Can You Use a Microsoft Mouse on an Apple Computer?

You can use a Microsoft Mouse on an Apple computer if it's specifically designed for OS X systems. Some Microsoft mice, such as the wired USB Compact Mouse 100, are specifically designed for Windows operating systems, while others are cross-platform devices, which means they can also work with OS X systems. A wired mouse such as Comfort Mouse 4500 is compatible with OS X systems. Wireless Microsoft mice such as Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 and Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 Limited Edition are compatible with Apple computers running OS X 10.4 and above.

Microsoft mice for Apple computers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and vary in features and performance. Some are wired USB mice, while others employ wireless technology. How slow or fast a mouse's scroll wheel is plays a vital role in a device's performance. Some Microsoft mice, especially laser mice, work well on multiple surfaces, while others are better suited for wooden or plastic surfaces, so it's advisable to compare Microsoft mice features in addition to the system requirements before purchasing one. Check the system requirements information usually found on the back or front of the device's packaging. If you're purchasing a mouse online and want to use it with an Apple device, check view the operating system requirements and product guide information before you buy.

If you have a wired or wireless Microsoft mouse that is compatible with your Apple computer, it must be properly installed to work properly. Some mice, especially wireless optical mice, come with a USB receiver. This small device enables your Apple computer to communicate with a mouse to perform tasks such as scrolling, highlighting and right-clicking objects. Wireless mice are also battery-powered, so you must install a fresh pair of AAA or AA alkaline batteries, depending on the model. If you plug the USB receiver into an open USB port, position the mouse within reasonable distance of it. Depending on the model, the mouse may work immediately, or you may have to power and pair it with the receiver. Refer to your mouse's instructions for device-specific setup instructions. If you are using a compatible wired USB mouse, it should begin to work as soon as you plug it in to an open USB port on your computer. Wired mice rely on a computer's USB drivers to function, so additional drivers are not necessary.

In some cases, a compatible Microsoft mouse will not work with your Apple computer if it is not properly installed, or if the computer is not detecting an installed mouse. This is especially common with USB conflicts and system errors that can interfere with communication between the computer and your mouse. Whether you're using a wired or wireless Microsoft mouse, restarting the computer generally reboots USB ports to solve simple problems. If communication problems persist, disconnecting your wired mouse or a USB receiver for a wireless mouse, and reconnecting it can jumpstart the connection. Interference from other USB devices can cause communication problems, so disconnecting all USB devices other than the mouse and keyboard is at times necessary to resolve USB conflicts.