- Why Is the Cursor Disappearing in Windows 10?
- How to Fix the Disappearing Cursor Issue on a Windows PC
- Method 1: Reboot Your Computer
- Method 2: Use the Function Keys
- Method 3: Enable the Mouse Using Run
- Method 4: Configure the Pointer Size
- Method 5: Tweak Your Pointer Settings
- Method 6: Change Your Registry Settings
- Method 7: Scan for Malware
- Method 8: Update Windows
- Method 9: Update the Mouse Driver
- Conclusion
Windows 10 users just can’t seem to catch a break as the operating system keeps surprising them with new issues. The disappearing cursor issue is one of the things many Windows 10 users have been complaining about recently.
The cursor is crucial as it allows you to easily maneuver around your computer and perform different tasks. So, when it disappears, it becomes really hard to do anything, especially if you don’t know how to use the keyboard to at least try and troubleshoot the problem.
This issue mostly occurs after booting up your computer, installing Windows updates, or upgrading your Windows version and can be quite scary. If you have been wondering, “Why is my cursor disappearing in Windows 10?” and you haven’t received any useful answers so far, then this article is for you. In today’s post, we will show you how to resolve the disappearing cursor problem on your Windows 10 PC.
Why Is the Cursor Disappearing in Windows 10?
The mouse cursor may disappear due to any of these reasons:
- A hardware issue that is causing some components not to function correctly
- Compatibility issues
- Corruption
How to Fix the Disappearing Cursor Issue on a Windows PC
Before you apply any solutions, we recommend that you first try the following quick tricks:
- Unplug and then replug the mouse. Then check if the cursor will show.
- Try using another mouse. If the cursor appears, then you need to replace your mouse.
If you still can’t see the cursor, then you need to dig deeper into your computer to resolve the problem. Here are some great methods that can help you solve the issue:
Method 1: Reboot Your Computer
A quick restart usually helps to fix many Windows 10 issues, including the disappearing cursor.
Follow these steps to restart your device:
- Press the Windows logo key + X shortcut to open the Quick Link menu.
- Use the up arrow key to go to “Shut down or sign out”. Then hit Enter.
- Use the down arrow button 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
Sometimes, Windows may disable your mouse, especially after upgrading to a newer Windows version like Windows 10, making the cursor unavailable. Luckily, you can re-activate it using the function keys on your keyboard. The exact shortcut combination that you’ll need depends on your computer brand. So, just try all the shortcuts below and see which works for you:
- Fn + F3
- Fn + F5
- Fn + F9
- Fn + F11
Method 3: Enable the Mouse Using Run
If the function keys haven’t helped, then try using Run to enable your mouse:
- Press the Windows logo key + R combination to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “main.cpl” (without quotes) and then hit Enter to open the Mouse Properties page.
- The Device Settings tab should be already open. If you usually use the touchpad, then you’ll see the Touchpad tab instead. So, press Tab until the dotted square lands on Enable.
- Then hit Enter.
- Check if you can see the cursor now.
Method 4: Configure the Pointer Size
The disappearing cursor issue may also occur if your mouse is misconfigured. Reconfiguring it may help resolve the problem.
Here is how to do so:
- Open the Windows search box (Win + S).
- Type “Change mouse pointer size” (no quotes) and use the arrow keys to go to the first search result. Then press Enter.
- Use the arrow keys to adjust the “Change pointer size” slider and see if the cursor appears.
Method 5: Tweak 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:
- Use the Win + R shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in “main.cpl” (without quotes) 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 the dotted box 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 the Windows key and then hit Tab once.
- Use the down arrow key to navigate to the power button and press Enter.
- Hit the down arrow key to choose Restart and then press Enter.
Method 6: Change Your Registry Settings
Some users also report that tweaking their registry settings enabled them to fix the complication.
Follow the steps below to try this method:
- Launch the Run dialog box (Win + R) and type “regedit” (no quotes). Then hit Enter.
- Use the arrow keys to select Yes in the UAC prompt box and then press Enter.
- When the Registry Editor opens, press 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.
- Press Tab to move to the right pane and then use the down arrow button to select EnableCursorSuppression. Then hit Enter.
- Type “0” (without quotes) into the Value data box and hit Tab to select OK.
- Press Enter and then restart your Windows PC.
Method 7: Scan for Malware
Malware may also infect your device and mess up crucial files, causing errors and affecting everything, including the mouse.
Here is how to scan for malware in Windows 10:
- Use the Win + I shortcut to open the Settings application.
- Press Tab once and then use the arrow keys to navigate to Update & Security.
- Hit Enter and then press Tab when a new window opens.
- Use the down arrow key to select Windows Security and then hit Enter.
- Use the Tab key to select “Virus & threat protection” on the right pane and press Enter.
- Hit Tab until you select the “Scan options” link. Then press Enter.
- Navigate to Full scan using the arrow keys and then hit the spacebar.
- Use Tab to reach the “Scan now” button and press Enter.
- Restart the PC.
You can also use Auslogics Anti-Malware to ensure you completely remove any hidden malware.
Method 8: Update Windows
Updating Windows helps remove any bugs that might be causing the mouse cursor to disappear.
Follow these steps to update your Windows system:
- Press the Windows logo key + I combination to open the Settings app.
- Hit the Tab button once and then use the arrow keys to go to Update & Security. Then press Enter.
- Press Tab to select the “Check for updates” button on the right pane and then hit Enter.
- Wait for Windows to download the available updates and then restart the computer to install them.
Method 9: Update the Mouse Driver
If all the above methods have failed, then your mouse driver is probably outdated, thus the issue. You can easily update it using this procedure:
- Open the Run dialog box, type “devmgmt.msc” (no quotes), and hit Enter.
- Hit Tab 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.
- Use the down arrow button to select your mouse or touchpad.
- Press the Shift + F10 combination and then use the down arrow key to select “Update driver” from the menu. Then hit Enter.
- Press Enter to choose “Search automatically for drivers”.
- Restart the device after updating your mouse driver.
Alternatively, you could use a competent driver updater to ensure your drivers always stay updated. Auslogics Driver Updater is an excellent option that we highly recommend.
This professional tool scans your device for outdated drivers and lets you choose which ones to update in a single click. Driver Updater also installs manufacturer-recommended drivers and allows you to back up any driver before the backup process.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve understood how to resolve the “The mouse cursor disappears on Windows 10 devices” problem. If you have other useful tips regarding this issue, please share them with us in the comments section below. Also, consider checking out our blog for more Windows 10 guides.