How to Lock Mouse to One Monitor Fast & Easy!

How to Lock Mouse to One Monitor – Every time I tried playing a game or working on a dual-monitor setup, my mouse would suddenly jump to the second screen, and that always ruined everything. So, after struggling for hours, I had to find a way to stop this madness, and I finally did. Therefore, if you also feel the same pain, then this guide will definitely help.

How to Lock Mouse to One Monitor (The Easy Way)

1. Adjust Windows Settings (The Built-in Way) 🖥️

Since downloading software can be annoying, let’s try the easiest method first.

• Set your primary monitor:

  • Right-click on your desktop, and then select Display settings.
  • Scroll to Multiple displays, and after that, click the monitor you want.
  • Check “Make this my main display”, so your cursor focuses there.

• Disable monitor extension temporarily:

  • Press Win + P, and then select PC screen only (This disables the second monitor).

👉 While this works for basic tasks, it doesn’t really help with gaming, so let’s move on! 🎮

2. Use Third-Party Software (Because Windows Ain’t Enough) 🛠️

Since built-in settings don’t always work, third-party apps can solve this problem much better.

A. Microsoft PowerToys (The Geeky Way) 🤓

• Install Microsoft PowerToys, and then open it.
• Find Mouse Without Borders, and after that, enable it.
• Set up the configurations, so your mouse stops moving to the second screen.

B. Cursor Lock (For Gamers & Multitaskers) 🎮

• Download Cursor Lock, and then install it.
• Open the program, and after that, set it up to lock the cursor on one screen.
• Try using it for fullscreen and borderless windowed games, so you avoid interruptions.

C. Dual Monitor Tools (For Control Freaks) 🔥

• Install Dual Monitor Tools, and then open the settings.
• Assign Hotkeys, so you can toggle cursor locking on or off.
• Use it when you need total control over your workflow, so distractions disappear.

👉 Personally, I found Cursor Lock the best option, since it stopped my mouse from ruining my gameplay! 😅

3. Advanced Methods: Registry Edits (For the Brave) ⚠️

Since some people love tweaking Windows, this method might be perfect for those who enjoy advanced settings.

1. Open Regedit (Win + R, and then type regedit → Enter).
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value, and then name it CursorLock.
4. Set the value to 1, so it restricts movement.
5. Restart your PC, and then check if it works.

⚠️ Warning: If something goes wrong, then don’t blame me! 😭

Locking Mouse to One Monitor on Mac & Linux 🍏🐧

Since not everyone uses Windows, let’s check out how to do this on Mac and Linux.

MacOS 🍏

• Install BetterTouchTool, and then configure it.
• Open Terminal, and after that, type:

  defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.mouse.mouseLock -bool true

• Try Rectangle, so window management becomes easier.

Linux 🐧

• Use xinput and xrandr, and then tweak the settings.
• Install Barrier, so you can control multiple devices easily.

👉 Surprisingly, Mac and Linux users don’t seem to struggle as much as Windows users. 😅

Troubleshooting: Fixing Mouse Lock Issues 🔧

Since problems can still occur, let’s go over some quick fixes.

• Mouse still moves to the second monitor → Restart the software, and then test again.
• Game performance drops → Use borderless windowed mode, so the issue disappears.
• Cursor lock randomly stops working → Run the app as Admin, and then check the settings.
• Need to unlock quickly → Assign a hotkey, so you don’t struggle when switching monitors.

Extra Tips & Alternatives 🏆

• Enable windowed borderless mode, so gaming becomes smoother.
• Adjust mouse sensitivity, so accidental movement stops happening.
• Turn off the second monitor temporarily, so you can work without interruptions.

FAQs: How to Lock Mouse to One Monitor

1. What is the best software to lock a mouse to one monitor?

Since different people have different needs, the best software depends on what you’re doing. Cursor Lock works best for gaming, while Dual Monitor Tools helps with productivity. Meanwhile, PowerToys offers a good general-use solution.

2. Can I lock my mouse to one screen without software?

Yes! Since Windows has built-in settings, you can set your primary monitor or use Win + P, so the second screen turns off.

3. Why does my mouse still move to the second monitor after locking?

Since some programs override mouse locking, you might need to run the software in Administrator Mode or switch your game to borderless windowed mode.

4. Can I lock my mouse to one screen on Mac?

Yes! Since Mac users can use BetterTouchTool, Terminal commands, or Rectangle, they have plenty of options.

5. How do I unlock my mouse when needed?

Since most tools offer hotkeys, you can quickly toggle locking on or off in the settings, so switching screens stays easy.

Also Read: Why Is My Wired Mouse Not Working? Here’s the Fix!