This post has been Last Updated 4 months ago by Samuel
Stuttery cursor, frozen clicks, jerky movements – mouse lag can turn even the simplest PC task into a frustrating ordeal. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to diagnose and conquer your mouse lag woes.
How I Fixed It Mouse Lagging
Here are my practical ways to fix the mouse lagging or mouse stuttering or when the mouse starts responding slowly.
Fix 1: Update BIOS/UEFI
There was a known issue with USB devices cutting out that BIOS/UEFI updates resolved. Given the somewhat older B450 board, check for an update from the motherboard manufacturer. Exercise caution when performing BIOS updates.
Fix 2: Try Different USB Ports
Experiment with different USB ports for the receiver. Some workstations experienced a similar issue when plugged into the back of the PC. Moving it to the front resolved the problem. Consider using a USB extender for optimal positioning.
Fix 3: Check for Antivirus Interference
Examine antivirus software for potential interference. A corrupt antivirus install can lead to system unresponsiveness or lag during updates.
Fix 4: Test Mouse on Another System
Test the mouse on another system or laptop to determine if the issue lies with the mouse itself.
Fix 5: Monitor Cable Quality Check
- Check the quality of the monitor cable. Switching to a higher-quality cable resolved mouse lag issues in their case.
Fix 6: Further Investigation
- The original poster has tried various solutions, including different USB ports and cables, with no resolution. The system remains unaffected; only the mouse experiences lag.
Fix 7: Tweak In-Game Settings
- Experiment with in-game settings, such as adjusting graphics settings, switching between fullscreen and borderless mode, enabling or disabling raw mouse input, and capping framerate.
Fix 8: Revert Graphics Driver Update
If you recently updated your graphics driver and started experiencing issues, consider reverting to a previous version to see if the problem persists.
Quick Summary
| Issue | Likely Culprit | Solutions |
| Lagging, jumpy cursor | Hardware: Interference, dirty sensor (wireless); Loose connection, frayed wires (wired) | Hardware fixes: Replace batteries, clean sensor, replug mouse |
| Cursor drifting, acceleration | Software: Outdated drivers, pointer settings | Software fixes: Update drivers, adjust pointer settings |
| Inactive window scrolling, other odd behaviors | Software: Resource hogs | Close resource-heavy programs |
| Gaming issues | Software: Game settings | Check in-game mouse settings |
| General Troubleshooting | Could be hardware or software | See hardware and software solutions above |
| Prevent issues | Maintenance and settings | High-quality gear, update drivers, reduce background processes, avoid wireless interference |
A smooth, responsive mouse is the unsung hero of a productive computing experience. Yet, that hero can falter, plagued by the dreaded mouse lag. This lag, manifesting as stuttering movements, freezing clicks, and the jerky cursor jump, can disrupt everything from casual browsing to intense gaming sessions. But before you resign yourself to a life of click-and-pray, take heart! This guide will dissect the causes of mouse lag and equip you with the tools and techniques to vanquish it, restoring your cursor to its former glory.
Why is the Mouse Lagging on Any Laptop or PC (Windows)?
The first step in conquering any foe is understanding its origin. Mouse lag can stem from two main sources:
Hardware Issues Which Make the Mouse Lag
Wireless Mice Troubleshooting Tips:
- Battery Life – Replace low batteries that drain quickly and cause sluggish cursor movement. Fresh batteries will restore responsiveness.
- Connectivity – If the wireless signal is disrupted, try moving the USB receiver closer to the mouse or eliminate sources of interference from other wireless devices. Switching the receiver to a different USB port may also help.
- Sensor Cleanliness – A dirty underside sensor can make the cursor movements erratic. Gently clean the sensor with a lint-free cloth to renew tracking accuracy.
Wired Mouse Issues:
- Loose Connections – An intermittent, lagging cursor could indicate a faulty USB port or loose cable connection. Unplug then reconnect the mouse or try another USB port.
- Physical Damage – Inspect the mouse cable and wires for damage. Fraying or broken internal wir
Software Issues When Mice Lags
- Outdated Drivers: Make sure to update your drivers to the latest version. I’ve found that outdated or malfunctioning drivers can cause communication problems between the mouse and the operating system.
- Settings Adjustment: Check your pointer speed and sensitivity settings in the system preferences. Improper settings can result in sluggish or jittery movements, so it’s a good idea to adjust them for a smoother experience.
- Mouse Acceleration: I recommend disabling mouse acceleration. This feature tends to predict cursor movements, but it can lead to overshooting or jerky tracking. Disabling it often results in more precise control.
- Touchpad Interference: If you’re not using the touchpad, it might interfere with your mouse movements. In my case, disabling the touchpad in the system settings resolved this issue.
- Resource Hogging Programs: When I had performance issues with my mouse, I identified and closed resource-intensive programs running in the background. It’s essential to free up system resources for optimal mouse performance.
Advanced Troubleshooting
For stubborn cases of mouse lag, specific solutions for different situations can be employed:
- Windows 10: Disable the “Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them” option in your mouse settings.
- MacOS: Reset the PRAM and SMC to clear hardware settings and potential conflicts.
- Gaming Scenarios: Check for specific mouse settings within your gaming software or launchers that might be affecting performance.
Prevention Tips
Proactive measures can go a long way in preventing future mouse lag:
- In my experience, being proactive can go a long way in preventing future mouse lag. When I invested in high-quality wireless and wired mice, I found it minimized hardware-related issues. I make sure to regularly check for and install mouse driver updates on my computer to ensure optimal performance.
- I’ve learned it’s important to minimize background processes – whenever I close unnecessary programs, it frees up valuable system resources for smooth mouse function. Additionally, I avoid placing other wireless devices near my mouse receiver to maintain a strong, uninterrupted signal between my mouse and computer.
- When you keep device drivers fully updated, purchase quality mouse hardware, manage running app processes, and reduce wireless interference, I’ve found it significantly cuts down on obnoxious cursor delays. By following these simple computing habits, you can be confident your mouse will readily respond as soon as you click, scroll, or drag. Let me know if these practical tips help you curtail mouse lag issues!
Additional Resources:
- https://sigga.com.br/?o=how-to-fix-mouse-lag-on-windows-10-softwarekeep-cc-8GV0x5uJ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laahxM1K_po
Conclusion
Today, I showed you how to fix mouse lagging, mouse stuttering, slow responsiveness, or issues while moving the mouse, either during gaming or general PC usage (web browsing, etc.). Here are the solutions to fix the problem.
That’s it for today’s blog post. I hope you find the information helpful. If there’s still an issue with the mouse, contact us.
Today’s blog post applies to all users, whether they are on Windows 7, 8, 10, or Windows 11, and even for MAC users to some extent. These tips and tricks have been in use for a long time now to fix the issue.