Having your mouse sensitivity change randomly in Windows 10 is one of the most frustrating issues, especially if you are playing a video game, working on a design, or using a setup with multiple displays.
Before you order a new mouse so you don’t lose your in-game rank or miss a deadline, try the solutions we have listed below.
Quick Fixes
Before we move to more complex solutions, try these fixes:
- Disconnect and reconnect the mouse.
- Connect your mouse using a different port to ensure your problems aren’t caused by a malfunctioning USB port.
- Connect your mouse to another PC or laptop to check if the problem persists.
- If you are using a Bluetooth mouse, make sure you are in range.
- Replace the mouse battery.
- Check if you are not accidentally touching the touchpad.
If none of these seem to be causing the mouse sensitivity issue, we can move to the more complicated solutions listed below.
1. Check Mouse Settings
To check your current mouse settings, follow these steps:
- Click Start, then head to Settings > Devices.
- On the left pane menu, select Mouse.
- Use the slider to adjust the cursor speed. You should notice the change in real-time.
2. Turn Off Enhance Pointer Precision
You can control this setting using Control Panel. Here is how you can do it:
- In the Start menu search bar, search for control panel and select the Best match.
- Click Hardware and sound > Devices & Printers > Mouse.
- Open the Pointer Options tab.
- Uncheck Enhance Pointer Precision.
3. Check Your Mouse App
Some of the manufacturers have their own apps to use together with their mouse. The advantage of these apps is that you gain more control over your mouse as you can change button functions, customize LED lights, or create profiles. Sometimes, these apps might interfere with the system settings and make your mouse sensitivity inconsistent.
If you have a third-party app installed for your mouse, open it and check the settings. Test the pointer precision to make sure everything functions properly. Otherwise, you can uninstall or update it.
4. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
You can use Windows 10’s troubleshooter to fix some of the most common problems users experience. While the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter was removed from the Settings menu, you can still access it through Command Prompt.
Follow these steps to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:
- In the Start menu search bar, search for command prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter. This will open the Hardware and Devices window.
- Click Advanced > Apply repairs automatically.
- Select Next to start the troubleshooting process.
You can use Command Prompt to search for corrupt files as they might cause your mouse sensitivity to change randomly. All you have to do is type sfc / scannow in the Command Prompt window and press Enter. Windows 10 will automatically replace any corrupt files it detects.
5. Use System Configuration
Follow these steps to fix the mouse sensitivity issue through System Configuration:
- In the Start menu search bar, search for system configuration and select the Best match.
- Type msconfig.exe and press Enter.
- On the General tab, check Load system services and Load startup items.
- Click Apply > Ok to save the changes.
Please note that if you are using a laptop or PC belonging to your employer, the changes you make using System Configuration might revert after you restart the device. Also, some options might be unavailable.
Make Your Cursor Move Smoothly
You can easily fix the mouse sensitivity problems following the solutions in this article and feel like you’ve bought a new mouse. If you have installed a multi-display setup, you can take the customization process further and install an app that changes the cursor behavior when moving it to a different screen.
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