How To Lock A Mouse To One Monitor

Many choose to set up a dual monitor setting for several reasons. When there is a multi-display setup, the mouse can freely move from one monitor to another. But what if that is the feature you do not want to have since it causes annoying, unwanted stuff?

In case of that, you may wonder how to lock your mouse cursor to one monitor only. In this article, we will cover the ways you can do that and help you control it.

How to Lock a Mouse to One Monitor on a Windows PC

Thankfully, there are pretty easy ways to lock your mouse on one screen. When it comes to PCs that have Windows 7 or newer versions, you have two main ways of achieving this.

Simplest Way: Operating System Settings

Among all other solutions, many forget the easiest and the simplest one – changing the settings in your operating system directly. If using third-party apps isn’t your thing, this solution is all you may have asked for.

The monitors are usually arranged to stand one by another, and that is why the cursor flows freely between the two along the entire border.

Changing system settings works for Windows 7, 10, and 11, but other Windows OS usually have similar settings. Here is how to do it:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.”
   
2. Go to screen resolution settings to see the alignment of your monitors.
   
3. Choose where you want to lock the mouse.
   
4. Click on the monitor you want to lock your mouse in and drag it higher or lower, so it stands diagonally.
   

This way, your cursor will still flow between screens, but only if you drag it diagonally from the edge. This solution fixes most issues caused by a freely floating mouse.

If this is not perfect for you and you want to achieve complete monitor locking, you’ll need to rely on third-party apps.

Lock the Mouse to One Screen Using Third-Party Apps

Most users who want to lock the mouse to one screen use Dual Monitor Tools or the Cursor Lock app. Both tools are free for download.

Lock the Mouse Using Dual Monitor Tools

Dual Monitor Tools is a software tool designed for easier management of multi-monitor setups. To lock your mouse to one screen using this tool, do the following steps:

1. Launch the Dual Monitor Tools.
   
2. In the notification bar, click on the app icon to open the app window.
   
3. When you open the app, go to “General” on the menu on the left.
   
4. Choose the option named “Lock cursor onto the screen.”
   
5. Select “Change.”
   
6. A new window will pop up, where you should select “Enable this hotkey.”
   
7. Assign the hotkey to this option to a free button combination of your choice.
   
8. Click on “OK” and save the settings.
   

Lock the Mouse Using Cursor Lock

Cursor Lock is a software solution for locking the mouse onto a single screen that offers more complex options. Locking your mouse is a free feature, but if you need to go for more advanced settings, a premium version is also available.

This program turns the physical edge of your monitor into a digital border for the mouse. The tool allows you to see both monitors and lets you choose where to lock the cursor. By restricting the area of the mouse, you prevent your mouse to wander into any unwanted area of your virtual workspace.

The app offers an option to precisely define the area you want to restrict your mouse, and by setting that, the mouse will work in that area only. It also allows you to choose a hotkey for locking the mouse.

How to Lock a Mouse to One Monitor on a Mac

Mac computers allow you to use almost all Apple devices as second screens. Apple offers many features, options, and ways to customize the multi-display experience on Mac. However, the issue with a floating mouse cursor is the same as for Windows users.

Mac does not have a system-based option to lock the mouse while using multiple screens. There is also a lack of free third-party apps that fix this issue.

For a solution that works, we’ve found EdgeCase on the App Store. It’s a small utility package that prevents moving the mouse between monitors. Unfortunately, it costs $14.99 to purchase.

Alternatively, by simply enlarging the cursor in the OS display settings, you will be able to see the motion of the cursor better. This option might not stop your cursor completely from going to the standing screen. But it certainly will help you control it more precisely and prevent it from floating randomly.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu and find “System Preferences.”
   
2. Click “Accessibility”.
   
3. Hit “Display” on the left tab.
   
4. Go to the “Pointer” tab in the middle of the right side of the window.
   
5. Move the slider to set the size of the Pointer.
   

See What Solution Fits Your Needs Best

Having extra virtual space might boost your work or gaming experience in a big way. Still, this applies only when you know how to set the monitors properly. Our recommendation for you is to try different solutions for mouse locking, and see what works best for you.

What is your preferred tool for locking the mouse to a single monitor? Tell us in the comments section below!