Why does my mouse cursor jump around?

Usually a dirty sensor, a reflective surface, wireless interference or low batteries, or on a laptop your palm brushing the touchpad. Clean the sensor and change the surface first.

Why does my cursor move on its own?

A dirty or obstructed sensor, interference, or touchpad input while you type. Clean the sensor, use a proper surface, and disable the touchpad while typing.

How do I stop my laptop cursor jumping while typing?

Turn on the setting that disables the touchpad while typing, or lower the touchpad sensitivity, so your palm does not move the cursor.

Mouse Cursor Jumping Around? How to Fix It

Quick answer: A cursor that jumps or teleports is usually a dirty sensor, a reflective or uneven surface, wireless interference or low batteries, or touchpad interference on a laptop. Clean the sensor and change the surface first.

Watch the behaviour: open the mouse test and move slowly.

Clean the sensor and surface

Wipe the optical lens on the underside of the mouse, and use an opaque, non-glossy mousepad. Dust on the sensor and shiny surfaces are the top causes of a jumping cursor.

Wireless interference and battery

Replace the batteries, move the receiver closer, and avoid placing it next to USB 3.0 ports, which interfere with the 2.4 GHz signal.

Laptop touchpad

If your palm brushes the touchpad while typing, the cursor jumps. Enable the option to disable the touchpad while typing, or lower its sensitivity. If movement is sluggish rather than jumpy, see a mouse lagging or stuttering.

Confirm the fix

Re-run the mouse test — the cursor should follow your hand steadily with no jumps.