How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration in Windows 10

Probably a useful feature in regular use, but an inconvenience for gaming, the Windows 10 Mouse acceleration is a well thought out function. To turn off Mouse acceleration, all you have to do is tweak one of the mouse settings where you’re deselecting a checkbox. However, before we get there, let’s briefly understand what it is in the first place.

What Is Mouse Acceleration in Windows Operating System?

Mouse acceleration is a feature where the distance your cursor moves on your screen is dependent on how fast (or slow) you move your mouse VERSUS a one-to-one match with the actual physical distance you move your mouse (mouse-pad or not).

For example, if you motion your mouse 5 centimeters without mouse acceleration, your cursor would also cover the same distance — when converted into the applicable measurement unit. With it turned on, if you advanced it 5 centimeters (either direction), but very quickly (as in fast), your cursor can potentially cover double the distance or more. This feature’s goal is more precision — that I can see it being beneficial for regular Windows usage, but for gaming, it’s not helpful. Why? Because you want to measure your distance AND your aim (say in a first-person shooter game) based on the real physical movement, otherwise it’s anyone’s guess.

Having that stated, there are a handful of professionals who argue on the other side, but the majority of them seem to agree that it’s best to turn this feature off for gaming.

How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration in Windows 10

To turn this utility off, follow the 2-stepper process along:

Step 1: In your start menu, search for “mouse pointer speed” (without the quotes). Then, open the “change the mouse pointer display or speed” control panel setting.

Step 2: After you execute in step 1, Windows will pop-up a ‘mouse properties’ settings in front of you. Now, if you aren’t there already, head over to the Pointer Options tab first. In there, you’ll see a checkbox for Enhance pointer precision. Deselect that checkbox to turn off mouse acceleration. Afterwards, hit Apply, Ok, and finally, restart your device. (Screenshot below for visual reference).

In Conclusion

Personally, I think mouse acceleration holds value in everyday Windows needs. As far as gaming goes, my advice would be to try your hands with both (mouse acceleration on & off). Once done, at the end of the day, go with what feels right to you.

Nevertheless, if you’ve wondered how to turn off mouse acceleration in Windows 10, this is how.