How to get computer to recognize a device and connect

Hi,

What is the mouse model?

Does it work via USB dongle or Bluetooth?

When you connect the USB dongle, does it recognize it or does it give an error?

Thanks

Follow these steps to get the mouse recognized and connected in Windows 11:

1. Check basic hardware
   • Make sure the mouse has power (fresh batteries for wireless; intact cable for wired).
   • If it has a power switch, turn it on.
   • For USB mice or wireless receivers, unplug them, wait 10–15 seconds, then plug them back in.
   • Try a different USB port, preferably directly on the PC (avoid USB hubs or front ports if possible).
2. If it is a USB wireless mouse with a receiver
   • Plug the USB receiver directly into a USB port on the computer.
   • If the mouse or receiver has a “Connect” or “Reset” button, press it to resync.
   • Keep the mouse and receiver close together and away from other wireless devices and metal surfaces.
3. If it is a Bluetooth mouse
   1. Put the mouse in pairing/discoverable mode (check its manual or label for how to do this).
   2. On the PC, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
   3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
   4. Select Add device, then choose Bluetooth and wait for the mouse to appear by name.
   5. Select the mouse and follow any prompts to pair.
   • If only unknown numeric device names appear, cancel, put the mouse back into pairing mode, and try Add device again while watching for a device name that matches the mouse brand/model.
4. If Windows still does not recognize the mouse
   • Test the mouse on another PC. If it does not work there either, the mouse may be faulty and need replacement.
   • On the Dell PC, update drivers:
     1. In the taskbar search box, type device manager and open Device Manager.
     2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices (or Bluetooth for a Bluetooth mouse).
     3. Right‑click the device (or any unknown device related to the mouse) and select Update driver, then follow the instructions.
   • Also check Windows Update for any driver or system updates: in the search box type check for updates, open Check for updates, and install any available updates.

If the mouse works on another PC but never appears correctly in Bluetooth & devices or Device Manager on this Dell, contact Dell support, as the USB/Bluetooth hardware on the new PC may be defective.

References:

• Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows
• Add a hardware device to a Windows device
• Your wireless mouse or keyboard does not respond or you receive a “The wireless <device name> signal quality is low” error message