Having a delay when you need your mouse to click on something can make a planned workday unpleasant. And if you use a Windows 11, you may have experienced this annoying problem that leads to errors and unproductivity.
You do not have to endure this issue as we walk you through how you can fix mouse lag on Windows 11 to improve the work experience better.
Here we go!
What Should I Do When My Mouse Lags on Windows 11?
1. Remove and Reconnect External Mouse
This is the simplest solution you can try when you notice a lag on your mouse. You have to disconnect your external or wired mouse for a few seconds and reconnect it afterward.
You could try plugging it into a different USB port too. For a wireless mouse, check the battery to verify if it is in good condition or for Bluetooth problems.
You could also connect your mouse to another computer to rule out any hardware problems.
2. Troubleshoot Hardware
Troubleshooting the hardware will let Windows find and solve the problem if it is hardware-related. Let me show you how.
Step 1: Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows key + R, type in msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and click on the Enter key.
Step 2: Once the page pops up, click Next to begin troubleshooting. You should simply follow the wizard’s prompts.
If this does not Fix Mouse Lag on Windows 11, go to the next fix.
3. Disable HDR
Sometimes, mouse lag will be experienced when the HDR is enabled. From the experience of many Windows 11 users this seems to have been the case. So if you are in this situation, check and turn off HDR.
Step 1: Right-click on the empty space on your screen and click on Display settings.
Step 2: Click on HDR and then toggle off the switch in front of Play streaming HDR video.
If this does not Fix Mouse Lag on Windows 11, move on to the next fix.
4. Adjust Sensitivity Setting and Mouse Speed
This is another step to take if you want to fix mouse lag on Windows 11. Your problem could be a result of a Windows update that has changed the mouse settings. If you are used to a particular mouse speed, and you notice a lag, the steps below will help you change it.
Step 1: Navigate to the Start menu and search for the Settings app. Click on the first option you have.
NB: If you have problems with the settings app, our guide on fixing Settings app problems will come in handy.
Step 2: To open the Mouse settings, select Bluetooth & devices on the left pane.
Step 3: On the right pane, scroll down and select Mouse.
Step 4: Adjust the mouse pointer speed.
5. Scroll Inactive Windows Should be Disabled
Scroll inactive is a feature that lets you view windows that are not in use by moving your mouse over them. It comes in handy when working concurrently on more than one window.
Unfortunately, this feature is one big cause of mouse lag on Windows 11. So, you should consider turning it off with the following steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X key together, in the pop-up box select Settings.
Step 2: Next, select Devices.
Step 3: On the left-hand side of the screen, select the Mouse option.
Step 4: Turn off the Scroll inactive window when I hover over them.
6. Mouse Trails Disable
Mouse trail is another feature that can cause mouse lag on Windows PC. Disable this effect to see if it improves the lagging situation of your computer.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the Windows + R key and a pop up box will open.
Step 2: Type in main.cpl and the Enter key.
Step 3: In the pop-up list that follows, locate the Pointer Options tab, switch to it.
Step 4: Find the Display pointer trail and uncheck the box, then save changes by clicking the Apply button.
7. Shut Down Power Saver Mode
Whenever your PC’s battery is at a certain percentage, the power saver mode automatically kicks in. This is done so that the life span of the PC can be extended, so it cuts done on features like brightness, animation, background activities, and a lot more. In this case, it is not unusual to experience things like mouse lag or slower performance.
If you do not want to compromise on the performance of your PC when the battery life is reducing, you could turn off the power saver or plug it into a power outlet.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and choose the Settings menu from the page that pops up.
Step 2: Click System on the left pane, and select Power & Battery on the right pane.
Step 3: There you will find Power mode, use the drop-down menu beside it to change between Balanced, Best power efficiency, and Best performance. Change to Best power efficiency or Best performance to get your PC running at full capacity.
8. Mouse Drivers: Update or Reinstall
If the mouse driver is outdated, it could cause mouse lag when working on your computer, so it is important to check if it is up to date.
Step 1: Search for, and click on Device Manager in the start menu.
Step 2: Locate Mice and other pointing devices and expand it.
Step 3: Right-click any of the options to select the Update driver.
Follow the instruction that follows.
If there is no improvement in the issue, uninstall the mouse driver and restart your computer to let Windows install them again.
Final Thought
The above steps should help fix mouse lag on Windows 11. No one should bear the burden of waiting on a cursor actually initiate what you have clicked in the past 30 seconds. If you have experienced this and have used a method not listed above, share it with us in the comment section below.
