In Windows 10 and 11, the mouse pointer, also known as the cursor, is often an unmoving solid arrow or equivalent form. Indicators of difficulties with the mouse, the mouse drivers, the video card, the anti-virus program, or other factors include a blinking or flashing cursor that takes on the shape of an hourglass. This is highly frustrating and makes normal computer use impossible.
Why Does the Mouse Pointer Change to an Hourglass?
If the hourglass icon displays next to your mouse, it means that your browser is currently processing the page you clicked. A common symptom of having too many applications operating in the background. As a result of user complaints and our own testing, we determined that many factors contributed to the occurrence of the problem. The following are some, but not all, of the possible causes of this issue:
- The Windows desktop and all of its files are managed by Windows Explorer, the system’s primary file manager. The flickering of the mouse is only one of several signs that something is wrong.
- The primary drivers that bridge the gap between the operating system and the hardware are the mouse and keyboard. Many problems, such as the blinking hourglass cursor, might arise if they are damaged or out of date. You might try reinstalling or upgrading them.
- Display drivers, often known as graphics drivers, are the primary components responsible for transmitting data and instructions to your display device. Blinking the cursor is only one of several problems that will arise if things are broken.
- Biometric devices are widely recognized as a convenient means of logging in, and this reputation is well-deserved. Nevertheless, there’s a chance they’ll clash with the system and trigger a wide range of problems.
- It is possible that users may have significant difficulties with some anti-virus programs if they are not kept up-to-date. To some extent, disabling the antivirus software is helpful.
Solutions to Fix Hourglass Cursor on Windows 10/11
The first step in applying the solutions is to ensure that you are signed in as the system administrator. You should also save frequently since you will be rebooting your system.
Launch Windows Explorer Again
One of the major features of Windows 10 is the Windows Explorer file manager. It lets users handle files, directories, and network connectivity, and also look for files and associated parts. Windows Explorer has also developed to include additional capabilities irrelevant to file organization such as playing music and movies and launching applications, etc. The issue may be fixed by reloading Windows Explorer many times.
To access Task Manager, right-click the Taskbar. The best way to close Windows Explorer is to go to the Task Manager, select it, and then click on End Task.
Within Task Manager, Use the New Task option under the File menu.
Put “explorer.exe” into the New Task field and hit “OK.”
Driver Updates for the Mouse and Keyboard
Your cursor’s hourglass shape and erratic movement might be the result of a conflict between the mouse driver and the keyboard driver. Verify that you have the most current version of each driver loaded for your device. Determine whether there are any known incompatibilities between your hardware and software by visiting the relevant manufacturers’ web pages. Your cursor may jitter if you use a wireless mouse or keyboard because of a USB issue.
To access the WinX Menu, hit Windows Logo Button + X. Use the “Device Manager” option. Click on Mice and Other Pointing Devices. To update the drivers for the mice and other pointing devices on your system, right-click on each item and choose Update Driver.
Your mouse cursor should stop blinking after a system reboot, and you should be able to operate it properly.
Modifying the Windows 10 Mouse Pointer
Every indicator gets a fresh new appearance when you switch schemes. Turn on your device running Windows 10. To access the Start Menu in Windows 10, just hit the Windows key on your keyboard or use the search bar.
Input “Mouse” and Windows will provide relevant options; after you’ve decided which one you want to utilize, click “Change your mouse settings” to access the Mouse preferences menu. To access the Mouse Properties window, select Additional mouse options under the heading Change your mouse settings.
To view the available designs, go to the Pointers menu and use the dropdown menu in the Scheme section. Select a method and then the option labeled “Apply.”
Conclusion
It’s not uncommon to see the flickering hourglass cursor while working on many tasks at once or when operating several programs or games. It is possible for it to be really bothersome, but if you know how to get rid of hourglass cursor Windows 10 /11, you may save a lot of hassle.
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Learning how to get rid of hourglass cursor Windows 10/11 will help you save time when this issue arises.