Is the mouse pointer on your Windows 10 computer moving when you press the ‘Arrow Keys’ or ‘Numeric Keypad’? This can be due to three mains reasons which we will discuss in the following section along with the fix for each. However, one thing that remains the same for all three is the ‘Annoying’ factor. Imagine pressing a key to perform a function, but it moves the mouse pointer instead. It will definitely hamper your work and impede the progress.
1. End MS Paint Process in Task Manager
If you have used MS Paint, you must have noticed that it allows you to control and move the cursor using the arrow keys. Many a time, when the app is running in the background, it continues to control the cursor movement with arrow keys. To fix the error, all you have to do is end the ‘Paint’ process in the task manager.
To end the MS Paint process, search for ‘Task Manager’ in the ‘Start Menu’ and then click on the search result to launch the app.
The ‘Processes’ tab open launches by default in the ‘Task Manager’ screen. Next, locate the ‘Paint’ option under apps, right-click on it, and then select ‘End task’ from the context menu.
The ‘Paint’ task will be ended immediately. The arrow keys will not control the cursor anymore.
2. Modify Mouse Settings
In case the cursor moves when you use the ‘Numeric Keypad’, it’s could be due to the ‘Mouse Key’ setting being enabled. This setting is disabled by default but you must verify the same, in case you are facing the error. The ‘Mouse Key’ settings help users with no mouse or with one that malfunctions, control the cursor movement.
To disable ‘Mouse Key’ settings, press WINDOWS + I
to launch the system ‘Settings’, and then select ‘Ease of Access’ from the list of options. You can also launch the system ‘Settings’ from the ‘Start Menu’.
You will now find various tabs listed on the left. Scroll down to the bottom and select the ‘Mouse’ option under ‘Interaction’.
In the ‘Mouse’ settings, verify if the ‘Mouse Keys’ feature is disabled. In case it’s turned on, click on the toggle to disable it.
After you have disabled the feature, restart the computer and check if the ‘Numeric Keypad’ still controls the cursor. In all likelihood, it wouldn’t anymore.
3. Uninstall Problematic Application
In some cases, a third-party application may be conflicting with the functioning of the mouse. If you have installed any such application and have been encountering the issue ever since, it’s time you uninstall it.
To identify the application that’s behind the whole mess, recollect when you first encountered the error and the apps that you installed during that period. When you have a list of probable apps, it’s time to uninstall them one at a time until the error is fixed. Also, to save time, start with the ones that are most likely to cause this error, for instance, ‘Neat Mouse’ (in case you have it).
To uninstall any app, press WINDOWS + R
to launch the ‘Run’ command. Next, enter ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the text box and either press ENTER
or click on ‘OK’ to launch the ‘Programs and Features’ window.
Now, select the app you feel might be leading to the error and click on the ‘Uninstall’ option at the top.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process. After the app is uninstalled, check if the mouse pointer can still be controlled by the arrow key or numeric keypad. Repeat the process until you the error is fixed. Also, reinstall the other apps that you uninstalled during the process, if needed.
The unnecessary cursor movement on pressing keys will no more be an issue after you execute the above fixes. These fixes cover all the issues that might be leading to error and ensure that your work progress is not hampered.
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