Mouse pointer bug with differently scaled monitors

Question

OS is Windows 8.1 x64 with all current patches. I recently purchased a 4k monitor (Eizo EV3237 80cm, 3840x2160 resolution), and my previous Dell 80cm 2560x1600 monitor is now the secondary display. In order to get the same size desktop elements on both monitors, I have unchecked the Control Panel / Display option "Let me choose one scaling level for all my displays", so that menus, dialogs, and text are approximately the same size on both monitors. However, after setting this, I am unable to change the mouse pointer size and appearance. Regardless of what pointer scheme and size I select in Control Panel / Mouse / Pointer, the pointer remains at the default size and scheme, which makes the pointer uncomfortably small and difficult to see on the Eizo monitor.

I have found that a temporary workaround is to press the Windows key + P, change the monitors to duplicate, then press Windows + P again and change back to extend, after which Windows will start using the pointer I select. However, this has to be repeated at each login, as after each login the mouse pointer has reverted to the default size and scheme until the monitors are switched to duplicate and back to extend. This is annoying to have to do each time I log in. I have had this bug verified by another user with a similar configuration - Windows 8.1, multiple monitors with one being a 4k monitor, and they see exactly the same problem.

Answer 1

Sorry for the delay in reply, I've been interstate for the past week with only a laptop.

Since returning I've experimented with swapping primary/secondary monitors and with changing resolutions. I can't reproduce the problem until I uncheck the Control Panel / Display option "Let me choose one scaling level for all my displays". If that option is unchecked, no matter what mouse pointer size/scheme I choose and apply, the pointer remains at the default setting until I apply the workaround above of setting the monitors to duplicate and then back to extend.

I originally asked about the problem here: http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/60014-cannot-change-mouse-pointer.html, and you can see from the response that another user also encountered exactly the same problem with multiple monitors where one was a 4k monitor.

Answer 2

Hi,

I apologize for the delay in responding. I would appreciate if you could try the setting the same resolution for both computers and check if you notice the same behavior. If yes, set the Primary monitor as the secondary and vice versa and check. Let us know the results so that we can help you further.