Outlook Mouse Pointer Disappearance Bug: Microsoft Confirms Investigation

Microsoft is actively investigating a persistent bug affecting classic Outlook desktop users where the mouse pointer unexpectedly vanishes while navigating the email interface. This issue, officially acknowledged in a Microsoft support document, renders Outlook nearly unusable as users lose the ability to select emails or perform basic functions despite the interface still responding to hover actions.

Reports of this bug first surfaced nearly two months before Microsoft's formal acknowledgment. Affected users describe significant productivity impacts, with one stating: "My mouse just stopped being visible while using Outlook. I can't find anything, can't open emails, can't copy and paste." The company confirms the issue primarily affects classic Outlook but has also appeared intermittently in other Microsoft 365 applications like OneNote.

According to Microsoft's technical documentation, the pointer disappears during movement across Outlook's interface while background hover effects (like email highlighting) continue functioning normally. The Outlook engineering team is analyzing diagnostic data but hasn't provided an estimated timeline for a permanent resolution.

Temporary Workarounds

While awaiting a fix, Microsoft recommends these immediate solutions:

1. Click in Message List: When the cursor vanishes, click directly on any email in your message list (visible emails will highlight on hover even without cursor)
2. Application Switching: Switch to PowerPoint, click into an editable text area, then return to Outlook
3. System Reboot: Restart your computer for temporary restoration of pointer functionality

Reporting Procedure

Microsoft requests affected organizations have their Microsoft 365 administrator:

• Open a formal support case through the Microsoft 365 admin center
• Submit diagnostic logs using the Steps Recorder tool
• Include specific details about reproduction steps and environment configurations

This incident follows Microsoft's resolution last month of a separate Outlook bug that blocked access to encrypted emails, demonstrating ongoing challenges in maintaining compatibility for the classic desktop client. Users should monitor the Outlook Release Notes for official updates on the pointer fix.