Enable or Disable Mouse Hover Window Activation

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated September 6, 2021)

WindowsTips reader John wrote in asking how to turn off a feature in Windows 10. When this feature is enabled, it does precisely what it is called—Activate a Window By Hovering Over It with the Mouse (a feature you can tell a lot of research went into naming).

All kidding aside, this feature is intended to aid in navigating the operating system by reducing the number of mouse clicks you need to make. It can be helpful if you have carpal tunnel or other ailments, where this feature can be a welcome thing. For others, this feature can be annoying as it might cause a window you don't want to be used to become the active window, thereby interrupting workflow.

Whether you want the feature enabled or disabled, the process you follow to control the feature involves the same steps.

  1. Press the Windows key and type (without quotes) "Control Panel," then press Enter. Windows opens and displays the Control Panel.
  2. Click on "Ease of Access." This opens the Ease of Access window of the Control Panel. You might need to change the "View By" option to either small or large icons to see this link.
  3. Scroll down and click on Change How Your Mouse Works. This opens the Make the Mouse Easier to Use window of the Control Panel.
  4. Check or uncheck the box next to the "Activate a Window By Hovering Over It with the Mouse" option. (See Figure 1.)

    5. Figure 1. The Activate a Window By Hovering it with the Mouse option in the Control Panel.

  5. Click Apply, then close the Ease of Access window. The option you chose will take effect immediately.

If you enabled this setting, when you move your mouse over a window, that window will become active. If you disabled this setting in step 4, your current window remains active even if you hover over another window.

 This tip (11297) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

A More Private Start Menu

If your computer is accessed by multiple people, you may be concerned about privacy. One area where you might want a bit ...

Discover More

Remove Shortcut when You Make a Shortcut

When you create a shortcut in Windows 10, by default the text "- Shortcut" is added to the end of the shortcut's name. By ...

Discover More

Using Command Prompt (CMD) to Change Your Computer Name

Computers have names that are used to identify them. Using Command Prompt (CMD) you can change your computer's name.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Turning Off Bothersome Windows Messages

Bothered by messages from Microsoft letting you know about their various apps and tools? Here's a way to configure ...

Discover More

Understanding ReadyBoost

ReadyBoost promised to provide a hot-swappable addition of memory that could end up improving system performance. Whether ...

Discover More

Specifying a Screen Orientation

The orientation of your screen is not limited to the default orientation when you connect it to your computer. You can ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.