Fix for Mouse Not Locked to Game in Windows 11

For gamers, ensuring that the mouse remains fixed during gameplay is essential to minimize distractions. However, if your cursor isn’t locking onto the game interface in Windows 11, it could significantly interrupt your gaming experience.

Various factors may cause unpredictable mouse behavior, but if this problem occurs only with specific games or applications, it may indicate issues with display settings, game settings, or potential software conflicts. This mouse ‘unlocking’ problem is particularly prevalent in setups with multiple monitors.

How to Lock Your Mouse Cursor in Games?

1. Adjusting Mouse Settings

1.1 Disable Enhanced Pointer Precision

1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, navigate to Bluetooth & devices using the left sidebar, and select Devices.
   

   

2. Click on Mouse, then choose Additional mouse settings under Related settings.
3. In the Pointer Options tab, either tick (to enable) or untick (to disable) the checkbox for Enhance pointer precision, and then click Apply followed by OK to save your adjustments.
   

   

1.2 Modify Touchpad Sensitivity

1. Hit the Windows key, and go to Settings.
2. In the left pane, select Bluetooth & devices, then click on Mouse to the right.
   

   

3. Adjust the Mouse pointer speed by modifying the slider as per your preference.
   

   

1.3 Activate Game Mode

1. Search for Game Mode Settings and launch the application.
   

   

2. Switch on Game mode.
   

   

2. Reinstall Mouse Drivers

1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and select Open.
2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices option, right-click on your touchpad, and choose Uninstall device.
   

   

3. Check the box next to Attempt to remove the driver for this device if available, and click Uninstall.
4. After the uninstallation, reboot your computer; Windows will reinstall a fresh driver automatically.

3. Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key, search for cmd, and right-click to select Run as administrator.
   

   

2. Enter the command msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:
   

   

3. Select Advanced.
   

   

4. Check Apply repairs automatically and click Next.
   

   

5. Choose the affected device from the list.
6. Click on Apply this fix.
   

   

7. When prompted on the Restart your PC screen, click Next. Ensure that you save all work beforehand to avoid loss of data.

4. Remove Recent Windows Update

1. Press Windows + I together to access Settings.
   

   

2. Go to Windows Update, then select Update history.
   

   

3. Click on Uninstall updates.
   

   

4. Select the latest update and press Uninstall.

5. Play the Game in Windowed Mode

1. Open Steam, go to Library, right-click on the desired game, and choose Play.
   

   

2. Access the game’s Display settings.
3. If the option is available, enable Window Mode.
   

   

When using full-screen mode, your mouse may inadvertently drift out of the game view, particularly in a multi-monitor setup. Windowed mode keeps the cursor within the game’s borders.

6. Disable Secondary Display

1. Press the Windows key, and go to Settings.
2. Select System and then choose Display.
   

   

3. Scroll down to Multiple displays. Your connected monitors should be listed here.
4. If the second monitor isn’t shown, click Detect.
5. Choose the monitor you wish to set as primary, scroll down, and click Make this my main display.
   

   

6. Your selected monitor will now serve as the primary display.

Using multiple monitors can sometimes lead to mouse tracking issues, as it demands significant system resources. Limiting to a single display can enhance both gameplay stability and mouse lock functionality.

7. Execute a System Restore

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and select Open.
   

   

2. Switch the View by option to Large icons and choose Recovery.
   

   

3. Click on Open System Restore.
   

   

4. Select Choose a different restore point, and click Next.
   

   

5. Select the desired restore point, and click Next.
   

   

6. Click Finish to restore the earlier settings, after which Windows will restart.
   

   

It’s essential to rule out the possibility of a defective mouse, as some devices may have simply reached the end of their lifespan, while others may not have been designed for gaming. Investing in a high-quality gaming mouse that offers functionalities like angle snapping can enhance accuracy.

Once equipped with a better mouse, you can apply these settings to optimize sensitivity and performance.

We hope one or more of these strategies have effectively secured your mouse cursor during gameplay. If you have additional tips or know of other methods that have worked for you, please share in the comments section below.