How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration In Windows
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to turn off mouse acceleration in Windows.
How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration In Windows
To turn off mouse acceleration in Windows:
- Press the Windows icon or the Windows key on your keyboard and search for “Mouse settings“. Select “Mouse Settings”.
- Click on “Additional mouse options” (or “Additional mouse settings” depending on your version of Windows.
- In “Mouse Properties“, select the “Pointer Options” tab and then untick the box “Enhance pointer precision“.
- Click the “Apply” button and then click the “OK” button to close Mouse Properties.
How to Turn On Mouse Acceleration
To turn on mouse acceleration, follow the same steps as we did above to turn it off, but tick the “Enhance pointer precision” box instead of unticking it.
What is Mouse Acceleration
Mouse acceleration speeds up your cursor based on the speed of your mouse movements. For faster movements, it allows you to move your cursor further across your screen and reduces how far you have to move your mouse physically. However, you can still be precise with your mouse by moving it more slowly.
Why Gamers Should Disable Mouse Acceleration
While mouse acceleration can be useful for everyday Windows users, it introduces a level of unpredictability and inconsistency that can be detrimental to gamers. Here’s why turning off mouse acceleration is a game-changer for gamers:
- Consistency is King: With mouse acceleration enabled, moving your mouse the same physical distance can result in different on-screen distances, depending on how quickly you move it. This inconsistency can throw off your aim and make precise movements challenging. Turning off mouse acceleration ensures a 1:1 ratio between physical movement and on-screen cursor movement, making your actions more predictable and reliable.
- Muscle Memory Development: Success in gaming, particularly in fast-paced shooters or strategy games, often comes down to reflexes and muscle memory. Your ability to instinctively aim and react without conscious thought is hindered by mouse acceleration, as the inconsistency it introduces prevents your muscles from learning precise movements. Turning it off allows for the development of accurate and reliable muscle memory, enhancing your gameplay.
- Precision and Control: Many games require the utmost precision—landing a headshot from across the map, selecting a small unit among a clustered army, or navigating tight spaces. Mouse acceleration can sabotage these precise movements, making control less accurate. Disabling it gives gamers fine control over their movements, which is crucial for high-stakes moments where every pixel counts.
- Uniform Gaming Experience: Consistency in control settings is vital for gamers who play on different computers or participate in tournaments. Turning off mouse acceleration standardizes your experience across all playing environments, ensuring you’re always playing at your best, regardless of where you are or whose computer you’re using.
- Professional Endorsement: Many professional gamers and eSports athletes turn off mouse acceleration, a testament to its impact on performance. Their success underscores the importance of turning it off to achieve precision, consistency, and victory in competitive gaming.
In essence, disabling mouse acceleration removes a layer of unpredictability, enabling gamers to hone their skills in a consistent environment. Whether you’re a casual player looking to improve your game or a competitive gamer seeking every advantage, turning off mouse acceleration is a simple yet effective step toward achieving your goals.