5 Ways to Fix Mouse Cursor Not Showing on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Force-reboot your PC to fix any software glitches causing the mouse cursor to not show up on the screen.
• When using a wireless mouse, ensure you’re within the Bluetooth/receiver’s range for seamless connectivity.
• Connect an external mouse to your laptop to test whether the issue is with the trackpad.

Fix 1: Clean the Trackpad or the Bottom Surface of the Mouse

Sometimes, the dirt accumulated on your laptop’s trackpad may hinder the cursor’s movement. The same goes for the bottom surface of your mouse.

Cleaning the trackpad is simple. Just take a microfibre cloth and wipe off any visible dirt. If you’re feeling extra, dig the edges of the trackpad with a brush to deep clean the trackpad. You can follow the same process for an external mouse too. If you’re using a mouse, it’s a good idea to use a mouse pad or mat for smoother movement.

Fix 2: Ensure the Trackpad Isn’t Disabled With Function Keys

Most laptops have a key combination involving the function keys that disables your trackpad and the mouse cursor. If the mouse cursor has gone to the edge of the display and has then been disabled, you may not be able to find it on the screen. Since the shortcut involves pressing a function key, you may trigger it by mistake more often than you would think.

The way to enable the trackpad again is to press the same key combination. While this may differ based on your laptop manufacturer, try looking for the function key with the symbol in the image above. Once you find it, press the Fn key along with the key to disable the trackpad simultaneously and this should bring your mouse cursor back.

Fix 3: Connect the Mouse to a Different Port

Most wired mice nowadays connect via the USB port. Gone are those of the troublesome PS2 ports where a single bent pin would cause issues. However, a USB port may also conk off without your knowledge. So, try plugging your mouse into a different USB port on your PC or laptop to see if it brings your cursor back.

Fix 4: Unhide the Mouse Pointer While Typing

Windows 11 allows you to hide the mouse cursor while you’re typing. This may lead to the mouse pointer not showing up on your computer. So, it’s best to leave the ‘Hide mouse pointer while typing’ setting turned off on your Windows 11 PC. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Click on the search icon in the taskbar to bring up the Windows 11 search bar.

Step 2: Type in Control Panel and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: Search for the Mouse option in the search bar within Control Panel.

Step 4: Click on the Mouse settings now.

Step 5: Navigate to the Pointer Options tab in the window that pops up.

Step 6: Untick the checkbox next to Hide pointer while typing.

Fix 5: Update the Mouse Driver

When you connect any external peripheral to your PC, a driver will be present to allow communication between the mouse and your computer. If this driver stops working, you may face trouble while interfacing your wired mouse with the PC, resulting in the cursor not being shown. Here’s how you can update the mouse’s driver on Windows 11.

Step 1: Click on the search icon in the taskbar to bring up the Windows 11 search bar.

Step 2: Type in Control Panel and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: Search for Device Manager in the search bar within Control Panel.

Step 4: Click on the Device Manager option under Devices and Printers.

Step 5: Click on Mice and other pointing devices to expand it.

Step 6: Your mouse will appear under that option. Right-click on it and select Update driver.

Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the driver update.