Microsoft says bug in classic Outlook hides the mouse pointer
Microsoft has confirmed a bug in the classic Outlook desktop client that causes the mouse pointer to disappear while users navigate the interface, making the app unusable for some. The issue, which also affects other Microsoft 365 apps like OneNote, was first reported online nearly two months ago. Microsoft is investigating and advising affected users to open a support case with their M365 administrator and submit diagnostic logs. While no permanent fix timeline has been released, three temporary workarounds are available: clicking an email in the message list, switching to PowerPoint and back, or restarting the computer. The Outlook team will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Microsoft has confirmed that a long‑standing glitch in the classic Outlook desktop client is causing the mouse pointer to disappear for some users. The issue, first reported online almost two months ago, leaves users unable to navigate their inbox, open messages or perform basic actions such as copying and pasting. One frustrated customer described the experience: “My mouse just stopped being visible while I am using Outlook, and this is very, very frustrating because my permission wasn’t given to make these changes, and now I can’t find anything, can’t open emails, can’t copy and paste.”
According to a Microsoft support article (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/mouse-pointer-disappears-when-hovering-over-classic-outlook-576003d8-1be6-4639-a8e7-8c688086c1b9), the cursor vanishes when users move it across Outlook’s interface. In some cases, even the mouse icon is hidden, although the email items in the message list still change color as they are hovered over. Microsoft notes that similar behavior has been reported—though to a lesser degree—in other Microsoft 365 applications such as OneNote.
The company has opened an investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, affected users are advised to have their Microsoft 365 administrator open a support case with the Outlook Support Team and submit diagnostic log files to help with analysis.
While a permanent fix timeline remains uncertain, Microsoft has offered three temporary workarounds:
- Click an email in the message list when the cursor disappears; this often restores the pointer.
- Switch to PowerPoint, click into an editable area, then return to Outlook; the mouse pointer may reappear.
- If neither of the above works, restart the computer—this typically resolves the issue for a short period.
Microsoft recently addressed another classic Outlook bug that prevented users from opening encrypted emails after installing the December 2025 updates (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-outlook-bug-blocking-access-to-encrypted-emails/). The company’s ongoing efforts to stabilize Outlook underscore the importance of keeping all Office updates applied and monitoring for any new anomalies.
For those experiencing this issue, it is crucial to keep Outlook and Windows fully updated, report the problem through the Microsoft 365 admin portal, and follow the temporary workarounds until a definitive patch is released.