What should you do if you have forgotten a mouse? - briefly
Obtain a substitute device—borrow a mouse, use a touchpad, or connect a spare—and ensure it is recognized by the computer before continuing. If the system does not detect the device, restart the computer or reinstall the appropriate drivers.
What should you do if you have forgotten a mouse? - in detail
If you discover that your mouse is not available, first determine whether the computer provides an alternative pointing method. On a laptop, activate the built‑in touchpad through the function key or system settings. On a desktop, enable the on‑screen pointer utility (e.g., Windows Ease of Access “Mouse Keys” or macOS “Assistive Touch”) to control the cursor with the keyboard.
Next, employ keyboard shortcuts to navigate the interface:
- Alt + Tab – switch between open applications.
- Alt + Space, then M – move windows using arrow keys.
- Ctrl + Esc or Win key – open the Start menu.
- Arrow keys – move through menus and dialogs; Enter selects.
- Tab – shift focus between controls; Space toggles checkboxes and buttons.
If the task requires precise selection (e.g., graphic editing), consider a temporary replacement:
- Borrow a mouse from a colleague or nearby workstation.
- Use a mobile device as a remote mouse via Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi apps.
- Connect a generic USB or Bluetooth mouse if one is available.
When a permanent solution is needed, procure a compatible mouse. Verify the connector type (USB‑A, USB‑C, or Bluetooth) and ensure driver support for the operating system.
To prevent recurrence, adopt one of the following safeguards:
- Store the mouse in a dedicated bag or desk drawer.
- Set a reminder in a calendar or task manager before leaving the workspace.
- Enable automatic detection of peripheral disconnection, prompting an alert when the device is absent.
These steps restore full functionality without delay and establish a reliable routine for future instances.