- The pointer may disappear after updates, configuration changes, or system failures. hardware.
- There are quick and advanced methods to recover the cursor using the keyboard, control panel, or by updating drivers.
- Some recent errors in Windows 11 require specific solutions until Microsoft releases a patch.
There can be few things as disconcerting when using your PC as the mouse pointer disappears in Windows 11. Suddenly you move the mouse and nothing, the cursor has vanished. If you're right in the middle of an important task, the feeling of frustration increases. Most commonly, this mishap arises after an update or a recent configuration change, and it can manifest itself in either portable as on desktop computers.
Although this is one of the most reported bugs by Windows 11 users, the truth is that There are several ways to recover the cursor without having to reinstall the system or get frustrated trying. In this article, we explain in detail: all solutions tested that have worked for thousands of people. We'll also tell you when it's a simple oversight, a setting that can be easily adjusted, and when it's due to more recent bugs after an update. Get ready to regain full control of your mouse!
Why does the mouse pointer disappear in Windows 11?
The reason why cursor stops appearing It can vary. From bugs caused by recent updates, to Driver issues, mouse disconnections, Bluetooth dropouts and even some configuration option that has changed without you noticing. According to recent reports, there are cases where the pointer is only hidden when typing in text fields in Chromium-based applications, such as Google Chrome, Edge, Slack or Spotify, due to a bug in recent versions of Windows 11 (specifically 24H2). On other occasions, the pointer disappears from the entire screen.
Microsoft has acknowledged some of these errors, especially after major updates, like the one in 2024. Also, sometimes the quickest solution is the simplest: restart your computer or reconnect your mouse. However, other times you'll need to dig deeper, review your settings, or manually update your drivers. For a complete guide on how to manage drivers, you can check out our tutorial at DOSBox configuration and tricks.
Restart your computer: the first thing you should try
It may seem obvious, but restart the pc This is the first step recommended by both Microsoft and experts. Many errors related to temporary hardware or recent system changes disappear after a restart.
- press Windows + X on your keyboard.
- Using the arrow keys, select “Shut down or sign out” and press Enter.
- Select “Restart” also using the arrows and confirm with Enter.
- After the reboot, move the mouse and check if the cursor appears.
This simple process can solve temporary blockages which do not necessarily indicate a failure in the drivers or hardware.
Check the mouse connection (depending on the type you have)
The next logical step is to check that the mouse is properly connected, since a bad connection can cause the pointer to disappear completely:
- Mouse USB: Make sure the USB is fully inserted into the port and try a different port if it doesn't work.
- Wireless mouse with USB receiver: Check that the receiver is properly inserted and that the batteries are charged.
- Bluetooth Mouse: Check that Bluetooth is still enabled and that the mouse is paired correctly in the settings menu.
- Laptop Touchpad: Make sure you haven't accidentally disabled the trackpad using a manufacturer-specific key combination (such as Fn + F7 or similar).
Spend a minute on these checks It can save you the trouble of thinking that your team has something more serious.
Enable the mouse from System Properties
If the connection is fine but the cursor is still not present, you can try manually reactivate the mouse and its touchpad through the device properties:
- press Windows + R to open the Run window.
- Write main.cpl and press Enter. This will open the mouse properties.
- With the key TAB and the arrows, navigate to the tab “Device Parameters” or “Hardware” (this may vary depending on the equipment).
- Keep pressing TAB until you select the “Activate” button, if available.
- Press Enter, then select Apply and accept.
Sometimes after updates or changes, the system disables the touchpad or even the external mouse. Reactivate these devices from the control panel may be the key.
Update the mouse driver in Windows 11
A common cause is that the mouse driver is outdated or incompatible after a Windows 11 update. You can update it like this, even if you don't have a cursor because you can move it with the keyboard:
- press Windows + R and writes devmgmt.msc to open the Device administrator.
- Navigate to “Mice and other pointing devices” with the arrow keys and expand the list.
- Select the mouse, press Shift + F10 (equivalent to right-clicking), choose “Properties” and press Enter.
- Go to the “Controller” tab with the right arrow.
- press TAB to get to “Update Driver” and select “Search automatically for drivers.”
In some cases, the system will automatically install a best or latest driver that will reset the cursorIf this doesn't work, you can download the driver from the mouse or laptop manufacturer's website and repeat the installation.
Modify advanced pointer options
If the cursor seems to become invisible only in certain situations (for example, when writing in text fields), there is a possibility that the pointer options have been modified:
- Open Run again (Windows + R) and writes main.cpl.
- Go to the tab “Pointer Options” using the arrows or TAB.
- Review the following options and adjust them:
- Deactivate “Hide pointer while typing".
- Activate "Show pointer location when pressing CTRL".
- Turn “Show Pointer Trail” on or off to check if the pointer is visible again.
- Apply the changes and restart your computer.
These small settings can make the pointer much easier to locate or prevent from being hidden in certain applications or fields.
Specific solution for the error after the Windows 24 2H11 update
According to recent reports, the update Windows 11 24H2 is causing the pointer disappears only when interacting with text fields en apps like Chrome, Edge, Slack or Spotify. Although it seems like a bug without a definitive solution until Microsoft releases a patch, there is a temporary solution:
- Accesses Control panel classic from the start menu.
- Go to “Hardware and Sound,” then “Devices and Printers,” and select “Mouse.”
- In the “Mouse Properties” window, go to the “Pointers” tab.
- In the “Customize” section, look for the “Select Text” option.
- Click “Browse” and locate the file beam_r.cur (You may not see the extension, in which case look at the name.)
- Select the file and press “Open”, then “OK”.
Thus, the pointer will be displayed again in text fields although the error will not be resolved globally for the rest of the users until the patch arrives.
Recover the cursor using hotkeys
There is a little-known way of move the mouse cursor using the keyboard, especially useful when the pointer disappears completely and you need to navigate without a mouse. These are known as "mouse keys":
- Hold down the keys Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock.
- When activated, you'll see a message. Press "Yes" to allow cursor control using the keyboard's number keys.
- You can move the pointer using the numeric keypad keys, making it easier to access menus and options needed for repairs.
Remember to disable this option again when you regain normal mouse control.
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