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. ...

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