Windows 11 24H2 Update: Mouse Cursor Disappearing Bug Explained

Windows 11's latest update, 24H2, has not only brought new features to users but also a perplexing issue that has left some feeling like they've entered a ghost story—the case of the disappearing mouse cursor. Let’s delve deeper into this odd bug, how it manifests, and what you might do about it.

What’s Happening?​

If you've recently installed the Windows 11 24H2 update, you might have encountered an unusual problem where your mouse pointer vanishes in certain applications, particularly those based on the Chromium engine. These include popular platforms like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Slack, and Spotify. The bug appears when users click in text fields, leading to an unsettling experience as they type away, performing a digital hunt for a cursor that has seemingly done a magic trick and disappeared.

Who is Affected?​

Reports indicate that this bug isn't widespread; however, those with affected machines, specifically noted on an HP Spectre PC, have found themselves frustrated. While the issue isn’t entirely universal, it’s worth noting that with the update still in its phased rollout, many users may not have experienced this anomaly yet. The initial reactions on technology forums and social media platforms like Reddit have revealed that some users are grappling with this issue while others have managed to escape unscathed.

The Technical Details​

What makes this bug particularly interesting from a technical standpoint is its association with programs that utilize the Chromium web engine, which powers not just Chrome but also Edge. Essentially, the problem lies in the communication between Windows 11 and the settings for cursor visibility within these applications. Though it’s not the end of the world, it can certainly disrupt productivity, and let’s face it, nothing is more exasperating than losing the ability to point and click in a world governed by digital interactions.

Current Workarounds​

While Microsoft has not yet acknowledged this problem, there are a few makeshift solutions users have shared. For instance, a user posting on a tech support forum discovered that simply resetting the mouse pointer to its default icon might resolve the cursor's disappearing act. The process involves:

1. Open the Run dialog: Type main.cpl into the taskbar search.
2. Mouse Properties: This will bring up the legacy Mouse Properties panel.
3. Pointers Tab: Navigate to the Pointers tab.
4. Customize: Click on "Customize" and find "Text select."
5. Browse Button: Press the Browse button to select the default pointer file, typically named beam_r.cur.
6. Apply: Click Open, then OK.

Bear in mind that while this workaround worked for some, there’s no guarantee it will fix the issue for everyone.

When Will It Be Fixed?​

At present, the timeline for a formal fix remains ambiguous as Microsoft focuses on issues that have garnered more attention within the community. However, given the tech giant’s historical responsiveness to bugs following updates, we can hope that this quirky cursor issue is on their radar.
Who knows? It might find a fix in the next cumulative update without any disclosures, much like many previous updates that smooth out such rough edges behind the scenes.

Conclusion​

While the vanishing cursor bug in Windows 11 24H2 isn't the most catastrophic issue to befall users, it undeniably adds an extra pinch of annoyance to daily computing. For those who rely heavily on their mouse, this issue could disrupt workflow and productivity. Until Microsoft rolls out an official patch, the temporary fixes should help bridge the gap, allowing users to resume their usual tasks without losing their grip on their pointers.
If you've experienced this bizarre bug, you're not alone! Feel free to share your experiences or additional tips on how you managed to deal with it in the comments below.
Source: TechRadar Latest Windows 11 24H2 bug performs a vanishing act on your mouse cursor – and I hope Microsoft fixes it soon