The Apple Magic Mouse is still likely the best mouse for Macbook users. However, what if you already have a Magic mouse at home, but you’re looking to use it with a Windows PC? Is this possible, and if so, is it worth doing?
The answer is that yes, the Apple Magic mouse does work with Windows devices, the same way that you can pair your Airpods up with an Android phone. However, similarly, you won’t be able to use all of the features that make the Apple Magic mouse great.
While basic functions like clicking and scrolling work, there are some advanced features native to macOS that won’t work. This includes features such as gesture controls, which may not be fully operational without additional software – in this scenario, you’ll need to download additional software drivers (which I’ll get to in a minute).
But first, it’s time to connect your Magic mouse to your laptop or computer, and we do this in the same way as any other Bluetooth device.
Pairing Your Magic Mouse with Windows PC
To pair your Apple Magic Mouse with a Windows PC, you’ll need a Bluetooth connection to do so – this is how your Magic mouse connected to a Macbook, and it’s no different for Windows. Here’s how you can do it:
Turn on the Magic Mouse. Ensure it’s charged and the switch on the bottom is in the ON position.
Open Bluetooth Settings on Windows. Go to the Start menu, type “Bluetooth,” and select “Bluetooth and other device settings.”
Add a New Device. Click on “Add Bluetooth or other device,” then select “Bluetooth.”
Select the Magic Mouse. Your Magic Mouse should appear in the list of available devices. Click to pair.
To use a Magic mouse on Windows, you’ll likely need to download a mouse driver that allows it to function fully.
Driver Installation
The one obstacle you may run into when trying to use your Apple mouse with a Windows device is the lack of a driver – to fix this, you’ll need to install Magic mouse driver software that allows the mouse to function properly.
In some cases, Windows might automatically install necessary drivers, but for full functionality, including the use of gestures, third-party drivers or software may be required.
These can be found online with instructions on how to install and configure them – you can do this manually by installing Windows boot camp drivers directly from Apple here or via MagicUtilities here, and you’ll then need to run the AppleWirelessMouse64.exe file from the downloaded folder.
If you want all of this done for you, you may want to look at something like DriverEasy, which automatically finds the right Driver files for you.
I should mention that the Magic Mouse is known for its high battery consumption when connected to Windows computers. So, when using it with a Windows PC, regularly check the battery level to ensure uninterrupted usage.
Apple magic mouse won’t connect to Windows PC
If you find that you can’t connect your Magic mouse to your Windows machine, run through the following;
Restart the Bluetooth service on your Windows PC.
Remove the Magic Mouse from paired devices and pair it again.
Ensure your Magic Mouse is sufficiently charged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Magic Mouse can work with Windows, offering a different experience to those accustomed to its design and functionality.
However, keep in mind the potential need for additional drivers and the possibility of limited gesture control functionality – the Magic mouse isn’t made for Windows, and it definitely won’t work as smoothly as it does with MacOS.
There’s usually a Magic mouse driver needed if you want to get more from your Apple mouse, though the process is fairly straightforward to setup.
