Malware on your Windows computer could make you complain of mouse pointer changes to arrow with a vertical scroll bar and you will have to run a virus scan. It will also be worth uninstalling then reinstalling your device, updating drivers, resetting the cursor, reducing trail effects, performing a clean boot, and replacing your mouse. To completely get rid of this error, you will have to read this article till the end.
A List Of Suspects
Driver
All in all, the mouse driver is what enables computers to communicate with mice. Needless to say, for the mouse to work as expected, the mouse drivers must not be damaged, corrupted, outdated, etc. Thus, when the mouse pointer changes to arrow with a vertical scroll bar out of the blue, you should think about mouse driver.
Setting
On Windows computers, people can change the mouse settings to their liking. The process could include changing the shape of pointer, enabling mouse trailers and so on. Naturally, if you mess up the mouse settings, your mouse could go haywire.
Malware
For your information, malicious programs could find their way into your computer and its performance would suffer as a result. Your PC is experiencing a lot of issues and mouse pointer changing to arrow with a vertical scroll bar is only one of them? In that case, it’s a good idea to take malware into account.
What Must Be Done
Run A Scan
If you suspect that the issue is the work of malware, you need to scan your computer using the Windows Defender.
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Step 2: Select Update & Security then go to Windows Security.
- Step 3: Hit Open Window Security and go to Virus & threat protection.
- Step 4: Click Quick scan then wait as Windows scans through your files.
- Step 5: After the scan finishes, restart your device and see how things turn out.
Uninstall And Reinstall
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc then hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
- Step 3: Hit the arrow beside Mice and other pointing devices and double-click your device driver.
- Step 4: Go to the Driver tab, choose Uninstall Device then follow the onscreen instructions to uninstall your driver. Remember to check the checkbox next to Delete the driver software for this device.
- Step 5: Lastly, restart your driver and Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers.
Update Driver
Every time the mouse acts up in use, it is wise to update the mouse driver at the earliest opportunity. To update the driver, go through the steps down below:
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link Menu.
- Step 2: Select Device Manager then hit the arrow beside Mice and other pointing devices. If you are using a touchpad, expand Human Interface Devices.
- Step 3: Right-click your device driver and pick Properties.
- Step 4: Go to the Driver tab, choose Update Driver then follow the onscreen instructions to update your driver.
- Step 5: Once done, restart your device and determine whether the issue persists.
Reset Mouse Cursor
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search box.
- Step 2: Type mouse and pick Mouse settings.
- Step 3: Choose Additional mouse options to open Mouse Properties.
- Step 4: Go to the Pointers tab then hit Use Default.
- Step 5: Select Apply and choose OK to save changes.
- Step 6: Restart the computer.
Reduce Trail Effects
- Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type control then hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Step 3: Select Mouse to open the Mouse Properties and go to the Pointer Options tab.
- Step 4: Check the box beside Display pointer trails then drag the slider to Short.
- Step 5: Select Apply and choose OK to save changes then restart your device.
Perform A Clean Boot
On Windows, the numerous settings, applications and drivers running side-by-side can make it tough to troubleshoot a single issue. If you have a hard time identifying the root cause behind issues, you should perform a clean boot.
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type msconfig then hit Enter to open the System Configuration.
- Step 3: Go to the General tab, choose Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
- Step 4: Head to the Services tab, pick Hide all Microsoft services then select Disable all.
- Step 5: Navigate to the Startup tab and hit the Open Task Manager link.
- Step 6: While in the Startup of the Task Manager, select each item as you hit Disable.
- Step 7: Close the Task Manager, go back to System Configuration and click OK.
- Step 8: Restart your computer.
If the mouse cursor works normally, feel free to conclude that software is at fault. You will then have to undo the most recent changes made on your computer (uninstall recent applications, roll back newly updated drivers and so on).
Note: Once the error is solved, boot to normal mode using the following steps:
- Step 1: Press the Windows key, type msconfig then hit Enter to open System Configuration.
- Step 2: Go to the General tab, select the Normal Startup and hit OK.
- Step 3: You will then be prompted to restart your device so choose Restart.
Pick Up A Mouse Replacement
If the error still appears while in the clean boot mode, this points out a hardware error and you will have to replace your mouse. Just to be sure, you can try another mouse before proceeding to make a purchase.
What Makes The Mouse Pointer Change To A Hand?
By default, the mouse pointer is an arrow and will change to a hand when you hover it over links. As you move the mouse pointer away from links, it’s going to change back into an arrow.
Can I Download Mouse Drivers From Internet Websites?
If you are unable to update the mouse driver from the Device Manager, you can update it via the websites. Launch your web browser, visit the site of your mouse then go to the Downloads page. Next, download a suitable driver, open the setup files and follow the instructions to install them.
Guidelines
- You could adjust the display size by pressing the Ctrl key as you scroll the mouse scroll wheel towards or away from you.
- Pinch in or stretch out two fingers on your touchpad to zoom in or out.
- Open the link on a new tab by placing the cursor on the link then pressing down then the scroll button.
- It’s possible to highlight the whole paragraph by clicking three times consecutively on any word in the paragraph.
