First check whether only the pointer stutters or the whole PC freezes. Clean the sensor, charge or replace the battery, connect the receiver or cable directly to another USB port, and close other apps for one test. If the mouse works on another PC, install Windows and device-driver updates and then check its Bluetooth or manufacturer settings.
Move the pointer while opening Task Manager. If video, typing, and every app pause too, troubleshoot Windows performance. If only the pointer skips while the rest of the screen remains smooth, continue with the mouse.
2
Check power and the sensor
Charge the mouse or install fresh batteries, clean dirt from the sensor, and test on a plain non-reflective surface. A low battery or poor surface can look like software stutter.
3
Connect without a hub
For USB, unplug the cable or receiver, wait about 10 seconds, and connect it directly to a different PC port. Remove an unpowered hub or dock for the test. Inspect the cable and receiver for damage.
4
Close other apps and restart
Close nonessential games, recording tools, and hardware utilities, then restart Windows. If pointer movement becomes smooth, reopen one program at a time to identify the conflict.
5
Test the mouse on another PC
Connect the mouse to another computer with the correct driver. If the same skipping occurs there, the mouse, cable, receiver, battery, or sensor is the likely cause rather than Windows on the first PC.
6
Update Windows and the device driver
Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. If needed, open Device Manager, find the mouse or Bluetooth adapter, and choose Update driver. Use the mouse manufacturer's official software only when the model requires it.
If a Bluetooth mouse stutters but a wired mouse does not, follow Microsoft's Bluetooth troubleshooting and check distance, battery, and wireless interference.
If every input device pauses while CPU, memory, or disk usage is high, fix the Windows-wide slowdown rather than repeatedly reinstalling the mouse driver.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows 11.
The steps below follow current publisher documentation and explain technical terms where they first appear.
