Extend Wireless Range of a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Wireless mice and keyboards are important components of home computer systems. Most use a specific radio frequency to communicate with the computer and have an effective range of 30 feet (9.144 m). Wireless technology also allows people to hardwire their computers to their TVs for enhanced viewing. The performance of your wireless hardware can be compromised if the signal to the computer is weak or encounters interference. If you want to extend wireless range of your wireless keyboard and mouse, follow these steps.

Steps

  1. Consider the simplest fixes first. If your wireless keyboard and mouse aren't performing well, radio-frequency range might not even be the issue. Check other possible problems before evaluating hardware and software options.
    • Batteries: Depleted batteries will make your wireless devices operate sluggishly.
    • Trackball mouse: Trackball mice get dirty after extended use, inhibiting performance. If you use a trackball mouse, flip it over and twist the locking ring to the open position. Take out the ball and clean the connectors. Replace the ball and lock it in place.
  2. Move other appliances away from your computer. Other devices that use radio frequencies can interfere with your wireless mouse and keyboard. If possible, move appliances that have antennas, like televisions, AM/FM radios, baby monitors and cordless phones, to another area of your house. This can extend the range and signal strength of your wireless devices.
  3. Check the wireless receivers. Wireless devices transmit data to their receivers, which usually are docked in USB ports in the back of your PC's tower. If your mouse and keyboard aren't responding or are working intermittently, move the wireless receivers to ports in the front of the tower, if that provides a better line of sight between them.
  4. Move the PC tower: Consider moving the PC tower from the floor to a tabletop to extend the range of your wireless mouse and keyboard. Even a slight adjustment of the tower position can have a positive effect on signal strength.
  5. Install an FM antenna onto the receiver. You can attach a copper wire antenna directly to a receiver to extend its range. By running the antenna up a wall a few feet, you'll be able to use your wireless keyboard and mouse from more than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} away.
  6. Upgrade your wireless devices. The newest versions of wireless mice and keyboards are highly functional and have superior range to previous generations. If none of the measures you take to extend the range of your wireless keyboard and mouse work, consider buying state-of-the-art devices.

Tips

  • Trackball mice are outdated. If you have one, you might want to upgrade to an optical or laser mouse. They offer superior precision and can operate on any surface, like couch cushions or rough wood.
  • Bluetooth mice use adaptive-frequency technology that can search for and select a radio frequency that has no interference.
  • If your computer is using the same power outlet as other appliances, move it to a different power source. This puts the computer on its own circuit breakers and fuses.

Sources and Citations

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