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How to Install a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Connect a wireless mouse and keyboard to your PC
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience.
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He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 20, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Keyboards & Mice The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts The Ultimate Guide to Keyboards The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Quick Guide to Webcams Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi
What to Know
Insert fresh batteries in the keyboard and mouse.Unless it is a USB dongle, position the receiver away from interference but near the keyboard. Don't connect to the computer yet.Install the software that came with the wireless devices.
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Harper Kim Member
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With the computer turned on, plug the USB receiver connector into the computer. This article explains how to install a wireless keyboard and mouse.
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Andrew Wilson 7 minutes ago
It includes information on testing the connection and troubleshooting any problems.
How ...
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Amelia Singh 7 minutes ago
The specific steps you need to take might be a bit different depending on the kind of keyboard/mouse...
It includes information on testing the connection and troubleshooting any problems.
How to Install a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Installing a wireless keyboard and mouse is easy. It should only take about 10 minutes, but possibly longer if you're not already familiar with how to deal with basic computer hardware.
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Aria Nguyen Member
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The specific steps you need to take might be a bit different depending on the kind of keyboard/mouse you're using. If you haven't yet purchased your wireless keyboard or mouse, see our best keyboards and best mice lists.
Unpack the Equipment
Installation begins with unpacking all the equipment from the box.
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If you purchased this as part of a rebate program, keep the UPC from the box. Your product box will ...
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Zoe Mueller Member
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If you purchased this as part of a rebate program, keep the UPC from the box. Your product box will probably contain the following items: Wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, wireless receiver(s), batteries (if not, you may have to supply these), software (usually on a CD), and manufacturer instructions.
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Charlotte Lee 2 minutes ago
If you're missing anything, contact either the retailer where you purchased the equipment or th...
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Victoria Lopez 6 minutes ago
Vincent Huijgens / Getty Images
Set Up the Keyboard and Mouse
Since the keyboard and mo...
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Chloe Santos Moderator
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If you're missing anything, contact either the retailer where you purchased the equipment or the manufacturer. Different products have different requirements, so check the included instructions if you have them.
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Set Up the Keyboard and Mouse
Since the keyboard and mo...
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Alexander Wang 2 minutes ago
Insert new batteries in the directions shown (match + with the + on the battery and vice ver...
Since the keyboard and mouse are wireless, they won't receive power from the computer like wired ones do, so they require batteries. Turn the keyboard and mouse over and remove the battery compartment covers.
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Emma Wilson 25 minutes ago
Insert new batteries in the directions shown (match + with the + on the battery and vice ver...
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Ethan Thomas 1 minutes ago
Observe proper ergonomics when you position your new equipment. Making the correct decision now can ...
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Nathan Chen Member
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Insert new batteries in the directions shown (match + with the + on the battery and vice versa). Place the keyboard and mouse wherever comfortable on your desk.
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Thomas Anderson 10 minutes ago
Observe proper ergonomics when you position your new equipment. Making the correct decision now can ...
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Noah Davis 2 minutes ago
If you have an existing keyboard and mouse that you're using during this setup process, just mov...
Observe proper ergonomics when you position your new equipment. Making the correct decision now can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in the future.
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Scarlett Brown 21 minutes ago
If you have an existing keyboard and mouse that you're using during this setup process, just mov...
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Some setups will have two wireless receivers—one for each device, but the setup instructions will ...
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Daniel Kumar Member
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If you have an existing keyboard and mouse that you're using during this setup process, just move them elsewhere on your desk until this setup is complete.
Position the Wireless Receiver
The wireless receiver is the component that physically connects to your computer and picks up the wireless signals from your keyboard and mouse, allowing it to communicate with your system.
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Elijah Patel 38 minutes ago
Some setups will have two wireless receivers—one for each device, but the setup instructions will ...
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(Many receivers are just small USB dongles. They plug right into the USB port. Don't worry too m...
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Mason Rodriguez Member
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Some setups will have two wireless receivers—one for each device, but the setup instructions will otherwise be the same. While the specific requirements vary from brand to brand, there are two considerations to keep in mind when choosing where to position the receiver: Distance from interference: Keep the receiver at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from sources of interference such as the computer monitor and computer case and other items that may cause interference like fans, fluorescent lights, metal filing cabinets, etc.Distance from keyboard and mouse: The receiver should be positioned somewhere between 8 inches (20 cm) and 6 feet (1.8 m) from the keyboard and mouse.
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Kevin Wang Member
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(Many receivers are just small USB dongles. They plug right into the USB port. Don't worry too much about interference or distance with these.) Don't connect the receiver to the computer yet.
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Install the Software
Almost all new hardware offers accompanying software that you must install. This software contains drivers that tell the operating system on the computer how to work with the new hardware.
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Ryan Garcia Member
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The software provided for wireless keyboards and mice differs significantly between manufacturers, so check with the instructions included with your purchase for specifics. Generally, though, all installation software is relatively straightforward: Insert the disc into the drive: The installation software should start automatically.
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Depending on the setup, you might need to download the software from the manufacturer's website....
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Connect the Receiver to the Computer
Finally, with your computer turned on, plug the USB ...
Depending on the setup, you might need to download the software from the manufacturer's website.Read the on-screen instructionsB: Accepting the default suggestions is a safe bet if you're unsure how to answer some questions during the setup process. If you don't have an existing mouse or keyboard, or they're not functioning, this step should be your last one. Software is nearly impossible to install without a working keyboard and mouse.
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Connect the Receiver to the Computer
Finally, with your computer turned on, plug the USB ...
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Connect the Receiver to the Computer
Finally, with your computer turned on, plug the USB connector at the end of the receiver into a free USB port on the back (or front if need be) of your computer case. If you have no free USB ports, you may need to purchase a USB hub which will give your computer access to additional ports. After plugging in the receiver, your computer will begin to configure the hardware for use.
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When the configuration is complete, you'll probably see a message on the screen similar to "Your new hardware is now ready to use."
Test the New Keyboard and Mouse
Test the keyboard and mouse by opening some programs and typing some text. It's a good idea to test every key to ensure there are no problems.
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If the keyboard or mouse doesn't function, check that there's no interference and that the e...
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If you plan on disposing of your old equipment, check with your local electronics store for recyclin...
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If the keyboard or mouse doesn't function, check that there's no interference and that the equipment is in range of the receiver. Also, check the troubleshooting information probably included with your manufacturer instructions. Remove the old keyboard and mouse from the computer if they're still connected.
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If you plan on disposing of your old equipment, check with your local electronics store for recyclin...
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You can also recycle them at Staples, regardless of the brand or whether it still works. How to...
If you plan on disposing of your old equipment, check with your local electronics store for recycling information. If your keyboard or mouse is Dell-branded, they offer a free mail-back recycling program (yes, Dell covers the postage) that we recommend you use.
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You can also recycle them at Staples, regardless of the brand or whether it still works. How to...
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