Mouse movement can feel unpredictable when the cursor travels farther during a quick swipe than a slow swipe of the same distance. On Windows, the classic setting commonly associated with this behavior is Enhance pointer precision. If you want to turn off mouse acceleration in Windows 11, start with that setting, then check whether the game you play uses its own raw-mouse-input option.
How to turn off mouse acceleration in Windows 11
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices → Mouse.
- Open Additional mouse settings or Additional mouse options, depending on your Windows build.
- In the classic Mouse Properties window, select the Pointer Options tab.
- Clear the checkbox Enhance pointer precision.
- Select Apply, then OK.
Try moving the pointer slowly and quickly across the desktop to compare how it feels. If you do not like the change, you can check the box again.
Mouse acceleration vs pointer speed vs DPI
| Setting | What it changes |
|---|---|
| Enhance pointer precision | How Windows interprets pointer motion in relation to movement speed |
| Pointer speed | Overall sensitivity of cursor motion in the desktop interface |
| Mouse DPI or CPI | Sensor sensitivity, often selected in mouse hardware or the manufacturer’s software |
| In-game sensitivity | The game’s own mapping of mouse movement to camera or aim movement |
These controls are related but not interchangeable. For more information about hardware settings, read our mouse DPI and sensitivity guide.
Does turning off acceleration help gaming?
Some players prefer an unaccelerated pointer because a similar physical movement produces more predictable motion. However, many PC games use raw input or their own mouse-processing settings, so changing Windows pointer precision may have little or no effect inside a particular game. Compare within the game instead of assuming it applies universally.
What if your mouse still feels too fast?
Check the Windows pointer-speed slider, any DPI button on your mouse, the mouse maker’s configuration software and the game’s sensitivity. One small change at a time is easier to evaluate than changing all settings simultaneously.
What about a laptop touchpad?
Precision touchpads have additional controls and gestures under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad. Their behavior does not always map one-to-one to an external USB mouse. If your problem is touchpad sensitivity, check the manufacturer and Windows touchpad options.
Will Windows mouse acceleration affect every program?
No. Software can interpret input differently. A game using raw input, a remote-desktop session or a graphics tablet may bypass or modify Windows pointer behavior. If only one application feels wrong, look at its settings before changing system-wide preferences.
How to reverse the change
Return to Additional mouse settings → Pointer Options and enable Enhance pointer precision again. There is no need to install a third-party ‘gaming optimizer’ just to toggle this Windows setting.
FAQ
Is Enhance pointer precision the same as DPI?
No. DPI relates to mouse sensor settings; Enhance pointer precision affects Windows pointer-motion processing.
Does disabling it lower input lag?
It is primarily a movement-consistency setting, not a guaranteed latency fix.
Should FPS players always disable it?
It depends on the game, its input method and personal preference.
Why can’t I find Additional mouse settings?
Windows labels and settings links vary by version. Search Windows for Mouse settings or Mouse Properties.
If your broader gaming setup is due for maintenance, see our mousepad cleaning guide to keep your mouse surface in good condition.
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