This bug often appears after a Windows quality update that indirectly affects Game Bar functionality. It can also be triggered by misconfigured overlay settings like FPS monitoring or recording tools. Now that you know what’s causing the issue, follow the step-by-step solutions below to fix it.
1) Check For Windows Update
A recent or missing Windows quality update can sometimes interfere with features like the Xbox Game Bar, causing overlay issues. Simply check for any available updates and install them—this can often patch the Game Bar and fix the cursor lock problem.
2) Reset the Xbox Game Bar
Misconfigured Game Bar settings can cause the overlay to become unresponsive and lead to cursor issues. You can fix this by resetting the Game Bar entirely. Just keep in mind that this will remove any customizations and restore it to default settings. It also clears temporary cache data, which often helps resolve the problem.
3) Disable Game Bar Overlay (Workaround)
If you don’t use the Xbox Game Bar overlay or don’t mind turning it off, the easiest workaround is to disable it completely. The overlay is often the main reason behind the cursor input issue in games. In some cases, just opening the Game Bar—without even using it—can trigger the bug. To avoid this altogether, you can disable the overlay from Windows system settings and prevent it from interfering with your games.
4) Reinstall Mouse Drivers (Workaround)
You can reset your mouse drivers to restore normal cursor functionality. However, keep in mind that this fix will only work as long as you avoid using the Game Bar again. To reset the drivers, simply uninstall them and restart your system. Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary drivers after reboot.
5) Disable Click-Through on Xbox Game Bar
The Game Bar provides a feature that allows your cursor to click through overlay widgets. When this option is turned on, mouse input will go through the pinned overlay widgets. Disabling this option will stop your cursor from conflicting with the overlay widgets and let it run smoothly in the game window. If your cursor is still getting stuck for any reason, consider checking the mouse itself or try contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.
