22 Fixes For Mouse Freezes, Jumps Or Disappears In Windows

This is your solution for mouse freezes Windows 10. A mouse freeze option isn’t just related to mouse cursor freezing. It could be due to the mouse cursor disappearing, lagging, or being hard to find in general. Therefore, we are bringing you a guide that will help you diagnose and fix the problem.

There are several solutions listed below to make it easier for you. Let’s begin!

Pro Tip Before We Begin

If you are entirely unable to use the mouse for most of these solutions, rely on your keyboard. There are plenty of shortcuts. You can also use the ‘tab’ button on your keyboard.

Using the tab button will allow you to navigate and select various options on the screen. It might take some practice to get used to, but it is a valuable tool. Whenever the mouse freezes, you can rely on your keyboard.

To expand the options and navigate, use arrow keys. 

Solutions For Mouse Freezes Windows 10

  1. Try A Different USB Port
  2. Check For Trackpad In Laptop
  3. Check The Mouse Device On Another PC
  4. Keep Bluetooth Mouse In A Distance 
  5. Make Sure That The Mouse Pad Is Clean And In Use 
  6. Reboot The PC
  7. Check The Mouse Cursor Settings For Disappearing Feature
  8. Check For Mouse Pointer Precision Feature
  9. Scroll Inactive Windows Fix
  10. Restore Settings To Default
  11. Check The Power Management Options
  12. Disable Fast Startup Option
  13. Troubleshoot Windows Mouse
  14. Reinstall The Mouse Driver
  15. Roll Back Or Update Mouse Drivers
  16. Disable Additional Mouse Drivers From Device Manager
  17. Disable Realtek HD Audio Manager
  18. Disable HP Control Zone
  19. Change Mouse Frequency 
  20. Change The Mouse
  21. Scan For Malware, Adware, Spyware
  22. Reset The Windows 

Complete Solutions For Mouse Freezes Windows 10

1. Try A Different USB Port

If you have a USB mouse, make sure to change the port. Follow a proper procedure of ‘eject’ or ‘disconnect’ before removing the USB. Then try a different USB port. Sometimes, people end up using a different version of the USB port. Incompatibility leads to mouse freezing problems. Maybe you have a loose USB port. So, it is an excellent option to try other hubs.

USB Root Hub Mouse Freezes Windows 10 Loose USB Port

2. Check For Trackpad In Laptop

Trackpad or Touchpad in laptops brings you the ease of using a mouse cursor. If you’ve been using the touchpad, but it isn’t working anymore, check the settings. Maybe you disabled trackpad options.

You can also try using a USB mouse if you have been using a trackpad. See if this works.

control panel touchpad mouse freezes windows 10

3. Check The Mouse Device On Another PC

Diagnose if it is a hardware issue. For example, maybe your mouse sustained some damage or ended up with internal corruption. Unplug the mouse and try it on a different PC. If it is still working, then get to other solutions below. 

4. Keep Bluetooth Mouse In A Distance

manage bluetooth devices windows 10

If you’re using a Bluetooth mouse, make sure that it is at a distance from WiFi routers and other devices. Often, the radio waves can interfere with efficient working.

You can also double-click on the left-click on the mouse. Many Bluetooth mouse devices come with inactivity features. To reactivate the mouse, double-tap and see if it works. 

5. Make Sure That The Mouse Pad Is Clean And In Use

clean mouse pad users reported

Maybe it isn’t the mouse freezing but your mouse pad not providing a smooth surface. Even a laser mouse needs a smooth surface to work. Many users don’t use a mouse pad, so make sure that you’re using one. It may solve most of your problems.

6. Reboot The PC

users reported restart PC to fix mouse freezes

If you haven’t had any luck so far before we move to serious solutions, restart the computer. Sometimes, the hardware doesn’t load, so it’s better just to restart. Make sure that your mouse is plugged in when you do it.

7. Check The Mouse Cursor Settings For Disappearing Feature

properties window hide cursor while typing option

One of the reasons for the mouse freezing issue can be the disappearing option. It can cause unwanted mouse lag. This can result in pointer freezing if you have an old PC or mouse.

  • Press Windows Key on your keyboard.
  • Type ‘Mouse.’ Select ‘Mouse Settings’ Press Enter.
  • In ‘Related Settings’ of the far-right panel, click on ‘Additional Mouse Options.’
  • Find the ‘Pointer Options’ tab.
  • See if you have ‘Hide Pointer While Typing’ enabled. Uncheck hide pointer option if it is checked on. 
  • Click OK and see if this solves the problem.
  • You might have to reboot the system.

8. Check For Mouse Pointer Precision Feature

mouse properties window uncheck enhance pointer precision

The enhance pointer precision feature usually makes it easier for users to track the mouse cursor. You can move it around conveniently to do a lot of things. However, enhance pointer precision can also cause problems. So, you will have: 

  • Use the above-given steps to reach the ‘Pointer Options Tab’ again.
  • Uncheck ‘Enhance Pointer Precision’ option.
  • Click OK and see if it fixes the problem.
  • If not, come back to Pointer Options Tab, and scroll below.
  • Check ‘Display Pointer Trails.’ This will help you keep the mouse responsive.
  • This will solve the ‘mouse pointer jumping around’ issue.

9. Scroll Inactive Windows Fix

windows 10 scroll inactive windows settings

This step will only take a few seconds for you. It is worth checking out.

  • Open Control Panel or Press Windows Key
  • Type ‘Mouse’ and select ‘Mouse Settings’
  • In the settings, you will see a toggle ‘Scroll Inactive Windows When I Hover Over Them.’
  • Disable it.

10. Restore Settings To Default

cursor freezes solution restore default mouse settings

Many users end up with too many device settings that can cause cursor freezes. You can go ahead and check the ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ settings. If you can’t restore default from there, follow this to solve mouse freezes: 

  • Go to Mouse Settings and find ‘Additional Mouse Options’
  • Go to the ‘Device’ tab and select settings. Find ‘Restore Default.’
  • If you can’t find restore default, it might be in separate touchpad settings.
  • Press Windows Key again and type touchpad to search for touchpad settings.
  • Scroll to the bottom. There will be a ‘Reset’ button. Click on it.
  • If it fixes the problem, then good.
  • If you can’t find the reset default option still, you’d have to rely on reinstalling the drivers.

11. Check The Power Management Options

open device manager adjust power management for USB root hub

Maybe you will have to adjust power management options. This can help you fix many mouse freezes.

  • Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run Utility.
  • Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ and press enter.
  • Open Device Manager, find ‘Universal Serial Bus Controllers.’
  • Press the arrow-key right to expand the options if your mouse isn’t working.
  • Find the USB root hub option that is connected to your mouse. If you can’t find it, do this for all the USB ports.
  • Go to the power management tab of each USB root hub option.
  • Uncheck ‘Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power.’
  • Follow it for all other USB root hub options.
  • Press OK
  • Restart PC
  • See if this solves the problem.

12. Disable Fast Startup Option

control panel power and sleep settings disable fast startup

Before you go work around mouse properties, take a few seconds to give this solution a try: 

  • Go to Windows Search Bar (press Windows Key)
  • Search for Power & Sleep Settings.
  • In the right pane, click ‘Additional Power Settings.’
  • In the new window, look at the left panel. Click on ‘Choose What The Power Button Do.’
  • You will see an option in blue, with a shield. ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable.’ Click on it.
  • This will open new options at the bottom.
  • Uncheck ‘Turn on fast startup.’
  • Press OK and restart the PC

13. Troubleshoot Windows Mouse

troubleshoot windows mouse

This should’ve been higher on the list. But, it is suitable to have it here because of the mouse device problems. This option might need an active internet connection. If none of the settings worked so far:

  • Access Mouse Settings again.
  • Click on ‘troubleshoot my mouse’ from the right side.

See if that works.

If not, then find troubleshoot options in the Windows Search Bar. Then go to the Additional troubleshooter option. Find various troubleshooters there to fix the problem.

14. Reinstall The Mouse Driver

mice and other pointing devices device manager windows 10

If you are still facing cursor freezes, it’s time for you to get into the muse driver options. 

  • Press Windows + X key. Open Device Manager from the list.
  • Find the ‘Mice And Other Pointing Devices’ section from the Device Manager Window.
  • Right-click and click ‘Uninstall Device.’ If you can’t use the mouse, press enter.
  • Go to the ‘Driver’ tab. Then, click on ‘Uninstall driver.’
  • Go back to the main Device Manager Window.
  • Press Tab and select Action.
  • Find ‘Scan For Hardware Changes.’
  • This will automatically install mouse drivers.

Now, restart the PC and see if it fixes the problem.

15. Roll Back Or Update Mouse Drivers

update mouse driver roll back driver device manager

If you’re still facing mouse freezes, follow on-screen instructions to update the outdated drivers for your mouse. 

  • Use the same steps as solution 14 to get to the Driver tab of your mouse device.
  • Now, select ‘Update Driver’ from the options.
  • It will pop up a window. Select ‘Search Automatically For Drivers.’ This will search automatically for the updated driver software.
  • Follow this step for any other relevant driver.

Similarly, if the driver is already up to date, you can try the roll-back option. Often, recent updates prove to be hectic. Rollback will help you get an older version that works with your mouse hardware better.

16. Disable Additional Mouse Drivers From Device Manager

open control panel select device manager choose uninstall device

If you have multiple mouse drivers, it’s time for you to disable the device. This will improve the computer’s performance and also help with the cursor freezes: 

  • Once again, go to the ‘Mice and other pointing devices in your device manager.
  • Find any additional mouse driver on your system. Make sure not to uninstall the one you’re using. Now, you can go ahead and either disable or uninstall each mouse driver.
  • For this, you will have to select them and go to the Driver tab.
  • Once you disable the driver or uninstall the mouse driver, restart the PC.

This should help you fix the issue.

17. Disable Realtek HD Audio Manager

task manager start up settings windows 10

This is specifically for the users that have Realtek audio manager in their collection. 

  • Press CTRL + Shift + Esc on your Keyboard. This will launch the Task Manager.
  • Go to the ‘Startup’ tab.
  • Find Realtek HD Audio Manager. Select it.
  • You can either right-click on it and select ‘Disable,’ or press the tab and select the Disable in the bottom option.
  • Once you do so, restart your computer.

18. Disable HP Control Zone

disable HP control zone windows 10

This option only applies to those that have an HP device.

  • Find the HP Control Zone in your Control Panel.
  • You can also search for it in Windows.
  • All you need to do is disable it from the options if it is in your system.
  • Some HP systems don’t come with HP Control Zone, so make sure to double-check.

19. Change Mouse Frequency

This is also a specific option for those that use mouses from Logitech. If you have an advanced or gaming mouse, it might have a mouse frequency.

So, set it to 250Hz or lower if there is such a setting available. There is no problem in checking for mouse frequency. If you’re using any software other than the built-in drivers and such, you might have this option.

20. Change The Mouse

If you haven’t had any luck with the solutions so far, you might want to buy a new device. Plug it and see if it is worth it. 

If you have a wired mouse, make sure to use the USB ports. However, if you have a Bluetooth device, check for the mouse battery before replacing the device. 

21. Scan For Malware, Adware, Spyware

Make sure to use a credible antivirus or windows defender on Windows 10. Then search for all the malware or virus content. You might have to use a separate tool for any adware or spyware. They often cause mouse freezes. See if you come up with any solution. 

22. Reset The Windows

reset this PC windows 10

If none of the options worked so far, it could be a corrupt windows registry. If you have a corrupt windows registry, all you can do is click settings and find the reset option. You can also select the control panel and find the option there.

But this should be the last resort if you’ve tried everything else. 

FAQs

Why Does My Mouse Freezes Windows 10?

There can be many reasons for the mouse freezing in Windows 10. It could be a hardware issue or a USB port issue. If you start digging deeper, you check whether it is a driver issue. If it is not related to your mouse settings, it is most likely related to the operating system. You will have to check each aspect to pinpoint the problem.

How Do I Fix My Mouse From Freezing Windows 10?

You can change the mouse and buy a new one. But if you don’t want to do that, run the troubleshooter. Make sure to check the mouse settings and drivers. If everything is fine, you can scan for adware, malware, and other problems. In the end, if you’ve tried everything, reset your windows. 

Why Does Mouse Keep Freezing?

Your mouse pointer can freeze for countless reasons. If you’re facing cursor freezes, diagnose the device and use built-in tools to see if it will fix the problem. 

How Do I Unfreeze My Mouse?

If you have a USB mouse, unplug it and reuse it. If that doesn’t work, you can check various mouse properties window options and see a solution there. As a last resort, reset the windows or use a new mouse. 

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.