How to Fix Mouse Lagging Issues in Windows 11

Many users have been experiencing mouse stutters and lags lately in Windows 11. The issue is neither app-specific nor device-specific (both external USB and wireless mice are affected). Once you've made sure that the problem is not with your device (check the batteries and try connecting to another PC if you can), there are certain fixes you can try to eradicate this issue.

Remove and Reconnect the Mouse

This might be the most elementary fix but it is quite effective. Many times, a third-party process is interfering with the function of the mouse. Disconnecting and reconnecting it again mostly resolves this kind of issue.

1. If you have a USB mouse, simply unplug it from the USB port and reconnect it after a few minutes.
2. If you have a wireless mouse with a USB receiver, turn off the mouse using the physical switch on it. Then, remove the USB receiver from the computer. Wait for a few minutes, connect the receiver again, and turn on the mouse.
3. If your mouse is connected via Bluetooth. Click on the 'WiFi' icon in the left corner of the Taskbar.

4. Click on the 'Bluetooth' icon to turn it off.

Update Mouse Drivers

Since you have figured out the problem is software-based, the best method is to update the drivers, as it resolves any corrupt or damaged files that can cause the issue.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for 'Device Manager'. From the search results, click on the 'Device Manager' tile to open it.

2. On the 'Device Manager' screen, click 'Mice and other pointing devices' to expand.
3. Double-click on the 'HID-compliant mouse' option. This will open an additional window.

4. Head to the 'Driver' tab and select the 'Update driver' option. This will open another window.

5. On the 'Update Driver' window, select 'Search automatically for drivers' if you want Windows to search for a driver. Otherwise, if you have a driver already downloaded on your computer, select the 'Browse my computer for drivers' option.

6. If you opt to let Windows search for an update in the previous step, it will check the Microsoft servers and update the mouse driver.
7. If you have a laptop computer, repeat the above steps for the 'Touchpad' device as well.

Force Install Mouse Drivers

If updating the mouse drivers did not work for you, you can uninstall them and force Windows to install new mouse drivers from the Windows server.

1. Open 'Device Manager' by searching for it in the Start Menu.
2. Expand the 'Mice and other pointing device' category.
3. Double-click on the 'HID-compliant' mouse'.

4. Select the 'Driver' tab and click on the 'Uninstall' option. This will open an additional window on your screen.

5. Check the 'Attempt to uninstall drivers' option and click 'Uninstall' (if the option is available).

6. Once the drivers are successfully uninstalled, restart your PC from the Start Menu.
7. After restarting, head to the 'Settings' app from the Start Menu.
8. Select the 'Windows Update' option from the sidebar.

9. Click on 'Download & install/Restart now' if an update is available.

10. In case no update is available, click on 'Advanced options'.

11. Then, select 'Optional Updates' to proceed.

12. Click 'Download & install' for all the available update(s).

Turn Off HDR

Though the HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature is associated with screen and display properties, it has been observed that it interferes with the mouse for some users.

1. Open the 'Settings' app from the Start Menu. Alternatively, you can press Windows+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Select the 'System' option from the left sidebar.

3. Click on the 'Display' option from the right section of the screen.

4. Select the 'HDR' option to proceed.

5. Turn off the toggles for 'HDR video streaming' and 'Use HDR'.

Check Mouse Speed and Sensitivity Settings

Mouse speed and sensitivity settings play a major role in how the cursor moves on the screen with respect to the movement of the mouse. If you have recently switched devices, adjusting sensitivity settings could resolve your issue.

1. Launch the 'Settings' app from the Start Menu.
2. Select the 'Bluetooth & devices' tab from the left sidebar.

3. From the right section of the window, click on the 'Mouse' option. If you are using the built-in touchpad on your laptop computer, select the 'Touchpad' option instead.

4. On the subsequent screen, move the slider to the right for 'Mouse pointer speed'. The higher the sensitivity, the lesser physical movement needed from the mouse to move the cursor.

5. If the scrolling speed also seems slow to you, move the slider for 'Lines to scroll at a time' as well.

Disable Enhance Pointer Precision

If you are facing lag issues with your mouse on Windows 11, you just need to tweak a simple setting, and the latency will be gone.

1. Use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open Windows Settings.
2. Click the 'Bluetooth and devices' settings in the left sidebar.

3. Navigate to the 'Mouse' settings on the right pane and open it.

4. Click on 'Additional Mouse Settings' to proceed. This will open a new window on your screen.

5. Select the 'Pointer options' tab and uncheck the 'Enhance pointer precision' option. Then, click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save the changes and close the window.

Turn Off 'Scroll Active Windows' Feature

The 'Scroll Active Windows' feature allows you to scroll windows that aren't active by just hovering your mouse over them. While the feature offers great convenience, it is known to create lagging or stuttering issues.

1. Open the 'Settings' app on your computer.
2. Select the 'Bluetooth & devices' option on the left sidebar.

3. Click 'Mouse' from the right section of the window to proceed.

4. Disable the toggle for the 'Scroll inactive window when hovering over them' option.

Turn Off Mouse Trails

Turning off mouse trails can also help with lagging and stuttering issues.

1. Open the 'Settings' app.
2. Head to the 'Bluetooth & devices' option from the sidebar.
3. Click on the 'Mouse' option to continue.

4. On the subsequent screen, click on the 'Additional mouse settings' option. This will open an additional window on your screen.

5. Select the 'Pointer Options' tab. Then, uncheck the 'Display pointer trails' option. Click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save the changes.

Turn off Power Saver Mode

If you own a laptop computer, Windows automatically turns on the 'Power Saver' mode once your device is below a certain battery level. This restricts performance and background apps in order to save battery.

Due to reduced performance, you might see a stutter or lag in the mouse pointer. Simply plug in your computer to turn off the 'Power Saver' mode. In case you still feel the stutter or lag in the mouse, follow the below steps to disable 'Power Saver' mode.

1. Click on the 'Battery' icon present in the bottom left corner of the Taskbar. If the icon is not available, open the 'Settings' app from the Start Menu.

2. If you have opened the 'Settings' app, ensure you have selected the 'System' option from the left sidebar. Then, from the right section, click 'Power & Battery' to proceed.

3. Click on the dropdown menu on the 'Power mode' option and select the 'Balanced' or 'High Performance' option.

Mouse lagging issues can not only get frustrating, but they can also impact your work and productivity. Fortunately, the above-mentioned methods will help you resolve the issue in no time.