Slow wireless mouse and monitor performance after connecting second external monitor

[big_ozzie]

My laptop has been connected to a single external monitor via HDMI cable for about a year now with no performance issues. I recently connected a second external monitor via a USB-A to HDMI adapter. The adapter was necessary as my laptop model does not have a secondary HDMI port and the USB-C port (as far as I understand) does not support display output. I also have a wireless mouse. Both the wireless mouse USB-A and the secondary monitor USB-A to HDMI adapter are connected to the same side of my laptop.

My mouse performance is now extremely laggy across all monitors and my laptop screen. Additionally, if I opt for using the touchpad, the mouse performance is laggy, but only on the secondary monitor. 

The issue seems to be the power supply of the two USB-A ports on my laptop. Are there any solution suggestions? Should I simply get a docking station? I am worried about purchasing one given my USB-C not supporting display output (again, I could be wrong on this).

Thanks!

[Alden4]

Hi @big_ozzie,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's possible that the laggy mouse performance is indeed related to the power supply or bandwidth limitations of the USB-A ports on your laptop. Connecting multiple peripherals, including an external monitor and a wireless mouse, to the same side of the laptop can sometimes lead to performance issues.

Here are a few suggestions to address the problem.

• Check USB-A Ports: Make sure that both USB-A ports are functioning correctly. Try connecting the wireless mouse adapter and the USB-A to HDMI adapter to different USB-A ports to see if the issue persists.
• Update Drivers: Ensure that all your graphics drivers, USB drivers, and any other relevant drivers are up to date. HP often releases updates that can improve compatibility and performance.
• Power Settings: Check your power settings to ensure that the USB ports are not being underpowered. Some laptops have power-saving features that may limit the power supplied to USB ports. Adjust power settings to provide maximum power to USB devices.
• USB Hub or Docking Station: Considering your concerns about the USB-C port, you might want to explore USB-A docking stations. These devices can provide additional USB ports and often come with their power supply, alleviating power concerns. Look for a docking station that supports dual monitors and provides enough power for your peripherals.
• USB-C to HDMI Adapter: If your laptop does have a USB-C port, it might be worth investigating if it supports display output. You can try using a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the second external monitor directly to the USB-C port, bypassing the USB-A to HDMI adapter.
• Check System Resources: Monitor your system resources (CPU, RAM, etc.) to ensure that your laptop isn't overloaded. Running multiple monitors can be demanding on system resources, and if your laptop is struggling, it can affect peripheral performance.

Before investing in a docking station, make sure it is compatible with your laptop and meets your requirements. If you opt for a docking station, choose one that provides the necessary power and supports dual monitors.

Remember to double-check your laptop's specifications and documentation to confirm the capabilities of your USB-C port and whether it supports display output.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[big_ozzie]

Thank you for the help. I checked the USB-A ports. The issue was persistent regardless of port. I ensured all drivers were up to date. I ensured all ports are receiving full power. I purchased a USB-A docking station and hooked up the two HDMI monitors and the USB-A wireless mouse to the docking station, but the issue persisted. I tried a USB-C docking station as my laptop does support USB-C display after all, but the issue persists. Unfortunately I noticed that the CPU is shooting to 100% when I move my cursor to either monitor, so system performance is likely the issue. Anything I can do to help that?

[Alden4]

Hi @big_ozzie,

Thank you for your response, 

If your CPU is spiking to 100% when moving the cursor to either monitor, it indicates that there may be a bottleneck in your system's performance. Here are some steps you can take to potentially alleviate the issue.

• Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Sometimes outdated or faulty drivers can cause performance issues. You can usually update them through the HP website or via Windows Update.
• Check for Background Processes: Make sure there are no unnecessary background processes consuming CPU resources. You can use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to identify and close any unnecessary processes.
• Disable Startup Programs: Some programs may start automatically when you boot up your computer, consuming CPU resources. You can disable startup programs through Task Manager or via the System Configuration utility (msconfig).
• Adjust Power Settings: Check your power settings to ensure that your laptop is set to high performance mode, especially when connected to a docking station. This can help ensure that your CPU is running at its maximum capacity.
• Check for Malware: Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program to check for any malware or viruses that may be consuming CPU resources.
• Check for Thermal Throttling: Ensure that your laptop is not overheating and throttling the CPU performance. Clean any dust from the vents and consider using a laptop cooling pad to help dissipate heat.
• Monitor CPU Usage: Use performance monitoring tools to identify which processes are consuming the most CPU resources. This can help pinpoint the cause of the high CPU usage.
• Consider Hardware Upgrades: If your laptop's hardware is outdated or insufficient for your needs, you may consider upgrading components such as the CPU, RAM, or storage to improve performance.
• Optimize Software Settings: Some software applications may have settings that can be adjusted to reduce their impact on CPU performance. Check the settings of any resource-intensive applications you are using.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and address the underlying cause of the high CPU usage, which should in turn improve system performance when using external monitors and peripherals.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support