Summary

Does your mouse cursor move on its own?

Don’t worry, it’s not possessed by a computer ghost!

This issue usually happens if you have an outdated mouse driver or a game controller connected to your system.

A person using a Razer mouse with their left hand.

Joe Robinson / How-To Geek

Luckily, it’s a very common problem, and we’ll show you how to fix it.

This is especially common withgaming mice.

Even if you have this problem with an older mouse, it could be due to outdated drivers.

Advanced Options in the Windows Settings app.

In either case, updating your mouse driver is the best solution.

Then, click “Advanced options” in the right pane.

Choose “Optional Updates.”

Optional Updates option in the Windows Settings app.

test whether there are any available updates for your mouse driver.

If so, download and install them.

Alternatively, you’re able to visit your mouse manufacturer’s website to download any available driver updates.

Razer Mouse driver download page.

If the update is in executable format, install it like any other executable file.

Right-click your mouse and choose “Update Driver.”

Click “Browse My Computer for Drivers.”

Mice and Other Pointing Devices category in the Device Manager.

Unplug Your Game Controller

This issue can also occur if you have agaming controllerplugged into your machine.

That’s because some controllers can control the cursor.

There are a couple of things you’ve got the option to try in this case.

Update Driver option in the Device Manager.

To do this, fire up the Start menu, search for “Steam,” and press Enter.

To do this, launch the Steam client and go to Steam > controls > Controller.

hit the gear icon next to the “Edit Layout” button.

Searching for Steam in the Start menu.

Select “Disable Steam Input” from the menu and click “Confirm.”

You should no longer face the issue if you were experiencing it because of these Steam input options.

Then, turn off the “Touchpad” toggle.

Settings option in the Steam client.

If you do not want this to happen, you’ll have toturn off your touchpad.

Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your mouse sensor.

If the problem persists, it’s likely that foreign particles are built up on your mousepad.

Steam Input for Xbox controllers option in the Steam Settings.

To confirm this, pick up the mouse in your hand and find out if the cursor moves around.

If not, then dirt particles on your mousepad are causing the issue.

You’ll need toclean your mousepadto fix the problem.

Edit option in the Steam Settings window.

For this, wipe all the dust particles off your mousepad using a soft microfiber cloth.

However, this feature only works in built-in Windows applications like Notepad and Microsoft Word.

Switch to the “Pointer Options” tab.

Disable Steam Input option in the Controller Settings window.

Uncheck the “Hide Pointer While Typing” box.

ensure the slider isn’t all the way to the right (Fast side).

If it is, move it to the center.

Touchpad toggle in the Settings app.

Then, click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.

That’s how to fix your mouse cursor if it’s moving on its own.

We hope the problem is fixed now!

Additional Mouse Settings option in the Settings app.

But if you’re still having issues, you should take your mouse to a repair shop.

Alternatively, you’ve got the option to alsobuy a new mousefor your system.

Pointer Options tab in the Mouse Properties window.

Hide Pointer While Typing option in the Mouse Properties window.

Pointer Speed slider in the Mouse Properties window.

Windows