• Enable Game Mode in Windows 11 from the Settings app > Gaming > Game Mode.
  • Disable ‘Animation effects’ in Windows 11 to fix in-game mouse delay from Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.

Basic Fixes

  • Switch to a wired or gaming mouse : Most wired and gaming mice have higher DPI (dots per inch), allowing fast cursor movement.
  • Re-pair your wireless mouse : Unpair your Bluetooth mouse from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, and connect it again.
  • Change mouse sensitivity from game settings : Look for the ‘Mouse Sensitivity’ control under your game settings and increase it to fix the mouse delay.
  • Reduce screen resolution in games : A mouse with low DPI (dots per inch) causes a delay in playing games on high resolution. Head to the in-game settings to lower the screen resolution.
  • Update Windows 11 : Open Windows Settings , select Windows Update from the left sidebar and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Enable Game Mode

Windows 11 has a dedicated Game Mode to optimize your PC for play by turning things off in the background. It helps you achieve a stable frame rate and reduce mouse delay in games.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app, select Gaming from the sidebar, and click Game Mode .

1 open game mode in Windows settings - 1

Step 2: Toggle on Game Mode to enable it.

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Fix 2: Manually Update Mouse and Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can result in below-average performance and mouse delay in games. Microsoft usually bundles graphics drivers with OS updates, but you can use the Device Manager app to update drivers on Windows 11.

Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager .

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Step 2: Expand Display adapters , right-click your graphics adapter, and select Update driver .

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Step 3: Click Search automatically for drivers to install the latest compatible graphics driver online.

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Fix 3: Disable Mouse Trails

A visible mouse trail may cause lag while playing games on your Windows PC. Head to the Settings app to turn it off.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Mouse settings , and click to open it.

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Step 2: Select Additional mouse settings under Related settings.

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Step 3: Move to the Pointer Options tab, uncheck Display pointer trails , and click Apply followed by OK to save changes.

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Fix 4: Turn off Animation Effects in Windows Settings

Lastly, disable animation effects from Windows Settings on your PC to fix mouse delay in games.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings, select Accessibility from the sidebar, and click Visual effects .

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Step 2: Toggle off Animation effects to turn it off.

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