Connecting a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse takes three to five minutes and requires only your computer and the mouse itself
A Microsoft Bluetooth mouse connects wirelessly to your computer without a USB receiver. The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, but both involve turning on the mouse, opening your computer's Bluetooth settings, and selecting the mouse from a list of available devices. Once paired, the mouse stays connected whenever it is in range and powered on.
The mouse ships with batteries already installed. Before you start, make sure the power switch on the bottom of the mouse is in the On position — you will see a small sliding switch. If the mouse has been sitting unused, the batteries may be dead, so consider replacing them with fresh ones if pairing fails on the first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on the mouse using the power switch on the bottom, then hold the pairing button (usually on the underside) for three to five seconds until the light blinks.
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and select Add device, then choose Bluetooth and wait for your mouse name to appear.
- On Mac, open System Settings, select Bluetooth, and wait for your mouse to show in the list, then click Pair.
- Once paired, the mouse connects automatically whenever it is turned on and within range of your computer.
- If pairing fails, replace the batteries, restart your computer's Bluetooth, and try again.
Pairing on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar. At the top of the main panel, you will see an Add device button — click it.
A window titled "Add a device" will open with three options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. Click Bluetooth. Your computer will now search for nearby Bluetooth devices. While this search is running, press and hold the pairing button on the bottom of your mouse for three to five seconds. The pairing button is usually a small circular indent or button near the power switch. A light on the mouse will begin blinking, indicating it is in pairing mode.
Within a few seconds, your mouse should appear in the list on your screen with a name like "Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse" or "Arc Mouse." Click on it. Windows will pair the devices, and you should see a "Connected" status appear next to the mouse name. You can now close the Settings window and begin using the mouse.
Pairing on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a toggle switch at the top of the panel.
Press and hold the pairing button on the bottom of your mouse for three to five seconds until the light blinks. Your mouse should appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds. Click the Pair button next to your mouse name. macOS will complete the pairing, and the mouse will show as "Connected" in the Bluetooth settings.
What to do if the mouse does not appear
If your mouse does not show up in the device list after you press the pairing button, the batteries may be dead. Remove the battery cover on the bottom of the mouse and replace both batteries with fresh ones. Make sure they are inserted in the correct direction — the positive and negative ends should match the markings inside the battery compartment.
After replacing the batteries, try the pairing process again. Press and hold the pairing button for a full five seconds this time, as a longer press sometimes helps. If the mouse still does not appear, restart your computer's Bluetooth by toggling it off and back on in your settings, then try pairing once more.
If you have tried fresh batteries and restarting Bluetooth and the mouse still will not pair, the mouse itself may have a hardware problem. Check the Microsoft support website for your specific mouse model to see if there are known issues or firmware updates available.
Reconnecting after the mouse is already paired
Once you have paired the mouse, you do not need to repeat the pairing process every time you use it. Simply turn on the mouse using the power switch on the bottom. Your computer will automatically detect it and connect within a few seconds. The mouse will stay connected as long as it is powered on and within about 30 feet of your computer.
If the mouse disconnects and does not reconnect automatically, turn it off and back on again. If it still does not reconnect, check that Bluetooth is still enabled on your computer. You can also remove the mouse from your Bluetooth settings and pair it again from scratch if reconnection problems persist.
Battery life and power management
Microsoft Bluetooth mice typically run for several months on a single pair of AA or AAA batteries, depending on the model and how often you use it. When the batteries are running low, the mouse may become sluggish or fail to respond. Replace the batteries as soon as you notice this behavior.
Some Microsoft mice have a power-saving mode that turns off the mouse after a period of inactivity. If your mouse stops responding, check that the power switch is still in the On position. You can also wake the mouse by clicking one of its buttons or moving it slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a USB receiver for a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse?
No. A Bluetooth mouse connects directly to your computer's built-in Bluetooth radio. You do not need a USB receiver or dongle. If your computer does not have Bluetooth, you can add it with a USB Bluetooth adapter, but the mouse itself does not come with one.
Can I use the same mouse with multiple computers?
Yes, but you must pair it separately with each computer. Once paired with a computer, the mouse will reconnect to that computer automatically when turned on. To switch to a different computer, turn off the mouse, pair it with the new computer, and turn it back on.
Why is my mouse cursor moving slowly or jumping around?
Low batteries are the most common cause. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. If the cursor still moves erratically after new batteries, move the mouse closer to your computer — Bluetooth range can be affected by distance and obstacles like walls or metal objects.
How do I unpair the mouse if I want to give it to someone else?
Open your Bluetooth settings, find the mouse in the list of paired devices, and select the option to forget or remove it. The mouse will no longer connect to your computer. The next person can then pair it with their own computer using the same pairing process.
What if my computer does not have Bluetooth?
You can add Bluetooth to a desktop computer with a USB Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into any available USB port. These adapters are inexpensive and widely available. Once installed, your computer will have Bluetooth capability and can pair with the mouse normally.