A missing mouse cursor in Windows 11 may be caused by a lost connection, a hidden or hard-to-see pointer, or a mouse or touchpad driver problem. Check the mouse’s power and connection first, then adjust pointer visibility and troubleshoot its driver.
1. Check the mouse connection, power, and hardware
First determine whether Windows is receiving input from the mouse. A simple connection problem can look like a missing cursor.
USB mouse
- Unplug the mouse from the computer.
- Wait briefly for Windows to unload the device driver.
- Connect it to a different USB port.
- If it is connected through a USB hub, remove the hub and connect the mouse directly to the PC.
If the cursor reappears after changing ports, the original USB port or hub may be the problem.
Wireless USB mouse
Remove the wireless receiver, wait approximately 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If the mouse has a hardware Reset button, press it to disconnect and reconnect the wireless link. Also check that the mouse is switched on and close enough to the receiver.
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Battery-powered mouse
Charge the mouse or install fresh batteries. Inspect the sensor on the underside and remove any dirt or debris blocking it.
Bluetooth mouse
Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices and check whether the mouse is still connected. A lost Bluetooth connection can make the cursor disappear even though the pointer settings are correct. Turn Bluetooth off and on, then reconnect the mouse if necessary.
Test the mouse on another PC
Connect the mouse to another computer. If it also fails there, the mouse may need replacement. Some specialist devices require their manufacturer-specific driver, so this test is not conclusive for every model.
2. Make the pointer visible or reveal its location
The pointer may be present but difficult to see because of its size or color. Windows offers settings to change its appearance and locate it when you press Ctrl.
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- Open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
- Under Mouse pointer, move the Size slider to the right.
- Under Mouse pointer style, choose a white, black, inverted, or recommended bright pointer.
- Select Choose another color to use a custom color.
To have Windows indicate the pointer’s location when you press Ctrl:
- Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
- Under Related settings, select Additional mouse settings.
- Open the Pointer Options tab.
- Under Visibility, enable Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key, then select OK.
Press Ctrl after saving the setting. Windows will circle the pointer so you can find it. You can also enable Display pointer trails in the same Visibility section, or adjust the trail length toward Short or Long.
Hide pointer while typing is also in the Visibility section. It hides the pointer while you type; it does not disable the mouse or explain a cursor that remains missing after typing stops.
3. Update, enable, or reinstall the mouse or touchpad driver
Windows Update is Microsoft’s recommended first place to look for touchpad drivers. If it does not resolve the problem, check the device in Device Manager.
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Check for updates
- Search the taskbar for check for updates and select Check for updates.
- In Windows Update, select Check for updates.
- Install available driver or system updates, then restart the PC.
Windows Update may report that no driver update is available. If the cursor is still missing, check the device directly in Device Manager.
Update the device in Device Manager
- Search the taskbar for device manager and open Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- For a touchpad, also check Human Interface Devices; some touchpads appear there instead.
- Double-click the mouse or touchpad, open the Driver tab, and select Update Driver.
- Follow the prompts, then restart Windows.
Enable a disabled device
If the device is disabled, select it in Device Manager and choose Action > Enable Device. A disabled device corresponds to Device Manager error Code 22.
Reinstall the driver
If updating does not help, right-click the mouse or touchpad in Device Manager and select Uninstall or Uninstall device, depending on the wording shown in your Windows 11 build. Then select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
Windows should detect the device and reinstall its driver. Restart if prompted. If Windows asks you to provide a driver location, download the correct driver from the hardware manufacturer’s website. A restart is especially important if Device Manager reports Code 38, which means the previous driver instance is still loaded in memory.
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4. Repair Windows Update and control the PC without a mouse
If the cursor disappeared after an update or Windows cannot install the required driver, run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Microsoft currently directs Windows 11 users to the automated troubleshooter in the Get Help app; you can also use the Settings route.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and select Run.
- Follow the on-screen recommendations.
- When it finishes, open Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Use Windows 11 without the pointer
Press Windows + U to open Accessibility settings. Under Accessibility > Mouse, turn on Mouse keys to move the pointer with the numeric keypad.
To type without a physical keyboard, press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the on-screen keyboard. You can also enable it through Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard.
Which fix should you try first?
| What you observe | Most useful first step |
|---|---|
| The mouse has no lights or response | Reconnect it, change the USB port, or replace or charge the battery. |
| The mouse works on another PC | Check Windows pointer settings and drivers on the affected PC. |
| The pointer moves but is almost impossible to see | Increase its size or choose a contrasting color. |
| The pointer disappeared after an update | Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and check or reinstall the device driver. |
| A laptop touchpad stopped working | Check Device Manager under both Human Interface Devices and Mice and other pointing devices. |
| Device Manager shows Code 22 | Choose Action > Enable Device. |
| Device Manager shows Code 38 | Restart Windows so the old driver can unload. |
FAQ
Why did my mouse cursor disappear in Windows 11?
The mouse may be disconnected, out of battery, disconnected from Bluetooth, difficult to see because of its size or color, disabled in Device Manager, or affected by a driver problem. Check the connection and pointer visibility before troubleshooting the driver.
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How do I find a hidden cursor in Windows 11?
Enable Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key under Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse > Additional mouse settings > Pointer Options, then press Ctrl. You can also enlarge the pointer or choose a contrasting color under Start > Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
How do I use Windows 11 if the mouse does not work?
Press Windows + U, open Accessibility > Mouse, and turn on Mouse keys to control the pointer with the numeric keypad. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the on-screen keyboard if you also need to type without a physical keyboard.
Why is my touchpad missing from Device Manager?
A touchpad may be listed under Human Interface Devices or Mice and other pointing devices. Expand both categories and look for a touchpad or similarly named pointing device.
Will reinstalling the mouse driver delete my files?
No. Uninstalling the mouse or touchpad device in Device Manager removes its driver registration, not your personal files. Windows can usually reinstall the driver after you select Action > Scan for hardware changes and restart the PC.
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The Bottom Line
Start by reconnecting or powering the mouse, then make the pointer larger or easier to see. If that does not restore it, update or reinstall the mouse or touchpad driver in Device Manager. If Windows Update is involved, run its troubleshooter and use Mouse keys or the on-screen keyboard to complete the repair without a cursor.
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