My Cursor Keeps Turning White in Microsoft Word Without Typing

Anonymous
2022-08-15T21:33:58+00:00

My cursor keeps turning white in Microsoft Word 2016 (I bought lifetime access), even without typing. I already tried changing the cursor settings so that it wouldn't disappear when typing, but that didn't do anything. After a few seconds the text selection cursor will turn white, and, if I hover over dark text, I can see the cursor outline. This has been happening in multiple documents, so not an isolated incident.

This started after a Microsoft update which forced me to log back into my Microsoft account to use Word about a week or two ago. I've tried everything I can find on the internet, but no luck yet. It's very hard to get work done if I can't see my cursor in Word, so what do I need to do to fix this issue so I can get back to work?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-13T09:52:27+00:00

    This guy solved the problem for me Win 11 same 2016 lifetime Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hN8LrGogzY&ab_channel=LearnBasics

    win+R, MAIN.CPL, pointer options, unmark "Hide pointer while typing", Pointers, Text Select, Browse for beam.i Open and Apply. Done!

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-01-26T08:06:25+00:00

    I've read trough the topic.

    So far I can see two problems that people have and that is confusing in solving the real problem of the topic-starter.

    First problem is the cursor disappearing while starting to type. Solution to that is simple; unchecking the check box "Hide pointer while typing" in the Mouse Properties > Pointer options.

    Second problem in this topic, and the one I also have problems with, is that the pointer isn't even appearing in some applications because the mouse is completely white with no shadow. This mostly noticeable in Office products. I see the problem happening in my local office and when I'm remoted in to work, which runs a different office. The mouse pointer is rendered locally. It appears, as mentioned, an AMD driver problem. This doesn't matter if it is a integrated or dedicated GPU.

    Rolling back the video driver far enough back should theoretically help. The oldest downloadable driver on AMD website for Win11 is Adrenalin 22.4.1 Optional. If someone could test this, or even with an older driver found online (careful of your source!). I won't test it because this is my gaming machine, working once a week on it and my work doesn't involve a lot of typing. I need the latest driver for my game (Thanks Activision!).

    Meanwhile I've found something stupid: If I keep the Mouse Properties open in the background the cursor is "more" visible in Office. It will sometimes fail and appear white but sometimes the cursor is drawn correctly in black. Second is when dual screen remote to work, the problem only occurs on one screen.

    I'll take it for now.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-15T01:57:22+00:00

    I had the exact same problem. I did just find a fix I believe. First go to "Mouse Settings" and then click the "Additional mouse Settings". Then go to the "Pointer Options" tab. There You should see a check box labeled "Hide Pointer While Typing" And uncheck it. After I did that I have not had an issue with it. Hope that helps

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-09-23T15:39:30+00:00

    Same problem here. Did a clean install of W11 and MS Office also, didn't work. It happened after latest W11 update I think.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-08-16T15:44:45+00:00

    Hi,

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re still experiencing problems. Unfortunately it sounds like Microsoft Support will need to be recontacted and additional action to be carried out.

    I am unable to add anything more due to the need of remote access.

    Many thanks

    Tim

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