multiple times for the click to register, it is definitely a sign that your mouse has an internal hardware problem.
If the mouse is new, you can claim a warranty and get it replaced. If the device is old and worn out, it may be time to replace it.
Tips to Fix a Mouse That Won’t Work
Unless you spilled coffee or some other liquid all over your mouse or dropped it real hard on the floor, a minor defect or temporary glitch can be fixed without getting professional help.
Here are a few tips to fix a mouse that is not working properly;
- Inspect the laser on the bottom of your mouse to see if something is covering it up. There might be dirt or grease that obstructs the signal. Clean the mouse to get rid of clicking problems that may occur because of a dirty mouse.
- Check if the mouse batteries are properly installed. If you got yourself a new rechargeable mouse, charge it at least an hour before connecting it to the PC.
- If you are using a wired mouse, try plugging it into a different USB port. There might be a problem with the port rather than the mouse and this simple step may help resolve your issue.
- Use a good-quality, clean mouse pad to operate your mouse. Newer mice can work well even without a mat, but older mice do need a good surface to register clicks.
- Update your mouse driver by finding updates from the manufacturer’s website. This is a simple step and it should be performed regularly to ensure a mouse that works seamlessly.
Wrapping Up
One of the most common problems a mouse user may encounter is a click that doesn’t get registered. You have to press the button multiple times for the click to register and this can be quite frustrating especially if you are in the middle of doing something important.
If it’s a wired mouse, you may try unplugging it and then plugging it back in. If it’s wireless, the problem can be resolved by changing the batteries or turning it off and on again to refresh the wireless connection.
It is also a good idea to connect the mouse to another PC and check if it still experiences the same issue. If the mouse works fine on other devices, the problem could be with your PC or its operating system.
And finally, as a last resort, the problem can be resolved by replacing the mouse altogether. Sometimes we don’t notice that our mouse has lived its life and it now needs to be replaced. Try these solutions and see if the problem goes away. All the best!