How to Reduce Input Lag on Windows for Gaming
The highest-impact setting (mouse acceleration), with no risky registry edits or third-party programs.
Input lag is the delay between moving your mouse or pressing a key and seeing the result on screen — different from ping (which depends on your connection, not your PC). These local settings reduce the part that does depend on Windows.
The highest-impact change: turning off mouse acceleration
- Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse → "Additional mouse settings".
- "Pointer Options" tab → uncheck "Enhance pointer precision".
This option makes the cursor's speed vary depending on how fast you move the mouse, giving less predictable aim. Almost all competitive players turn it off, whatever their game.
Stop Windows from powering down USB ports to save energy
Device Manager → "Universal Serial Bus controllers" → right-click each "USB Root Hub" → Properties → "Power Management" tab → uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
Turn off V-Sync in competitive games
We already covered this in detail in what V-Sync is and when to turn it on — for shooters and fast-paced games, turning it off reduces the delay between your action and what you see.
Full screen, not borderless window
"Borderless window" mode adds an extra layer of processing compared to "Full screen" — choose full screen in the game's options when performance matters more than being able to switch windows quickly.
Warning: be wary of third-party "input lag optimiser" programs that promise to apply everything automatically — the settings in this guide cover the essentials using only Windows' own tools, with no need to install anything extra or trust software of unknown origin.
What software can't fix
A cheap wireless peripheral, or a controller connected via Bluetooth instead of a cable, adds latency that no Windows setting fully makes up for. If you compete seriously, a cable remains more reliable than budget wireless.
Frequently asked questions
Are input lag and ping the same thing?
No. Ping depends on your internet connection and the distance to the server. Input lag is local to your machine: the time between your physical action and what you see on screen, independent of your connection quality.
Why does turning off 'enhance pointer precision' help so much?
Because that option makes the cursor's speed inconsistent, varying depending on how fast you move the mouse — this makes your aim less predictable, which especially hurts in competitive games.
Is it worth using an 'optimiser' program for input lag?
It isn't necessary — settings using Windows' own tools cover the essentials. Also, installing software of unknown origin to 'optimise' the system carries a security risk that doesn't pay off for the marginal gain it offers.