When you type on your computer, the mouse pointer can sometimes get in the way. Windows 11 has a handy feature that hides the mouse pointer while you’re typing, so you can focus better. This guide will show you easy steps to turn this feature on or off.

Why Hide the Mouse Pointer While Typing?

By default, Windows hides the mouse pointer when you start typing. This helps you see what you’re typing without the pointer blocking your view. But if you want the pointer to always stay visible, you can change this setting.

How to Turn On or Off “Hide Pointer While Typing” Using Control Panel

Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC.
2. Click on Hardware and Sound.
3. Under Hardware and Sound, click on Mouse.
4. In the Mouse Properties window, click on the Pointer Options tab.
5. Look for the Visibility section.
6. Check the box that says “Hide pointer while typing” to enable it, or uncheck it to disable it.
7. Click OK to save your changes.

Here is what the mouse settings window looks like:

Alternative: Change the Setting Using Windows Registry Editor

If you like advanced options, you can also turn this feature on or off using the Windows Registry Editor. Be careful with this method — changing the registry incorrectly can cause problems.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Windows Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start menu search and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to this folder key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
3. In the right pane, find UserPreferencesMask.
4. Double-click UserPreferencesMask to edit its value.
5. The setting for “Hide pointer while typing” is part of this value:
   • 0 = feature OFF (show mouse pointer)
   • 1 = feature ON (hide mouse pointer)
6. Change the value accordingly and click OK.
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Things to Remember

• Not all apps follow this setting. Some might still show the mouse pointer while typing.
• If you want to try other mouse pointer settings, like showing the pointer location or adding trails, you can explore more options in the Control Panel or online guides.
• Changing the registry is for advanced users. If you’re not comfortable with it, stick to the Control Panel method.

Summary

Hiding the mouse pointer while typing helps keep your screen clean and makes typing easier. With just a few clicks in the Control Panel, or with a little more care using the Registry Editor, you can turn this feature on or off based on what feels best for you.

Try it out and see what works best for your Windows 11 experience!