Having a multi-monitor setup can be very useful for productivity and immersive gaming. However, it can also lead to issues with the mouse cursor moving between monitors when you only intend to interact with the game on one screen. This article explores potential solutions for fixing the common problem of being unable to move the mouse to a second monitor while gaming.
Understanding the issue
Using two monitors while gaming often results in the mouse cursor accidentally leaving the focused game screen and drifting over to the second monitor. This frequently happens when turning or moving the camera in-game, causing the cursor to escape the intended game window.
Many users wrongly assume this problem indicates a hardware or software issue with their computer, not realizing it is actually a bug in how certain games handle mouse movement with multi-monitor setups. The cursor leaves the game window despite that application remaining in focus and active.
Taskbar/tray icon visibility
Configuring which monitor is set as the primary display also impacts the behavior of the taskbar and system tray icons. These interface elements may end up positioned inconveniently when trying to optimize visibility on the non-primary monitor used for gaming. The complications of managing taskbar and notification placement often contribute to mouse focus issues, with the cursor drifting away from the game.
Game Settings and Display Modes
There are various settings within games as well as display modes that affect how the mouse cursor moves between monitors. Adjusting these options can potentially resolve mouse confinement problems.
F9 key in League of Legends
A common fix for League of Legends on Windows is using the F9 key to toggle mouse locking to the game window. Pressing F9 disables the setting that allows mouse movement between monitors, confining it to the game window. This simple workaround has proven effective for many users when the cursor accidentally transitions to the second monitor during play.
Alternative display modes
Beyond game-specific tweaks like the F9 trick, the display mode used (fullscreen, borderless window, etc.) also influences how the mouse interacts with multi-monitor setups. Borderless windowed mode generally provides the most seamless mouse movement between displays, while exclusive fullscreen confines the cursor most strictly to the game window.
Experimenting with display modes can help determine which works best for a given game and system configuration. Some users report that switching from fullscreen to borderless windowed mode resolves mouse escape issues in games where exclusive fullscreen has problems. The ability to quickly change display type makes it convenient to test different options.
Operating system shortcuts
The Windows operating system offers various shortcuts and settings that can help fix the issue of mouse movement between monitors while gaming. Manipulating these system-level options provides alternatives beyond just game-specific tweaks.
Using Alt+Tab to switch focus back to the game
The Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut allows swiftly switching between open application windows. If the mouse escapes the game window, tapping Alt+Tab to change focus to a different app and then back to the game forces it to re-capture mouse control.
This quickly regains focus without taking hands off the normal WASD position. Some users report Alt+Tab as being even faster than using dedicated gaming keys like F9, since fingers are already in position.
However, some mention Alt+Tab between monitors can be inconsistent, especially when gaming in fullscreen mode. The smoothness varies based on system configuration. But overall, it represents a convenient keyboard-only fix.
Windows shortcut to move the game window
Windows key + Shift + right or left arrow keys can instantly snap any application window between monitors. If the game consistently launches on the wrong display, this shortcut quickly moves it over to the desired screen.
It avoids having to manually drag the window across monitors each time. This helps users who position their secondary monitor on the left to keep taskbar visibility while gaming on the right side.
Setting primary display
Configuring the intended gaming monitor as the Windows primary display can prevent the mouse from leaving the game window on that screen. Since primary display holds the taskbar focus, it keeps mouse control centralized there until manually switched.
However, this risks moving necessary system tray icons to an inconvenient position below the game window rather than on the secondary monitor. There are tradeoffs to consider with primary display.
Game-specific issues
While system-level tweaks help, the gaming community also identifies software bugs causing mouse problems in specific titles like League of Legends and requests fixes from developers.
Mouse sensitivity resetting
Players report League of Legends bugs like mouse sensitivity reverting on game start, or inability to attack-move when rooted, that degrade dual monitor usability. Deleting specific game files has helped some users work around mouse sensitivity issues temporarily.
But this is not a complete fix. The community has highlighted these kinds of mouse control problems for years, requesting Riot Games address them natively.
Requesting Riot Games
However, some complain little progress has been made in resolving League of Legends’ mouse bugs despite repeatedly vocalizing concerns. The lack of response over long periods leaves many feeling frustrated.
There is a clear call from players for Riot to directly improve in-game mouse handling, especially for those using multiple monitors where cursor movement is more complex. But the company has yet to definitively fix these problems.
Summary
Users struggling with moving the mouse between monitors while gaming have various software tweaks and workarounds available. But fully addressing the problem requires action from game developers to fix title-specific bugs.
The gaming community plays an important role in surfacing these technical issues and pushing for solutions that improve the experience for all players. However, lingering bugs and lack of response remains a source of frustration. Continued advocacy and constructive feedback may help spur positive change.
