9 Ways to Optimize Mouse Settings for Gaming in 2025

Optimizing your mouse settings is crucial for enhancing your gaming performance, particularly in competitive games such as first-person shooters, multiplayer online battle arena games, and massively multiplayer online games. Here are nine ways to optimize your mouse settings for the best gaming experience in 2025.

1. Turn Off Mouse Acceleration

Mouse acceleration can significantly hinder your aim by causing the cursor to move non-linearly based on the speed of your mouse movements. To disable mouse acceleration, follow these steps:

Windows Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app, navigate to the “Bluetooth & devices” tab, and select “Mouse.” Scroll down and click “Additional mouse settings.”
Pointer Options: Switch to the “Pointer Options” tab and uncheck the “Enhance pointer precision” option. Click “Apply” to save the changes.

2. Customize DPI Settings

DPI (Dots Per Inch) determines how fast your cursor moves on the screen. Customizing DPI to your liking can improve your gaming accuracy and precision.

Adjust DPI: Go to the “Mouse” section in your mouse software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub) and adjust the DPI settings. A higher DPI can reduce latency and make your aim more responsive, but it should be balanced with your in-game sensitivity.
EDPI Converter: If you need to convert your current DPI to a higher one while maintaining your exact sensitivity, use an EDPI converter tool available online.

3. Update Mouse Drivers

Outdated mouse drivers can cause inconsistencies in mouse movements, affecting your gaming performance. Keeping your mouse drivers up to date is essential.

Device Manager: Open the Device Manager, find your mouse under the “Mice and other pointing devices” section, right-click on it, and select “Update driver”.

4. Enable Raw Input

Raw input ignores your Windows and driver settings, providing a direct connection between your mouse and the game. This can be an alternative method to disable mouse acceleration.

In-Game Settings: Go to your mouse settings in the game menus and enable raw input if available.

5. Increase the Polling Rate

The polling rate determines how often your mouse reports its position to the computer. A higher polling rate reduces mouse lag and micro stutters.

Mouse Software: Open your mouse software and set the polling rate to a higher value, such as 1000 Hz. This will make your mouse movements more precise.

6. Turn Off Angle Snapping

Angle snapping can interfere with your aim by forcing the cursor to move in straight lines. Disabling it allows for smoother and more precise movements.

Game Settings: Check your game settings for any options related to angle snapping and disable them if available.

7. Use a Mouse Pad

A good mouse pad can significantly improve your mouse accuracy and consistency. It provides a smooth surface for your mouse to glide over, reducing friction and improving tracking.

Choose the Right Pad: Select a mouse pad that suits your mouse type and playing style. Some pads are designed for optical mice, while others are better for laser mice.

8. Reduce Cable Drag

Cable drag can cause resistance and affect your mouse movements. Using a mouse bungee or a wireless mouse can help reduce this issue.

Mouse Bungee: A mouse bungee keeps your cable organized and reduces drag, allowing for smoother movements.
Wireless Mouse: Ensure your wireless mouse is always charged above 30% to avoid low power mode, which can cause input delay and other issues.

9. Optimize Windows Settings for Gaming

Enabling game mode in Windows can help prioritize gaming applications over other processes, reducing input latency and improving overall performance.

Game Mode: Navigate to the Windows Settings, go to the “Gaming” section, and ensure that the game mode is turned on. This will help your gaming applications run more smoothly.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your mouse performance and enhance your gaming experience. Remember to always keep your drivers and software up to date to ensure the best possible performance.