Mouse moving on own

Powell, Caitlin [ISLH] 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T16:26:18.76+00:00

Mouse is constantly twitching and moving and jumping around.

Very hard to hover over something specific to choose as is constantly moving/jumping around.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. DaveM121 933.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T17:04:27.4733333+00:00

    1

    If you are using a laptop with a touchpad, open the Settings App, then go to Bluetooth and Devices - Touchpad.

    In there, lower the sensitivity on your touchpad, or if there is a a Palm Check setting, enable that.

    2

    If you are using an external mouse, connect that to another PC to test if there is a problem with the mouse.

    If there is no problem indicated with the mouse, if your mouse requires specific software or drivers to be installed, reinstall those to test if that resolves the problem.

    Another option is to change the surface you are using the mouse on to test if the surface is causing the problems.

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  2. Powell, Caitlin [ISLH] 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-14T16:28:39.7666667+00:00

    Tried all of those steps, and still happening.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-14T16:26:30.3333333+00:00

    Try these Windows steps in order:

    1. In Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse > Pointer Options:
      • Reduce pointer speed.
      • Clear Enhance pointer precision. This can help with erratic or overly sensitive cursor movement.
    2. In Device Manager:
      • Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
      • Update the driver for each listed mouse or pointing device.
      • Restart Windows after the updates.
    3. If the device has a touchpad or another pointing device enabled, disable it temporarily and test again. An overly sensitive secondary pointing device can cause cursor jumps.
    4. If the issue started after a recent Windows update:
      • Open Settings > System > Windows Update.
      • In Fix problems with Windows Updates, select Reinstall now.
    5. If the cursor still moves on its own and there is concern about unwanted remote control or malware:
      • Disconnect from Wi‑Fi or unplug Ethernet.
      • Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
      • Run Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Offline scan).
      • Then run a Quick scan and Full scan.

    If hovering is especially difficult, Windows accessibility guidance also notes that lowering cursor sensitivity or using anti-tremor style filtering can make pointer control more forgiving.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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