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How to Fix Mouse and Keyboard Lag After Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many users experience mouse and keyboard lag after installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. This issue can be frustrating because it affects basic computer functions like typing and navigating.

Lag can be caused by various reasons, including driver conflicts, power settings, or background processes. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix the problem.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to restore smooth mouse and keyboard performance. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along.

By following these instructions, you should be able to eliminate lag and enjoy a more responsive Windows experience.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure your devices are properly connected. Check that your mouse and keyboard cables or wireless receivers are securely plugged in. If you use Bluetooth devices, ensure they are paired correctly.

Also, restart your computer once to clear temporary glitches that might cause lag. If the problem persists, proceed with the following steps.

Step 1: Update Your Mouse and Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause lag after a major update. Updating them can fix this issue.

  1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section to find your mouse.
  3. Right-click the mouse device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will look for and install any updates.
  5. Repeat these steps for Keyboards in Device Manager.
  6. After updating, restart your computer to apply changes.

Why this helps: Drivers act as translators between your hardware and Windows. After an update, older drivers may become unstable or incompatible, causing lag.

Step 2: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

The USB Selective Suspend feature allows Windows to turn off USB devices to save power, but it can sometimes cause lag with peripherals.

  1. Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Click Change advanced power settings.
  5. In the new window, expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
  6. Set it to Disabled for both On battery and Plugged in (if applicable).
  7. Click Apply and then OK.
  8. Restart your PC.

Why this helps: Disabling this setting prevents Windows from turning off USB ports, reducing lag caused by devices powering down unexpectedly.

Step 3: Adjust Pointer Speed and Enhance Pointer Precision

Sometimes mouse settings can contribute to lag or slow response. Adjusting pointer speed and enabling pointer precision can improve responsiveness.

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound > Mouse.
  2. Go to the Pointer Options tab.
  3. Adjust the Select a pointer speed slider to your preference (avoiding extremes).
  4. Check the box for Enhance pointer precision.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

Why this helps: Enhanced pointer precision makes cursor movement smoother and more accurate, which can reduce feelings of lag.

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature designed to boot your PC faster, but it can cause hardware initialization issues leading to lag.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do from the left menu.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Click Save changes and restart your computer.

Why this helps: Disabling Fast Startup forces Windows to do a full hardware initialization on boot, which can solve lag caused by incomplete device recognition.

Step 5: Check for Background Processes Consuming CPU or Memory

High CPU or memory usage by background applications can cause your mouse or keyboard to lag.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Processes tab.
  3. Look for any programs using a large percentage of CPU or memory.
  4. If you find any unnecessary apps consuming resources, select them and click End task.
  5. Check if the lag improves after closing these programs.

Why this helps: Freeing system resources allows Windows to handle input devices more efficiently.

Advanced Option: Reinstall USB Controllers

If basic steps don’t work, reinstalling USB controllers can fix corrupted drivers causing lag.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  3. Right-click each entry under this section and select Uninstall device. Don’t worry; Windows will reinstall them automatically.
  4. After uninstalling all USB controllers, restart your computer.
  5. Windows will automatically detect and reinstall the USB drivers.

Why this helps: It refreshes the USB driver stack, fixing issues caused by corrupted or outdated drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why did my mouse and keyboard start lagging only after the Anniversary Update?

The Anniversary Update introduced many system changes that can affect hardware drivers and settings. Some older drivers may not be fully compatible, causing lag.

Q: Can outdated Windows updates cause input lag?

Yes. Sometimes, missing important updates or patches can cause hardware compatibility issues. Always keep Windows updated.

Q: Is it safe to disable USB Selective Suspend?

Yes, disabling it won’t harm your system. It just stops Windows from turning off USB devices to save power, which can improve performance.

Q: My wireless mouse still lags after these steps. What should I do?

Try changing the batteries, moving the USB receiver closer to the mouse, or connecting the receiver to a different USB port. Interference can cause wireless lag.

Q: Does updating BIOS help with input lag?

In rare cases, yes. BIOS updates can improve hardware compatibility. However, updating BIOS is an advanced step and should be done carefully.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience lag, consider the following options:

  • Run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and select the troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices.
  • Check Manufacturer Support: Visit your mouse or keyboard manufacturer’s website for updated drivers or firmware.
  • System Restore: Restore your system to a point before the Anniversary Update if possible.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent issues, official support can assist with advanced diagnostics.

Conclusion

Mouse and keyboard lag after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is a common but fixable problem. Start by updating your drivers and adjusting power settings, then move to more advanced fixes like reinstalling USB controllers.

Understanding why each step is necessary helps you troubleshoot effectively and avoid unnecessary confusion. By following this guide, you can restore smooth input device performance and enjoy a better Windows experience.

Remember to keep your system and device drivers updated regularly to prevent future lag issues.

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