Recently, I ran into a rather annoying issue on my Windows laptop, which caused the cursor to keep moving to the left while typing in a weird way. Initially, I let it go as a once in a blue moon problem and thought it would soon disappear. But that was not to be. So, when the cursor issue refused to go away and start hurting the typing workflow badly, I decided to take it for a task. Fortunately, the deep dive into the root cause along with some old-fashioned tinkering helped me resolve the glitch and restore the malfunctioning cursor back on track. As always, I would like to share my real-life tested tips and tricks to fix cursor keeps moving to the left when typing issue on Windows 11. If your PC is embroiled in this very glitch, now is the perfect time to put an end to it so that your typing is no longer affected.
Fix Cursor Keeps Moving to the Left When Typing on Windows 11
So, what makes the cursor on your Windows PC to misbehave? Frankly speaking, there are a number of culprits that tend to trigger this issue including –
- Faulty or stuck left arrow key
- Faulty keyboard
- Enabled Sticky or Filter Keys
- Touchpad interference
- External mouse issues
- Corrupt keyboard drivers
- Third-party software conflict
- Malware or keylogger infection
- Incorrect language or keyboard layout
- Operating system glitches
To fix the issue and restore the full functionality of the cursor, we are going to take on each one of these highlighted bad actors. Fret not! These discussed solutions are secure and allow you to sort out the problem without harming any of your media and data.
1. Check for a Faulty Keyboard
Bear in mind that the malfunctioning keyboard could be registering unintended inputs, which might be making the cursor move unexpectedly. Therefore, check for the faulty keyboard and fix it for good.
- To do so, disconnect your keyboard (if external) and switch to a different and fully compatible keyboard.
- If you are using a laptop, use an external keyboard to check if the issue persists.
- Now, if the problem stops, make sure to replace the faulty keyboard.
2. Restart Your PC
- If the cursor issue has cropped up from a random Windows glitch, rebooting your PC will likely flush out the glitch. Therefore, do not fail to bring this nifty but exceptionally handy solution into action by going to the Start menu > Power > Restart.
3. Turn Off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
Never fail to overlook the Accessibility features like Sticky Keys and Filter Keys as they are well-known for triggering unintended keystrokes.
- Fire up, the Settings (Win + I) app > navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Now, disable Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, as well as Toggle Keys and restart your PC.
4. Disable the Touchpad (For Laptops)
Be warned that an overly sensitive or malfunctioning touchpad could be interfering with typing, causing the cursor to move in a weird way.
- First up, open Settings (Win + I) app on your PC > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
- Then, you have to toggle off the Touchpad and test if the issue persists.
- If you are using the touchpad, make sure to perfectly adjust the sensitivity under Touchpad settings.
5. Adjust Keyboard Repeat Delay and Rate
Wrongly configured keyboard delay and repeat rate settings could be the prime reasons why the cursor is moving in an unexpected manner.
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows device and go to Keyboard settings.
- Now, adjust Repeat delay to Long and Repeat rate to Slow.
- Then, you need to click Apply and test your keyboard.
6. Check for Background Applications
Ensure that the problematic background applications are not sending unintended keystrokes.
- Launch the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) on your PC and go to the Processes tab.
- After that, look for all the suspicious apps as well as background processes using a lot of CPU or memory.
- Then, right-click and select End task.
7. Reset Keyboard Settings
Misconfigured keyboard settings could be spoiling your party, making the cursor behave in a mischievous manner. The best way to deal with the botched-up keyboard settings is to reset the keyboard settings, putting everything back to the default.
- Open Settings (Win + I) app > dive straight into Time & language > Language & region.
- Now, click your language and select Keyboard options.
- Then, make sure to wipe out all the redundant keyboard layouts and set the correct one as default.
8. Update Keyboard Drivers
Be warned that outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers might be behind the issue. Hence, try updating keyboard drivers on your Windows device.
- To get it done, right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Now, expand Keyboards and right-click your keyboard driver > select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and proceed to update the driver by following the official instructions.
- After that, restart your PC to apply the changes effectively.
9. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
However, if the ill-fated cursor continues to plague your typing, reinstall the keyboard driver.
- Bring up the device manager > expand the Keyboard section > right-click the driver again and select Uninstall device.
- After that, restart your computer in order to allow Windows to reinstall the driver automatically.
10. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows’ built-in troubleshooters excel in detecting and fixing common input device issues. So, run the keyboard troubleshooting to flush out the problem.
- First off, open Settings (Win +I) > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Now, find the Keyboard and click Run.
- Then, make sure to follow the on-screen instructions and apply suggested fixes.
11. Scan for Malware and Viruses
Should the problem still persist, scan your PC for malware and viruses to detect and eliminate all the lingering threats.
- To begin with, open Settings app > Windows Security (search for it in the Start menu).
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Select Full scan for a more thorough check.
- If threats are found, follow the recommended steps to remove them.
12. Disable Third-Party Keyboard Software
When faced with an out-of-the-blue WIndows cursor issue, be sure to find out if the third-party software like key mappers or custom keyboard utilities is causing the conflicts.
- On your device, launch the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Select the Startup tab in the left sidebar and disable any third-party keyboard software.
- Then, you have to restart your computer and check if the issue is gone.
13. Check for Windows Updates
Do not overlook the possibility of a Windows bug as it might very well be causing the issue. Hopefully, the latest update is packed with permanent fix of this issue.
- To update your PC, go to the Settings (Win + I) app > Windows Update and click Check for updates > Install any available updates and restart your PC.
14. Disable Handwriting and Pen Services (For Touchscreen Users)
Do you know that certain Windows services that are related to pen input could be interfering with typing? Hence, I’d recommend you turn off both the handwriting and pen services – if using the touchscreen.
- On your Windows device, launch the Services (search for it in the Start menu) > Now, locate the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service.
- Then, you have to right-click it and select Stop.
- After that, be sure to double-click it > Then, set the Startup type to Disabled, and click OK.
15. Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is designed to get rid of all the unnecessary drivers and software, thereby making it incredibly straightforward to identify the conflicting elements.
- Fire up the Settings (Win + I) app on your device > System > Recovery.
- Under the Advanced Startup section, click on the Restart now button.
- Then, you need to select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After that, you need to press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
- Up next, make sure to test your keyboard to check if the issue persists.
16. Use an External Keyboard or On-Screen Keyboard
It would be apt to figure out whether the issue is hardware-related or software-related.
- To begin with, connect an external keyboard to your PC and test typing.
- Alternatively, you can also try using the On-Screen Keyboard:
- Then, navigate to the Settings (Win + I) app > Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Now, toggle on the On-Screen Keyboard > restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
17. Reset or Reinstall Windows 11
If nothing has managed to fix the cursor issues on your PC, reset your PC to wipe out the clutter.
- Open Settings (Win + I) on your Windows device > head into System > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- After that, choose Keep my files in order to retain personal files and follow the prompts to complete the reset.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! I hope the misbehaving cursor has returned to form and so is your smooth sailing typing experience. Considering how big a role the cursor plays, it’s better to bring it back on track – sooner rather than later.
