Ever plugged in your controller only to find your mouse cursor flying around the screen on its own? Annoying, right? By default, some game controllers (like Xbox or PlayStation controllers) can act as a mouse on Windows 11. While this is sometimes handy, most users find it distracting and unnecessary—especially when they just want to play games.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to stop your controller from moving the mouse in Windows 11. We’ll cover different fixes, from simple settings adjustments to more advanced tweaks.
Why Does My Controller Move the Mouse?
Windows 11 treats many controllers like Human Interface Devices (HIDs). When plugged in, some of their inputs (like analog sticks or touchpads) are interpreted as mouse movements.
This usually happens with:
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Xbox controllers via Bluetooth or USB.
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PlayStation controllers with touchpads.
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Generic PC controllers with HID compatibility.
Is It Safe to Disable This Feature?
Yes—disabling this functionality won’t stop your controller from working in games. It simply prevents it from acting as a mouse.
Method 1: Disable HID-Compliant Mouse in Device Manager
This is the most effective method since Windows often sees your controller as a second mouse.
Steps:
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Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
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Expand Mice and other pointing devices.
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Look for multiple entries like HID-compliant mouse.
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Right-click one and select Disable device.
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Test if your mouse still works normally.
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If your actual mouse stops working, re-enable it and try disabling the other HID entry.
✔ This ensures only your real mouse works, not the controller.
Method 2: Turn Off Controller as Mouse in Settings (For PS Controllers)
If you’re using a PlayStation controller with Steam or DS4Windows, the touchpad often acts as a mouse.
Steps in Steam:
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Open Steam.
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Go to Settings > Controller > Desktop Configuration.
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Find the touchpad/joystick bindings.
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Change them from Mouse to None.
This removes mouse-like behavior while keeping your controller functional.
Method 3: Disable Xbox Controller Cursor (For Xbox Accessories App)
The Xbox Accessories app can configure controller behavior.
Steps:
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Download and open Xbox Accessories from the Microsoft Store.
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Connect your Xbox controller.
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Check if any button/stick is assigned to mouse-like inputs.
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Clear or reset mappings.
Method 4: Stop Steam from Using Controller as Mouse
Steam can enable desktop configurations that turn controllers into mice.
Steps:
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Open Steam.
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Go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
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Uncheck Generic Controller Support (or disable Xbox/PlayStation support if unnecessary).
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Restart Steam.
This prevents Steam from hijacking your controller.
Method 5: Use DS4Windows (For PlayStation Controllers)
If you prefer PlayStation controllers, DS4Windows gives better control.
Steps:
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Download DS4Windows.
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Open it and connect your controller.
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Navigate to Profile settings.
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Turn off Touchpad as Mouse.
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Save changes.
Method 6: Disable Controller in Non-Gaming Mode
If you don’t need the controller outside of games, you can simply disable it until needed.
Steps:
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Press Win + X → Device Manager.
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Expand Human Interface Devices.
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Find your controller (often listed as HID-compliant device).
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Right-click → Disable device.
When gaming, re-enable it with the same steps.
Method 7: Modify Registry Settings (Advanced)
⚠️ Warning: This is advanced—only use if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Modify the Start value to 4 (disabled).
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Restart your PC.
This disables the HID Input Service, preventing controllers from acting like mice.
Method 8: Use Third-Party Tools to Block Controller Input
Programs like AntiMicroX or JoyToKey can remap or block unwanted controller behavior.
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Launch the tool.
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Detect your controller.
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Remove or disable mouse-related mappings.
Method 9: Disconnect Controller When Not in Use
The simplest fix? If you’re not gaming, just unplug or turn off your controller.
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For wired controllers → unplug the USB cable.
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For Bluetooth controllers → hold the power button until it disconnects.
Troubleshooting Tips
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Mouse still moves? Try disabling different HID devices until the right one is found.
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Bluetooth controllers misbehaving? Re-pair them.
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Multiple controllers connected? Disconnect unused ones.
Pros of Stopping Controller as Mouse
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Prevents accidental cursor movement.
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Keeps your workflow smooth.
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Reduces input conflicts in apps.
Cons of Disabling It
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Some users may miss the ability to control Windows with a controller.
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Disabling the wrong HID device may temporarily disable your actual mouse.
When Should You Keep It Enabled?
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If you like navigating Windows with a controller from your couch.
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If you’re using your PC as a home theater setup.
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If you often switch between gaming and browsing without a mouse.
Conclusion
A controller moving your mouse in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s not permanent. Whether you use Device Manager, Steam settings, or third-party tools, you can easily disable this feature without losing controller functionality in games.
Choose the method that fits your setup—Xbox Accessories for Xbox controllers, DS4Windows for PlayStation, or HID disabling for generic ones—and enjoy smoother navigation without your cursor drifting around.
FAQs
Q1: Will disabling HID-compliant mouse affect my actual mouse?
It might—if you disable the wrong one. Just re-enable it and test carefully.
Q2: Does Steam cause the controller to act as a mouse?
Yes, Steam’s desktop configuration often assigns the touchpad/joystick as a mouse.
Q3: Can I stop only the touchpad on a PS controller from acting as a mouse?
Yes—use DS4Windows or Steam to remap or disable the touchpad input.
Q4: Do I need admin rights to stop my controller from moving the mouse?
Yes, for methods involving Device Manager or Registry edits.
Q5: Will this affect controller performance in games?
No—it only removes the mouse emulation, not controller input in games.