If I had to choose the most important part of my PC, I probably wouldn’t pick the mouse. But after spending an entire day struggling to use my computer after my mouse cursor disappeared, I’ve come to realize just how crucial this little device truly is. Trust me, I know the frustration that comes with a lost mouse cursor. Fortunately, I’ve discovered the solution to this annoying problem, which I will share with you in this guide. After my experience, I dug deeper to find other fixes that might work for you as well. So, keep reading as I explain why this happens and show you how to get the mouse back on your laptop or PC.
So What to Do if Your Mouse Cursor Disappeared?
We’ve broken down the different scenarios under which a mouse cursor disappears and the relevant situations. However, the methods discussed in this section are general, regardless of the circumstances under which the cursor is not showing up.
Method 1: Reboot your computer
A quick restart
usually helps to fix many Windows issues, including a mouse not showing up on a laptop or PC.Follow these steps to restart your device:
- Open the Power User Menu (
Win + X).
- Use the up arrow key to go to Shut down or sign out. Then hit
Enter.
- Use the down arrow key to navigate to Restart and then press
Enter.
- Once the PC reboots, check if the mouse cursor has appeared.
Method 2: Use the function keys to enable your mouse
Sometimes, Windows may disable your mouse, especially after upgrading to a newer Windows version, and this might be the reason your mouse cursor disappeared. Luckily, you can reactivate it using the function keys on your keyboard. So, just try all the shortcuts below and see which one works for you:
Fn + F3—mostly used for Acer laptopsFn + F5—common on Asus laptopsFn + F9—often found on Toshiba laptopsFn + F11—might be used on some Dell or Lenovo models
The exact shortcut combination that you’ll need depends on your computer brand and even the models of the same brand. So, try all of them to see which one works. If it doesn’t work, you can check the laptop’s user manual for the exact shortcut.
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Method 3: Clean your mouse
It may sound a bit odd, but if your cursor disappears, a dusty or dirty mouse sensor may be the cause of the issue. Take a look at the bottom of the mouse and use a soft, dry cloth or a special cleaning solution to carefully wipe the sensor.
If it’s a laptop touchpad, gently clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth (not wet). Leave it to dry thoroughly before attempting to use it again.
Then check if it fixed the problem. You can also use this opportunity to clean your computer for optimal performance.
Method 4: Update Windows
If you are still struggling with the disappeared cursor, installing the latest Windows update might resolve the issue.
Follow these steps to update your Windows system:
Windows 10
Step 1: Press the Windows logo key + I combination to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Hit the Tab button once, and then use the arrow keys to go to Update & Security. Then press Enter.
Step 3: Use the down arrow to get to Windows Update and press the Tab key to select the Check for updates button on the right pane, and then hit Enter.
Windows 11
Step 1: Press the Windows logo key + I combination to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Hit the Tab button once, and then use the arrow keys to go to Windows Update. Then press Enter.
Step 3: Press Tab twice in Windows 11 to select the Check for updates button on the right pane, and then hit Enter.
Method 5: Scan for malware
Malware
may also infect your device and mess up crucial files, causing errors and affecting everything, including the mouse.To fix the problem, you can scan for malware. The steps are basically the same on Windows 10 or 11:Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Windows Security, and press Enter
on your keyboard.
Step 2: Press Tab until one of the options is highlighted, then use the arrow keys to select Virus & threat protection and press Enter.
Step 3: Press Tab until Scan options are highlighted, then press Enter.
Step 4: Press Tab, then use the down arrow key to select Full scan and press the spacebar to choose it.
Step 5: Press Tab again and press Enter to start scanning your PC for malware.
Step 6: Restart your PC. Open the Power User Menu (Win + X). Use the up arrow key to go to Shut down or sign out, press the → arrow, and select Restart. Then hit Enter.
If you use your computer for internet activities, downloading files, online banking, or installing third-party software, the built-in Windows Security may not be enough. For stronger protection, consider using a dedicated malware tool like
Auslogics Anti-Malware to detect and remove hidden threats.
Method 6: Update the mouse driver
If your mouse cursor has disappeared, an outdated driver could be the reason. A driver helps your mouse and computer work together, and over time, it may become outdated or encounter issues. It’s a simple step that can often fix the problem and prevent further issues.
Here’s how to go about the process:
Step 1: Open the Run dialog box (Win + R), type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Hit the Tab key once, and then use the down arrow key to navigate to Mice and other pointing devices. Expand the category by pressing the right arrow key.
Step 3: Use the down arrow button to select your mouse or touchpad. Press the Shift + F10 (or Fn + Shift + F10) combination, and then use the down arrow key to select Update driver from the menu. Then hit Enter.
Step 4: Press Enter to choose Search automatically for drivers.
Step 5: Restart the device after updating your mouse driver.
PRO TIP
The manual method doesn’t guarantee that you get the latest driver version for your mouse. That’s where
Auslogics Driver Updater comes in. Unlike other third-party tools, this powerful software not only ensures your mouse driver is up to date but also updates all your drivers, boosting system performance and compatibility in one go.
With just one click, Auslogics scans for outdated drivers, installs the latest manufacturer-recommended versions, and even lets you back up drivers before updates. It’s the easiest way to keep your computer running at its best without the hassle.
Method 7: Run the Windows troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix various issues like headphones not working, printer issues, and a mouse not showing up on your laptop. Here’s how it works: Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
Step 3: The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter window will appear. Press Tab to highlight Next, then press Enter.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions using the arrow keys, Tab, and Enter.
Step 6: Restart your PC after the troubleshooting process is complete.
This method will scan for hardware-related issues, including problems with your mouse and touchpad, and apply fixes where possible.
When the cursor is not showing up on your laptop or PC, it may also occur if your mouse is misconfigured. Reconfiguring it may help resolve the problem.
Windows 10
- Open the Windows Settings by pressing
Windows + I. Then press Tab and use the arrow keys to select Ease of Access. Press Enter.
- Use the arrow keys to select Mouse pointer and hit
Enter. Use Tab to move to the right pane.
- Keep pressing the
Tab button until you highlight the Change pointer size option. Select it with the spacebar and use the arrow to adjust its size and see if this works.
Windows 11
- Press the Windows key, type Settings, and hit
Enter.
- Use the down arrow key to get to Accessibility.
- Hit the
Tab key two times and use the down arrow key to get to Mouse pointer and touch, then hit Enter.
- Hit the
Tab key twice and use the arrow keys to adjust the mouse pointer size slider to check if the cursor appears.
Method 9: Adjust your pointer settings
If adjusting the pointer size doesn’t work, you may need to change more settings to make the mouse cursor reappear.
These instructions will guide you through changing various settings that might be causing your problem:
- Open Run (
Win + R). Type in main.cpl and hit Enter.
- Press the
Tab button until the dotted box goes to one of the tabs at the top.
- Now use the arrow keys to open the Pointer Options tab. Press
Tab to move to Enhance pointer precision. Then hit Enter to deselect this option.
- Press
Tab until the dotted square lands on Display pointer trails. Hit Enter to select it.
- Use the
Tab key to navigate to the Hide pointer while typing option and press Enter to uncheck it.
- Navigate to Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key and hit
Enter to check it.
- Hit
Tab to navigate to the Apply button at the bottom and press Enter.
- Press
Win + X and use the arrow keys to navigate to Shut down or sign out, choose Restart, and then press Enter.
Method 10: Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting Windows Explorer refreshes the system’s graphical interface, which can fix glitches when your cursor disappears on Windows 11 or 10 by reloading essential UI processes. To do this, you will need to go through the Task Manager.
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Use the Tab key to navigate to the Processes tab.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight Windows Explorer.
- Press
Shift + F10 to open the context menu, then press the down arrow key to select Restart and hit Enter. On some computers, you may need to press Fn + Shift + F10.
Method 11: Check if your mouse is disabled in BIOS
BIOS
is the program that runs when you turn on your computer just before it boots Windows. It helps your computer start up and lets you control basic settings, like turning your mouse or keyboard on or off. If your mouse is disabled in the BIOS settings, it can cause the touchpad cursor to disappear in Windows 11 or 10. To fix this problem, do the following:
- Turn off your PC.
- Turn on your computer and enter the BIOS menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup).
- Check Integrated Peripherals or a similar setting to ensure the touchpad or external mouse is enabled.
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Method 12: Change your registry settings
Sometimes, incorrect or corrupted registry values can cause the cursor to disappear. Modifying these settings can restore functionality by ensuring the system correctly detects and processes mouse inputs.
Warning!
The
Windows registry is a very sensitive area of your computer, where even a minor typo can result in system-wide chaos. Tread carefully and only make changes to the registry if you’re confident about what you’re doing. Always
back up your Windows registry before any adjustments.
Follow the steps below to try this method:
- Launch Run (
Win + R) and type Regedit. Then hit Enter.
- When the Registry Editor opens, hit
Tab to go to the search bar at the top of the window.
- Use the Backspace button to clear everything in the search bar, and then copy and paste the following:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- Hit
Tab to move to the right pane, and then use the down arrow button to select EnableCursorSuppression. Then hit Enter.
- Type 0 into the Value data box and hit
Tab to select OK.
- Hit
Enter, and then restart your PC.
This should disable the EnableCursorSuppression feature, which can sometimes hide the cursor, especially after sleep mode or system updates. Changing its value to 0 ensures that Windows does not suppress the cursor, allowing it to be visible again after restarting your PC.
How to Fix the Issue When the Touchpad Cursor Disappears on Windows 11/10
Here are specific methods just for the touchpad that were not mentioned in the previous section. However, first, try connecting an external mouse to check if the issue is with the touchpad itself.
If the external mouse cursor appears, then your touchpad is either disabled or damaged. If it doesn’t work, switch to another USB port just to be sure before proceeding with the below solutions:
Fix 1: Enable the touchpad
Most laptops have a key to enable or disable the touchpad, often marked with an icon (like a rectangle or a touchpad symbol). On some laptops, this key may have a light indicator. Additionally, some models have a touchpad toggle located around the top-right edge of the touchpad itself. Try pressing the button to see if the cursor reappears.
You can also re-enable the touchpad through the Control Panel using your keyboard:
- Press
Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Press
Tab to navigate to Mouse.
- Press
Tab again to go to the Device Settings (or Touchpad) tab, then press Tab one more time to select the link to touchpad settings and hit Enter. Note that the exact tab and link names may vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Use the arrow keys to select your touchpad and press
Enter to enable it.
Fix 2: Check touchpad sensitivity & gesture settings
Checking the touchpad sensitivity and gesture settings can help fix the cursor issue by addressing any configuration problems that might be causing the touchpad cursor to disappear. If the sensitivity is set too low, it may not register light touches or movements, making it seem like the cursor isn’t appearing.
Similarly, incorrect gesture settings could interfere with normal operation, especially if multi-finger gestures or taps are misconfigured.
To fix it, you need to check the settings:
- Press
Windows + I to open Settings.
- Use
Tab to navigate to Bluetooth & devices, then use the arrow keys to select Touchpad.
- Adjust the sensitivity and gesture settings using the arrow keys and the
Enter key to make the necessary changes.
Fix 3: Adjust power settings
Some laptops are programmed to disable input devices like the touchpad or mouse in power-saving mode to conserve battery. However, this can make the touchpad shut off unexpectedly.
By adjusting your power settings, you ensure the system keeps these devices active, even when it’s trying to save energy. This simple change can resolve issues where the touchpad cursor disappears.
Here’s how to fix it:
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to launch the Control Panel.
Step 2: Use the Tab key to highlight Hardware and Sound, then press Enter.
Step 3: Use the arrow keys to select Power Options, then press Enter.
Step 4: Use the arrow keys to highlight your active power plan, then press Tab to move to Change plan settings. Press Enter.
Step 5: Press Tab to highlight Change advanced power settings and press Enter.
Step 6: Press Tab once and use the arrow keys to navigate to USB settings, then expand USB selective suspend setting by pressing the → arrow. Use the up and down arrow keys to change the setting to Disabled.
Step 7: Next, navigate to PCI Express, expand it, and set Link State Power Management to Off using the arrow keys.
Step 8: Press Tab until Apply is highlighted, press Enter, then do the same for the OK button.
Step 9: Press Win + X, use the arrow keys to select Shut down or sign out, then choose Restart and press Enter.
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Fix 4: Disable third-party touchpad software
Some third-party programs, like Wacom tablet drivers, remote desktop software, or custom touchpad utilities (e.g., Synaptics or ELAN settings apps), can interfere with touchpad functionality.
For example, a user pointed out that if you’re an artist using a Wacom tablet, the pen resting on the tablet might cause the mouse or touchpad cursor to disappear.
If your cursor disappears after installing such software, try disabling or uninstalling it:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Use
Tab to navigate to the Processes tab, then use the arrow keys to find any third-party touchpad software.
- Press
Shift + F10 to open the context menu and select End task to disable the software.
How to Fix the Problem if the Mouse Cursor Disappears on Specific Applications
For some people, the problem only happens when they use certain applications. If you are like that, the following are some of the most common applications that can be affected and a few things you can do.
I have tried to make the solutions as general as possible so, even if your app is not specifically mentioned, find a related group and try the solutions.
1. Cursor disappearing in Chrome or other browsers
This issue can occur due to outdated browser versions or cache corruption. Your cursor may also disappear if your computer has hardware acceleration conflicts. This is when the browser tries to use your computer’s graphics card instead of the CPU to run faster. The following fixes should work.
- Update Chrome or your browser: Press
Windows + S to open the search bar. Type the browser’s name and press Enter. Next, press Alt + E to open the settings menu, then use the Tab and arrow keys to navigate to Help > About Google Chrome to check for updates.
- Disable hardware acceleration in your browser: Press
Alt + E after opening your browser, then use the Tab and arrow keys to go to Settings > System and toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available (or Use graphics acceleration when available). You can also search for hardware acceleration (or graphics acceleration) in the Settings’ search box.
- Clear browser cache: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Del, select the time range, and press Enter to clear the cache.
- Update your graphics card drivers: Since hardware acceleration depends on the graphics card, updating outdated graphics might also help. Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), download the latest drivers for your model, and install them.
Also read: Avoid Breakdowns: How to Update NVIDIA Drivers Safely on Windows PCsAMD Driver Update Made Easy: How to Get the Latest AMD Driver Release on Windows PCs
2. Cursor missing in Microsoft Word or other apps
When the mouse cursor is not showing up in Microsoft apps, it is usually due to add-in compatibility issues. Add-ins are extra features or plugins that enhance the functionality of Microsoft apps. While some of them, like Grammarly, can be useful, they can sometimes cause issues like the cursor disappearing if they conflict with the software. Other possible problems could be that the office you have is outdated or that you have wrong settings. Try the following and see if it works:
- Disable add-ins: Press the Windows key, type the app name, and click
Enter. Press Alt + F to open File, then use the arrow keys to go to Options > Add-ins. Press Tab to navigate to Manage, select COM Add-ins or Word Add-ins, depending on the app, and press Enter. Uncheck add-ins using the spacebar, then press Enter to save.
- Update your Microsoft Office: Press the Windows key, type the app name, and select
Enter. Press Alt + F to open File, navigate with the arrow keys to Account (or Office Account). Use Tab to locate Update Options, press Enter, then select Update Now and press Enter.
- Reset Word settings: Press
Windows + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates, and press Enter. Use the arrow keys to search for the file named Normal.dotm. Next, press F2 to rename it to something like OldNormal.dotm. After that, restart Word. It’ll automatically create a new Normal.dotm file with default settings.
3. Touchpad not responding after sleep mode
There is a possibility that this might be related to power-saving settings or that your drivers are malfunctioning. First, check the power settings, then try to update your drivers.
- Check power settings: Make sure to disable USB selective suspend setting and set Link State Power Management for PCI Express to Off as described in Fix 3 above.
- Update touchpad driver: Use a trustworthy driver updater tool to quickly and easily update your touchpad driver. These tools automatically find and install the latest drivers for your system. Popular options like Auslogics Driver Updater are simple to use and help keep your touchpad working smoothly.
4. Cursor disappearing on specific apps
If the mouse pointer disappears only when using an application that is not mentioned here, try the following:
- Restart the application: Close the app and reopen it to refresh the cursor state.
- Check for app updates: Visit the website of the software and see if there are updates.
- Reinstall the app: Uninstall the program or application, then reinstall it to see if it fixes any corrupted files causing the cursor bug.
- Check online forums: You may not be the only one facing the issue. Check online to see if there are other users that have had the same problem and solved it. They might offer you some guidance.
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Why Is My Cursor Not Showing Up on My Windows PC or Laptop?
So let’s summarize: If your mouse cursor disappears, one of these common reasons might be the cause:
- Wireless mouse battery problems: If you’re using a wireless mouse, weak or dead batteries can cause connectivity issues which might be the reason why the cursor is not showing up on your laptop or desktop PC.
- Outdated or incompatible drivers: Faulty drivers are a common reason for a disappearing cursor. In my experience, updating or reinstalling the driver fixed the issue. Many other users have confirmed it worked for them too.
- Conflicting third-party apps: Certain applications can interfere with your cursor’s visibility, particularly those related to screen customization, remote desktop tools, or graphics tablets.
- Malware or system bugs: If your cursor disappears, it’s possible that malware could be interfering with your system. Malware has the potential to cause issues like a missing cursor, erratic input behavior, and other disruptions. You can run a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program.
- Cursor settings misconfiguration: Your cursor might be hidden due to incorrect settings. You can check the pointer options in Windows settings. Some users suggest changing the size or color of the cursor as a solution.
- Physical obstructions: Dirt or debris on the touchpad or a faulty external mouse sensor can lead to unresponsiveness. Simply cleaning the mouse might be all you need to solve this problem.
- Windows accessibility settings: Certain accessibility features, like Hide pointer while typing, might cause mouse pointers to disappear if they’re turned on. Press
Win + R, type main.cpl, and press Enter. Then, use the Tab and arrow keys to navigate to the Pointer Options tab, uncheck Hide pointer while typing, and apply the changes.
- Power-saving settings: Some laptops disable the touchpad or mouse to conserve battery when in power-saving mode. Go to Power Options in the Control Panel (press
Win + R and type powercfg.cpl). Press Tab until Change plan settings for the selected plan is highlighted, then press Enter. Next, navigate to Change advanced power settings and press Enter. Use the arrow keys and Tab to find USB selective suspend setting and disable it.
- Bugs in a Windows update: Sometimes, a Windows update introduces glitches that may cause the touchpad cursor to disappear in Windows 10 and 11. Rolling back or updating Windows might resolve the issue.
- Faulty peripherals or ports: A damaged USB port or malfunctioning mouse can prevent the cursor from appearing. You can test with another device to confirm this.
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A Cursor Not Showing Up on a PC: Fixed
By now, your cursor should be back, and your PC should be functioning properly again. In most cases, the cursor disappears due to software-related issues, such as outdated or faulty drivers, incorrect settings, or conflicts with external devices. Fortunately, these problems can often be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps.
However, if you’ve tried all the solutions and the issue persists, there’s a strong possibility of a hardware malfunction. In such cases, it’s best to consult a certified technician for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs to get your device back in working order.
We hope this guide helped you resolve the issue. Have you encountered a similar problem before? Share your experience and any additional tips in the comments below!
FAQ
Your cursor is not showing up due to several reasons, such as outdated drivers, conflicts with third-party software, incorrect settings, or a glitch in the operating system. Try updating your drivers, restarting your laptop, or checking your touchpad settings.
If your cursor is frozen, try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Task Manager, then restarting Windows Explorer. You can also try unplugging and reconnecting the mouse, or if you’re using a laptop, pressing the designated touchpad enable key to reset the cursor.
If your mouse pointer is hidden, open Settings. Go to Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options (Windows 10) or Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Additional mouse settings (Windows 11). In the new window, navigate to the Pointer Options tab and uncheck Hide pointer while typing if it’s enabled. Then, click OK.
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