Mouse acceleration in Windows 11 changes how far your pointer moves on the screen based on the speed of your physical mouse movement. For some, this feature helps cover more screen space with less desk movement, but it can introduce inconsistency and reduce accuracy—especially for gamers and professionals who need precise control.

Turning off mouse acceleration ensures a direct, one-to-one relationship between your hand movement and the on-screen pointer, resulting in more predictable and reliable performance. This adjustment is a top recommendation for anyone seeking improved accuracy in fast-paced games or design applications.

Why Turn Off Mouse Acceleration?

Disabling mouse acceleration provides measurable improvements in pointer consistency and control. When acceleration is active, moving your mouse quickly sends the pointer much farther than moving it slowly over the same physical distance. This can disrupt muscle memory and make tasks like aiming in first-person shooters or performing pixel-perfect edits in design software more difficult. Users who rely on uniform pointer response—such as competitive gamers and graphic designers—often benefit the most from switching it off. The result is steadier, more predictable mouse behavior and fewer overshoots or jittery movements.

How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration in Windows 11

Disabling mouse acceleration in Windows 11 is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few steps. The process is the same whether you use the Settings app or the classic Control Panel interface. Here’s the most effective way to do it:

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar or pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. This launches the central hub for system configuration.

Step 2: In the Settings window, select Bluetooth & devices from the sidebar, then click on Mouse in the main pane. This section manages all mouse-related options.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Additional mouse settings under the Related settings heading. This opens the classic Mouse Properties dialog, which contains advanced options.

Step 4: In the Mouse Properties window, switch to the Pointer Options tab. Here, locate the checkbox labeled Enhance pointer precision. This setting controls mouse acceleration. Uncheck this box to disable acceleration.

Step 5: Click Apply and then OK to save your changes. The new setting takes effect immediately, but you may wish to test your pointer movement to confirm the difference.

After these steps, your mouse pointer will move at a consistent rate, regardless of how fast you move your mouse. If you want to revert the change, simply repeat the process and re-check the Enhance pointer precision box.

Alternative Method: Using the Control Panel

Some users prefer the traditional Control Panel interface, which remains available in Windows 11. This method achieves the same result:

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type control, and press Enter. This launches the Control Panel.

Step 2: Navigate to Hardware and Sound, then click Mouse under the Devices and Printers section.

Step 3: In the Mouse Properties window, go to the Pointer Options tab and uncheck Enhance pointer precision. Click Apply and OK to confirm your changes.

This approach is favored by those who are familiar with older versions of Windows or want to access other legacy mouse settings.

Additional Tips for Mouse Precision

After disabling mouse acceleration, you may notice your pointer feels slower or covers less screen space for the same physical movement. Adjusting mouse sensitivity or pointer speed can help you find the right balance for your workflow. Return to the Mouse section in Windows Settings and use the Mouse pointer speed slider to set your preferred responsiveness.

For advanced users, disabling mouse acceleration via the Windows Registry is also possible, but this method carries risks and is generally unnecessary unless you have custom configuration needs. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Some gaming mice or third-party mouse software may override Windows settings. If you continue to experience acceleration or inconsistent pointer movement, check for manufacturer drivers or utilities and disable acceleration within those programs as well.

When Should You Leave Mouse Acceleration On?

Although disabling mouse acceleration is recommended for accuracy and consistency, some users with limited desk space or those who need to cover large screen areas quickly may prefer to keep it enabled. The best approach is to test both settings and choose the one that matches your comfort and workflow needs. The difference is most noticeable in gaming and design tasks where precision is non-negotiable.

Turning off mouse acceleration in Windows 11 gives you more control and reliability, especially for tasks that demand accuracy. Regularly check your mouse settings after updates to keep your pointer behavior consistent with your preferences.