How to fix a shaky mouse on Windows 10
A mouse cursor’s movement can be customized for each user; its speed can be increased or decreased, and the number of lines the wheel scrolls can likewise be customized. If you’re unable to control the cursor well enough, these two settings are what you should change. If however, the cursor shakes even when the mouse is at rest, these settings won’t do much to fix the problem.
Fix shaky mouse on Windows 10
The mouse is sensitive in terms of movement but it doesn’t move on its own. Jittering or a shaky cursor might be a software problem or it may be a hardware issue.
1. Check mouse set up
A mouse needs a smooth surface to work. It will work on a rough surface but the cursor will shake. Make sure the mouse is on a flat surface. It is best to use a mouse pad instead of using it directly on a tabletop.
On that note, make sure the bottom of the mouse is clean. If you’re using an older mouse, one with a track ball, give the track ball a wash to remove the grime that’s built up.
You should also check the ‘feet’ of the mouse. They are thin rubber strips that provide some friction but can build up grime of its own. Clean them with something soft like a Q-tip.
2. Quit overlay apps
Apps like screenshot tools, screen recorders, annotation tools, FPS meters, etc., all add an overlay to the screen. A good app normally will not interfere with other dynamic elements of an OS but a poorly developed one will.
If you have any such apps running, quit them and the shaky mouse should fix itself.
3. Turn off mouse acceleration
There are lots of settings in Windows 10 that aim to improve how the mouse works. It’s a simple device in itself but the settings aim to make it easier for the user to select and click items more accurately.
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Hardware and Sound.
- Select Mouse under Devices and printers.
- Go to the Pointer options tab in the window that opens.
- Uncheck the ‘Enhance pointer precision’ option.
- Click Apply.
- Restart the system for good measure.
4. Uninstall and reinstall the mouse
Try uninstalling and reinstalling the mouse.
- Make sure the mouse is connected to your system.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
- Select your mouse and right-click it.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Once uninstalled, disconnect the mouse from your system.
- Connect the mouse again and it will be installed.
5. Use a different mouse
Try using a different mouse with your system. It’s possible that the mouse you’re using has been damages physically. Unless it’s a particularly expensive model, you’re better off replacing it. If nothing else, it’s worth connecting a different mouse to the system to see if the problem goes away when you do. It will confirm the mouse is damaged and needs to be fixed or replaced.
Conclusion
When a mouse is shaky, it normally has to do with interfering apps that are trying to take over control or focus from the current app window. Make sure you audit the apps that are running, and the scripts that are active. They may be interfering with the mouse.
