Question Is there an app for disabling mouse input ?

[stebobibo]

I have a Windows 10 desktop PC and I was wondering if anyone knows of an app that can temporarily disable mouse input. Would be ideal if it can just constantly run in the background and be activated via a hotkey.

I've only been able to find this with google searches:
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pkddzhjbgpz?hl=en-US&gl=US
But it doesn't say if it can be activated via a hotkey, or if it runs in the background.
Thanks for your help!

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Why do you need an "app" for such a simple operation? Just unplug the mouse when you don't need it and reverse the process when you do need it. Simple.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I was wondering if anyone knows of an app that can temporarily disable mouse input.
Would be ideal if it can just constantly run in the background and be activated via a hotkey.

Unplugging is the easiest way.
You can also disable mouse in Device Manager.

Or you can write a script, that executes devcon disable command or pnputil disable-device command
and disable mouse.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/devcon-disable

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/devcon-migration

Execute from elevated command prompt, to disable mouse:
pnputil /disable-device /class mouse

Execute from elevated command prompt, to enable mouse:
pnputil /enable-device /class mouse

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Or buy a battery-powered cordless mouse as they usually have an on/off switch to conserve battery power when not in use.

 

[Ralston18]

Just curious:

What is the reason or requirement driving the need to temporarily disable the mouse?

Disabling the mouse may be completely moot if there is some other problem with perhaps some other way to be resolved.

 

[stebobibo]

Why do you need an "app" for such a simple operation? Just unplug the mouse when you don't need it and reverse the process when you do need it. Simple.

It's not simple or easy to unplug the mouse and plug back in. IDK why you would think this is easy for everyone. Pressing a hotkey is 1000x faster and easier.

Or you can write a script, that executes devcon disable command or pnputil disable-device command
and disable mouse.

IDK how to write scripts.

Just curious:

What is the reason or requirement driving the need to temporarily disable the mouse?

Disabling the mouse may be completely moot if there is some other problem with perhaps some other way to be resolved.

To clean it. This mouse's surface retains dirt. It's the only mouse I've had that's been like this. But I need to clean it everyday. Else I can feel the dirt.

 

[SkyNetRising]

IDK how to write scripts.

And you don't want to learn it either?

It's as simple as creating a text file,
putting appropriate commands in it,
changing file extension to .bat and
running it with admin privileges.

Easy-peasy.

Or you can pay money for that mouse disabler app. Your choice.

 

[stonecarver]

Okay thinking about this as a cheap dirty fix in the since not what a KMV switch is usually bought to use for but it would disable the mouse if you switch the KVM to a port with no computer plugged into it.

You can hit that button like you said 1000x if the other solution are to demanding to figure out.

 

[USAFRet]

Daily mouse cleaning?

What surface is it on that gathers this much gunk?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

It's not simple or easy to unplug the mouse and plug back in. IDK why you would think this is easy for everyone. Pressing a hotkey is 1000x faster and easier.

How is it simpler to "press a key" than to pull a plug? Sounds like someone is simply inclined to be lazy here.

 

[BFG-9000]

The USB-A type port is typically rated for only 1500 insertions until reliability is no longer assured.

Used to be there were many such apps, intended to prevent inadvertent moving of the cursor by the touchpad while typing on a laptop, but all of the touchpad manufacturers integrated this feature into their drivers. Usually there was a key combination to disable the mouse entirely until you re-enable it. They might still work, even though they were written for Windows Vista or older.

But the more obvious solution would be hardware, not software:


Although the pushbutton ones all seem to be for USB-C. If you are determined to have a pushbutton then you could find a USB hub with a power button. All of these work by simply cutting the +5v line.

 

[stebobibo]

And you don't want to learn it either?

I didn't know script writing was that easy. I'll look into it.

Daily mouse cleaning?

What surface is it on that gathers this much gunk?

It's not the surface it's on. It's the surface of the mouse that's a problem. It's coated with something that's allows it to gather gunk easily.

How is it simpler to "press a key" than to pull a plug? Sounds like someone is simply inclined to be lazy here.

IDK why you would think that and why you are being so rude. I'm surprised you're a mod. You should consider that the backs of some people's computer's are not all easily accessible. Besides, how would going to back of computer and struggling to identify the right usb cord ever be as easy as pressing a key?

But the more obvious solution would be hardware, not software:

That's looks like my best bet other than learning how to script. But I might just decide to get a new mouse if I decide to go the hardware route. I thought it would be easier to find a quick software fix.

 

[BFG-9000]

Every Logitech mouse I've ever had that came with a sprayed-on rubbery coating has had it deteriorate into a tacky/sticky mess that I had to laboriously scrape off with plenty of alcohol (I would've used stronger solvents but that could cloud the shiny plastic underneath). Fortunately the coating is so thin that this doesn't affect the use of the mouse or even its appearance.

Amazingly, every Microsoft mouse and even Razer mice with similar coatings have not become sticky. I wouldn't say the coating hasn't deteriorated at all as some have hardened so feel more like plastic than the rubber they used to feel like, but that didn't require any effort from me to remove.

Very minor formula changes can have severe effects on durability. Cellulose acetate may be known as the inert plastic that Lego Bricks were made of, but for decades GM steering wheels made of it would infamously decompose to weep a sticky goo and Craftsman screwdriver handles could decompose to emit a vomit odor. I guess I can't complain too much about Logitech because the sticky is the reason I've been able to standardize on MX518 v1.0 mice here, since it's why I've been able to buy most of them for $1 ea.

 

[Ralston18]

And if reaching the back of the PC or some other location to unplug the mouse is awkward or difficult then simply use an USB extension cable from the USB port out to where the female port end is readily accessible.

Lable both ends of the USB extension cable.

Unplug/plug the mouse via the female port as required.

That is how "lazy ole me" has done it.

No switch needed and no offense intended.