Disappearing cursor

Question

While typing in my MS Word online document, my blinking cursor that tracks where I am typing keeps disappearing as I type. I have configured my mouse settings on computer to fix, but still am having issues only in MS Word online. I am unable to use the Word app with my school account and need to use the web version.

Answer 1

Hello @Johnson, Sebastian R, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

Based on your description, the issue might relate to cursor while working with your document, as it disappears when typing in the Word online.  

For my recommendation, kindly follow these steps to check if it can resolve the issue: 

1. Toggle Your Zoom Level 

• In Word Online, press Ctrl + Minus (–) to zoom out 
• Then Ctrl + Plus (+) to zoom back in 

2. Hide pointer while typing option in Windows setting 

• Press Window + R  
• Type: “main.cpl” 
• Navigate to Pointer Options > Untick “Hide pointer while typing” 
  

3. Try a Different Browser 

Try another browser to check if the issue persists. If the cursor works normally in one browser but not another, the issue is browser‑specific. 

Note: Please understand that as a forum moderator, my primary goal is to provide helpful guidance and support through general troubleshooting steps. While I don’t have access to internal systems or test devices required to resolve backend/account issues, I truly appreciate your understanding of these limitations.  

I hope you find this information helpful. If all checks have passed but the issue persists, kindly provide more information about the issue so that I can investigate further. 

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Answer 2

Hi @Daniel H, 

If you have unticked “Hide pointer while typing” but the issue persists, kindly following these steps to check if it can resolve the issue: 

1. Press Window + R   
2. Type: “main.cpl” 
3. Navigate to “Pointers” 
4. Under Customize tab, select “Text Select” > “Browse” 
   
5. Change the text cursor to “beam_r.cur” > Open 
   

I hope you find this information helpful. If anything is unclear, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. 

Best regards. 

Answer 3

In Word on the web, the disappearing text cursor is typically a visibility issue rather than a Word-specific error. Adjusting the Windows text cursor settings can make it much easier to see while typing in the browser.

On Windows 10:

1. Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Text cursor.
2. Turn on Turn on text cursor indicator.
3. Pick an indicator color that contrasts well with the page background.

On Windows 11:

1. Press Windows logo key + U or select Start > Settings > Accessibility.
2. Select Text cursor.
3. Turn on Text cursor indicator.
4. Increase the Size slider so the indicator is clearly visible.
5. Choose a Recommended color or Choose another color for a high-contrast indicator.

If the cursor itself is too thin and seems to vanish while typing, also adjust its thickness:

1. Open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor.
2. Under Text cursor thickness, move the slider to increase the thickness until it is clearly visible in the preview.

These changes apply system-wide and will affect how the cursor appears in Word on the web in the browser.

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References:

• Use color and contrast for accessibility in Microsoft 365
• Make your mouse, keyboard, and other input devices easier to use