How to Change Mouse Polling Rate Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 16, 2025

If your mouse feels sluggish, unresponsive, or inconsistent during gaming or everyday use, the mouse polling rate could be the reason. Adjusting it can significantly improve your cursor’s precision and responsiveness. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to change mouse polling rate in Windows 11 using different methods — from built-in settings to advanced manufacturer software.

What is Mouse Polling Rate?

The mouse polling rate (also called report rate) is how often your mouse reports its position to your computer — measured in Hertz (Hz).
For example:

  • A 125Hz mouse reports every 8 milliseconds (ms).

  • A 500Hz mouse reports every 2ms.

  • A 1000Hz mouse reports every 1ms.

In simpler terms, higher polling rates = smoother and more responsive cursor movement.

Why Does Mouse Polling Rate Matter?

The polling rate determines how quickly your mouse communicates movement and clicks to Windows.

  • Higher polling rate (e.g., 1000Hz)
    → Better for gaming, design, and precise tasks.

  • Lower polling rate (e.g., 125Hz or 250Hz)
    → Conserves CPU and battery, suitable for basic office use.

If your mouse feels laggy or inconsistent, increasing the polling rate can noticeably improve performance.

Recommended Polling Rates for Different Uses

Use Case Recommended Polling Rate Reason
Office or casual browsing 125Hz – 250Hz Balanced performance and power efficiency
Competitive gaming (FPS, MOBA) 500Hz – 1000Hz High responsiveness and low latency
Graphic design / editing 500Hz Smooth cursor tracking
Wireless mouse (battery saving) 250Hz – 500Hz Prevents quick battery drain

How to Check Your Current Mouse Polling Rate

Before changing anything, let’s check your current polling rate.

Option 1 — Online Polling Rate Test

  1. Go to a website like https://devicetests.com/mouse-rate-test.

  2. Move your mouse quickly in circles or side-to-side.

  3. The tool shows the average Hz value — e.g., “Your rate: 500Hz.”

Option 2 — Using Manufacturer Software

If you have a gaming mouse from Logitech, Razer, Corsair, or SteelSeries, their official software shows polling rate directly.

Option 3 — Via Device Info in Windows

  1. Open Device Manager → Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

  2. Right-click your mouse → Properties → Details tab.

  3. Look for “Polling Rate” or “Report Rate” (may vary by driver).

How to Change Mouse Polling Rate in Windows 11 (Overview)

There are multiple ways to adjust the polling rate depending on your mouse:

Method Works With Difficulty
Manufacturer software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Logitech G HUB) Gaming mice Easy
DPI/polling rate switch button Gaming mice Very easy
Device Manager (manual driver tweak) Basic/standard mice Moderate
Third-party utilities Some USB mice Advanced users

Let’s explore each method step by step.

Method 1 — Change Polling Rate Using Manufacturer Software

Most modern gaming mice come with official configuration software that makes this process simple.

For Logitech Mice

  1. Open Logitech G HUB.

  2. Select your mouse under Devices.

  3. Click the Settings (gear icon) or Sensitivity tab.

  4. Look for Polling Rate or Report Rate.

  5. Choose your desired rate — 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, or 1000Hz.

  6. Click Apply.

For Razer Mice

  1. Launch Razer Synapse.

  2. Select your mouse → Performance tab.

  3. Under Polling Rate, choose one of the available options (125, 500, or 1000Hz).

  4. Save settings.

For Corsair Mice

  1. Open Corsair iCUE.

  2. Select your mouse → Device Settings.

  3. Under Polling Rate, pick the desired value (e.g., 1000Hz).

  4. Click Save or Apply.

For SteelSeries Mice

  1. Open SteelSeries GG / Engine.

  2. Click your mouse → Settings.

  3. Adjust Polling Rate and save.

Method 2 — Adjust Polling Rate Using DPI or Hardware Buttons

Some gaming mice include a dedicated DPI/polling rate switch on the underside or top.

Steps:

  1. Unplug your mouse from the USB port.

  2. Hold down the DPI or polling rate button.

  3. Plug the mouse back in while holding the button.

  4. Observe the LED indicator (each color often represents a polling rate).

  5. Release the button when your desired rate is selected.

Example:

  • Blue = 125Hz

  • Red = 500Hz

  • Green = 1000Hz

Refer to your mouse’s manual for the exact color or button mapping.

Method 3 — Change Mouse Polling Rate via Device Manager

If your mouse doesn’t have official software, you can manually reinstall drivers and adjust USB power behavior.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices.

  3. Right-click your mouse → Properties.

  4. Go to the Driver tab → click Update Driver.

  5. Select Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list.

  6. Choose the latest HID-compliant mouse or manufacturer driver.

  7. Restart your PC.

Then adjust USB performance:

  1. Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.

  2. Click Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.

  3. Expand USB settings → USB selective suspend setting.

  4. Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.

  5. Apply and restart.

This ensures Windows doesn’t throttle USB communication, improving consistency.

Method 4 — Change Polling Rate Using Third-Party Tools

If your mouse doesn’t include configuration software, you can try third-party tools like Mouse Rate Switcher or USB Mouse Rate Adjuster (for advanced users).

⚠️ Warning:

These tools modify USB driver behavior. Use only from trusted sources and create a restore point first.

Typical Steps:

  1. Download and extract the utility (e.g., Mouse Rate Switcher).

  2. Run it as Administrator.

  3. Choose a polling rate (e.g., 500Hz or 1000Hz).

  4. Click Install Service / Apply Changes.

  5. Restart your computer.

Once done, test the polling rate using an online tool.

How to Optimize Mouse Settings in Windows 11 for Best Performance

After changing the polling rate, fine-tune your mouse for smooth tracking.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse.

  2. Adjust:

    • Pointer speed (middle range is ideal).

    • Enhance pointer precision → Turn Off (for gaming).

  3. Click Additional mouse settings → Pointer Options tab.

  4. Disable “Enhance pointer precision” again if necessary.

  5. Click Apply → OK.

This ensures raw input without acceleration, which gamers prefer.

How to Test Mouse Polling Rate After Changing It

Online Testing:

Use https://cps-check.com/mouse-rate-test.
Move your mouse rapidly and see if it consistently shows the new rate (e.g., 1000Hz).

Offline Tools:

Use “MouseTester” (a lightweight utility) to visualize polling rate stability.

Goal:
Your mouse should now report at the new frequency with minimal jitter.

Common Issues When Changing Mouse Polling Rate (and Fixes)

Problem Cause Solution
Polling rate resets after reboot Software profile not saving Enable “Start with Windows” in your mouse software
Cursor jitter after increasing polling rate USB port limitations Switch to a USB 3.0 port or rear motherboard port
Wireless mouse battery drains fast High polling rate Reduce to 500Hz
Regedit changes didn’t apply Driver conflict Reinstall manufacturer driver
Online test inconsistent Background apps interfering Close heavy CPU apps while testing

Ideal Polling Rate for Gaming vs Office Use

Use Type Best Polling Rate Notes
Competitive FPS (Valorant, CS2, Apex) 1000Hz Fastest input response
Casual gaming 500Hz Balanced
Office and browsing 125Hz – 250Hz Smooth with low CPU use
Wireless gaming mice 500Hz Good balance between lag and battery

How Polling Rate Affects Battery Life in Wireless Mice

Higher polling rates consume more power because the mouse transmits data more frequently.

Example:
A wireless mouse at 1000Hz might last 20%–40% less per charge than at 250Hz.

Tip:

  • Use 500Hz for balance.

  • Use “eco” or “low latency” modes available in most gaming mice software.

Troubleshooting: Polling Rate Won’t Change or Keeps Resetting

If your mouse refuses to stay at the new polling rate:

  1. Update Mouse Drivers

    • Device Manager → Update Driver → Search automatically.

  2. Reinstall Software

    • Uninstall Razer Synapse / G HUB / iCUE, then reinstall cleanly.

  3. Switch USB Ports

    • Plug into a direct motherboard USB port, not a front-panel hub.

  4. Disable USB Power Saving

    • Control Panel → Power Options → Disable USB selective suspend.

  5. Test on Another PC

    • If polling rate changes there, it’s a Windows driver issue.

FAQs — How to Change Mouse Polling Rate in Windows 11

1. What polling rate is best for gaming?
1000Hz offers the lowest input lag and smoothest cursor tracking for gaming.

2. Can I change polling rate on any mouse?
No. Only mice that support adjustable polling (usually gaming models) allow changes.

3. Does higher polling rate use more CPU?
Yes, but very slightly — modern CPUs handle 1000Hz easily.

4. Will increasing polling rate fix input lag?
It can reduce lag slightly, but display latency and USB driver quality also matter.

5. How can I check if my polling rate change worked?
Use an online polling rate test website and verify the Hz reading.

6. Can I damage my mouse by setting 1000Hz?
No — if supported by the hardware, it’s perfectly safe.

7. My laptop mouse feels delayed — should I change polling rate?
Yes, increasing from 125Hz to 500Hz can make the touch feel much smoother.

Conclusion — Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Changing your mouse polling rate in Windows 11 can dramatically improve responsiveness, especially for gaming and precision work. Whether you use official software, hardware switches, or manual tweaks, always ensure:

  • Your mouse supports the chosen polling rate.

  • You’re using the latest drivers and software.

  • You test the new setting for stability.

A 1000Hz polling rate gives the snappiest experience for gamers, while 500Hz offers a balanced compromise for most users.

Key Takeaways Summary

✅ Polling rate = report frequency between mouse and PC.
✅ Higher = smoother, lower = power-saving.
✅ Best for gaming: 1000Hz.
✅ Best for office work: 125–250Hz.
✅ Change it easily via Razer Synapse, G HUB, or hardware button.
✅ Verify with online polling rate test.

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