How to Open a Microsoft Optical Mouse

Microsoft mice are ergonomic, durable and generally last a long time with normal use. Occasionally, though, dirt or dust may enter the inside of the mouse through crevices near the buttons or scroll wheel. If this happens, the mouse may not track accurately or be unresponsive, which can affect your productivity and slow your business down. Generally speaking, Microsoft does not recommend repairing its mice, as simply replacing them is usually cheaper and easier. However, you may be able to extend the life of your Microsoft optical mouse if you open it and perform a thorough cleaning.


Disconnect the Microsoft optical mouse from the USB port on the computer. Remove the battery from the mouse if you have a wireless model.


Clean the exterior surfaces of the mouse with the lint-free cloth and some denatured alcohol. Clean the upper and part of the mouse, as well as the base that sits on your table or desk. Allow the denatured alcohol to dry completely before continuing.


Flip the optical mouse over, and then use the awl to gently remove the rubber pads that cover the screws on the base. Ensure that you do not tear or otherwise damage the pads, as you will need to reuse them later.


Use a small jeweler's Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four screws from the bottom of the mouse. Set the screws aside in a small bowl or container until you are ready to reassemble the mouse.


Use the awl or sharp-tipped scribe to pry apart and separate top cover of the mouse from the base. Start at the top of the mouse where the cable enters the interior. Carefully separate the top and bottom pieces of the mouse, while ensuring that you do not break or snap the plastics tabs that hold the two pieces together. Depending on the model, there may be between three and six plastic tabs you need to disengage before you can separate the top and bottom pieces of the mouse completely.


Remove the top cover of the mouse from the base to expose the circuit board and optical light/lens assembly.


Clean the circuit board and optical light/lens assembly with canned air and cotton swabs dipped in denatured alcohol. Allow the internal components to dry completely, and then use the canned air to blow out the mouse again to remove any fibers left behind by the cotton swabs.


Reassemble the mouse by reversing the steps you used to open it.