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

Quick Screen Capture

Taking screen captures on your computer has been available on Windows computers for a while. Windows 10, however, allows ...

Discover More

Clean Boot Windows 10

When your computer is not running the way it should, you can try a clean boot. A clean boot in Windows 10 provides more ...

Discover More

Setting Time Limits for Windows 10 Users

If your computer is set up in crowded environment, it may be helpful to establish times that an account can be used. You ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adding Items to the "New" Context Menu

You can add your own items to the "New" context menu, but it does take a bit of effort. This tip explains how to do it.

Discover More

Changing a Computer's Name

If you don't like the name that was assigned to your computer when it was put together, it's pretty easy to change. This ...

Discover More

Using Desktop Themes

Desktop themes allow you to quickly and easily personalize your system so that what you see and hear while working can be ...

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 nine minus 1?

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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.