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FIX: Surface Pro can’t detect mouse pointer
5 min. read
Updated onMay 10, 2024
updated onMay 10, 2024
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TheSurface Prohas had persistent issues with themouse. The device is designed to take input from theSurfacePen as well, besides being touch-enabled too. As such, invoking theSurface Penautomatically reduces themouse pointerto a mere dot on the screen.
However, while that is a specific design feature, the same might get invoked randomly even when the pen is nowhere near the display. This can be annoying as well, especially when theSurfacePro is used in laptop mode withmouseas the input device of choice.
That said, there sure are ways to circumvent the issue easily.
What to do if yourSurface Procan’t see the mouse pointer
1. Outdated trackpad driver
An outdated trackpad driver might be the reason why your Surface Pro can’t see the mouse pointer. As a way out, check to see if there is an update available for the trackpad driver. Here is how you do it:
Using areliable driver updating toolthat downloads and installs drivers automatically will prevent issues like this from happening.
By eliminating driver problems and inconsistencies, the software will ensure your operating system achieves peak performance and is protected by the latest drivers.
At the same time, you stay protected from system errors generated by incompatible drivers and in exchange optimize your PC performance.
2. Electromagnetic interference
TheSurfacePro is designed to detect theSurfacePen even when it is not in physical contact with the display but is held some way off of it. This can be attributed to the electromagnetic field created between the pen and display which enables the latter to detect the exact presence of the pen on the screen.
However, there are several common household items present in most of our homes that also produce an electromagnetic field. Those include objects seemingly as innocent as a stereo receiver, iron, refrigerator, mixer, fluorescent light, and so on.
Taking theSurfacePro near at of those might trick it into believing it is theSurfacePen that is in the vicinity, thereby leading to the pointer being transformed into a dot.
To rule out such a possibility, take theSurfacePro to a place where there aren’t any electrical devices nearby. The best thing to do here would be to take theSurfacePro outside and test if it can detect themouse pointer.
3. Tablet mode
Sometimes theSurfacePro might be lingering in tablet mode even if it has been disengaged. In such a scenario, it would be a good idea to engage tablet mode followed by dis-engaging it again. This way, theSurfacePro will know if it is to be used as a regular laptop, complete with thekeyboard and mouseas input devices.
Also, specifically, click on the keyboard icon at the taskbar to reinforce the above. Likewise, themouse pointertoo should be visible as well.
4. Multiple Bluetooth mouse pairings
Several users have found theirBluetooth mouse devices to behave abnormally– readpointerjust disappears – if themouseis paired to another computer nearby. This leads to a clash of sorts with both PCs likely competing for the samemousewhile themousecan pair with only the one with the stronger signal. In that case, either themousewill have to be unpaired or uninstalled from one of the devices or one of the computers needs to be operated beyond the Bluetooth range of the mice.
This should let one of the PCs be in complete control of themouse with the pointerhopefully behaving normally.
5. Mouse pointer disappears in Chrome browser
Strange it might sound though it happens to be a common problem wherein themouse pointeris nowhere to be seen within theChrome browser. Outside of it, themousebehaves just as it should and thepointertoo is perfectly visible.
This should make it amply clear that the issue is with the Chrome browser itself. In that case, you might want to start with updating the browser itself, if any such is available. Here are the steps:
However, if the problem persists and Chrome is up to date, here is something else you might want to try.
There you have it, the steps to be followed if yourSurface Prodevice can’t see themouse pointer.
More about the topics:surface pro,windows 10 fix
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
