M2 Pro Mac mini: Performance issues, mouse dropouts

Hi,

I suppose your storage is not HDD, however SSD, anyway Mouse dropouts and lag on the Mac mini are almost always caused by wireless interference between the internal Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and external USB-C/USB 3.0 cables. Performance slowdowns are typically linked to memory leaks or running graphics-heavy apps (like certain games or browsers) in fullscreen.

How to Fix Mouse Dropouts & Stutters

Because of the Mac mini's compact aluminum housing, its internal antennas are highly sensitive to interference.

• Isolate USB and Display Cables: Poorly shielded external hard drives, USB hubs, or thick HDMI/USB-C cables often emit electromagnetic noise that jams Bluetooth signals. Move all external cables and devices (especially hard drives) as far away from the Mac mini as possible.
• Use a USB Extension Cable: If you are using a 2.4GHz wireless mouse (like a standard Logitech mouse connected via a USB-A or Logi Bolt dongle) plug the dongle into a USB Extension Cable and place it on your desk right next to your mouse.
• Switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi Band: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth both share the 2.4GHz frequency band. If you use Wi-Fi, ensure your router is connected to a 5GHz network. Alternatively, hardwire your Mac mini to the internet via Ethernet.
• Remove Competing Devices: Ensure your router, cordless phones, or Bluetooth speakers are not sitting right next to your Mac mini

How to Fix General Performance Issues

• Check for Memory Leaks: Background apps (especially communication or conference apps like Zoom) can occasionally experience memory leaks, causing your Mac to run out of RAM and aggressively swap data to its SSD, which freezes the UI. Open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight or your Applications folder), click the Memorytab, and see if any app is consuming excessive gigabytes. Quit and restart those apps.
• Avoid Fullscreen Mode Glitches: Some applications and games trigger severe visual stutter and mouse lag when run in full screen on M2 Pro chips. Try playing games or working in windowed mode, or toggle your workspace window size.
• Update Your OS: Apple frequently issues patches to macOS to improve peripheral connectivity and system stability. Navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update to verify you are on the latest release

To rule out 3rd party software pease download and run Etrecheck.  The free version is sufficient. However, if you find it worthwhile you should support the developer and purchase the app.

Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck is a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here in the ASC to provide a snapshot of the system and help identify the more obvious culprits that can adversely affect a Mac's performance.

Copy the report

and after clicking on the Reply button use the Additional Text button to paste the report in your reply.

Then we can examine the report and see if we can determine the cause of the problem.