Fixing the Loading Cursor in Windows 11: Solutions and Tips

Have you been staring at your screen, waiting for your cursor to stop its maddening spinning dance? If you’re a Windows 11 user, this frustrating occurrence can put a damper on your productivity and peace of mind. Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this cursor conundrum. In fact, several factors could be triggering it—from overloaded system resources to outdated drivers, or even software conflicts. But fear not! We’re diving deep into several actionable solutions that can help you get your computer back on track.

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1. Perform a Clean Boot​

A clean boot is like giving your system a fresh start. By loading only essential services and drivers, you can rule out third-party applications and services as culprits behind your loading cursor.
How to do a Clean Boot:

• Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type msconfig and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Head to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable All.
• Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Right-click each startup item, and select Disable.
• Close Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window. Click OK and restart your PC.
• Monitor to see if the cursor mischief persists.

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2. Update Mouse Drivers​

Outdated or incompatible mouse drivers can wreak havoc and lead to slow responsiveness, including a constantly loading cursor. Keeping your drivers up-to-date is a straightforward yet effective fix.
Here’s how to update mouse drivers:

• Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section.
• Right-click on your mouse (it may be labeled as “HID-compliant mouse”) and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers; Windows will fetch the latest driver versions. Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s site for manual downloads.
• Consider tools like PC HelpSoft Driver Updater for an easier, automated approach.

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3. Run SFC and DISM​

Corrupted system files can be sneaky and may cause the loading cursor to pop up uninvited. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) are your best friends in these scenarios.
Follow these steps:

• Press Windows Key + X, then choose Terminal (Admin).
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let SFC complete its scan.
• If issues persist, use DISM by typing dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and remember that this might take some time.

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4. Run CHKDSK​

Disk errors, like bad sectors on your hard drive, can also trigger abnormal system behavior. The Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility is perfect for scanning and fixing these disk irregularities.
How to run CHKDSK:

• Open Terminal (Admin) again.
• Type chkdsk C: /f and hit Enter.
• You’ll be prompted to schedule a disk check on your next startup; type Y to confirm.
• Restart your computer and let CHKDSK do its magic.

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5. Restart Windows Explorer​

Sometimes, Windows Explorer—the backbone of your desktop and file management—can become unresponsive and lead to that pesky loading cursor. A quick restart can breathe new life into it.
Steps to restart Windows Explorer:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
• Right-click and select Restart.
• Voilà! Your cursor should be back to normal.

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6. End Omen Gaming Hub Tasks​

Gamers using the Omen Gaming Hub might find that its background tasks consume unnecessary resources, leading to slow cursor responsiveness.
To end Omen Gaming Hub tasks:

• Open Task Manager again using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Locate any Omen-related tasks in the Processes tab and right-click > End Task.

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7. Restore Windows to a Previous State​

If all else fails, System Restore could be your lifesaver. This tool allows you to revert your computer to a time when everything was functioning smoothly.
Here’s how to restore Windows:

• Press Windows Key + S, type Create a restore point, and hit Enter.
• In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
• Select a restore point from a time when the issue didn’t exist, then click Next and Finish to start the process.

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Conclusion:​

If you're staring at a loading cursor in Windows 11, it's often a sign of underlying issues that need addressing. By following these steps—from performing a clean boot to restoring your system—you can tackle the issue head-on and restore your faith in your operating system. Remember, an unresponsive cursor is not just a nuisance; it's a signal from your PC that it needs a little TLC. Keep your drivers updated, run system health checks regularly, and you may find your Windows experience remains smooth sailing!
And while you’re at it, check out our other articles to overcome issues like a disappearing touchpad cursor or troubleshoot a black screen with a cursor—it’ll all be worth it when you reclaim your screen time without the interruptions of loading cursors!

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Source: MSPoweruser My Cursor Keeps Loading on Windows 11: Quick and Simple Fixes