If your mouse feels different after a Windows 11 update, check the haptic signals setting

• Windows 11 now provides haptic signals, adding subtle vibrations when snapping windows, resizing apps, and performing supported actions.
• Supported hardware currently includes Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, MSI Pen 2, and Logitech MX Master 4, with broader device support expected.
• Users can customize haptic signal intensity from the “Mouse” settings page.
• The feature can be turned off completely if you prefer a traditional Windows experience.

After installing the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11, I noticed that certain actions felt different. Snapping windows into place, resizing apps, and even aligning objects in PowerPoint suddenly felt more tactile.

The reason wasn’t a performance improvement or a redesigned interface. Instead, Microsoft has been expanding support for haptic signals, a feature that adds subtle vibrations to compatible hardware, making interactions feel more physical.

While the feature isn’t available on every device, Windows 11 now offers more ways to use haptic feedback across the operating system, and you can customize the experience or disable it entirely.

What are haptic signals on Windows 11?

Haptic signals are small vibrations generated by supported hardware when you perform specific actions in Windows 11. Instead of relying only on visual cues, the operating system can provide physical feedback that lets you feel when an action happens.

For example, Windows 11 can trigger haptic feedback when snapping windows into position, resizing windows, aligning objects in PowerPoint, performing other supported actions in the operating system, and in apps.

The goal is to make interactions feel more natural and responsive by adding a physical layer of feedback.

Which devices support haptic signals?

At the moment, the feature is primarily available on devices with built-in haptic hardware.

Supported devices include Surface Slim Pen 2, ASUS Pen 3.0, and MSI Pen 2.

Microsoft is also opening the door for broader support, with additional devices expected to gain compatibility through future updates from hardware partners. This includes select mice as manufacturers roll out firmware and driver updates.

I have a Logitech MX Master 4, and I can confirm that haptic feedback is available on this device.

Customize haptic signals on Windows 11

If the feature is available on your device, you can adjust the experience from the Settings app.

To change the haptic signals, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Mouse page.

4. Turn on the Haptic signals toggle switch.

5. Click on the Haptic signals settings.

   

6. Change the intensity level with the “Signal intensity” slider.

Once you complete the steps, as you drag the mouse around and hover over elements like the “Close” button or perform specific actions, you’ll feel a small vibration. The lower intensity settings provide more subtle feedback, while higher settings make the effect easier to notice.

Disable haptic signals on Windows 11

If you don’t want Windows 11 to provide physical feedback, you can disable the feature entirely:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

3. Click the Mouse page.

4. Turn off the Haptic signals toggle switch.

   

Once disabled, Windows 11 will stop sending haptic feedback to supported hardware.

Pureinfotech’s Take

When Microsoft first introduced haptic feedback on Windows 11, I viewed it as one of those niche features that only a handful of users would notice. However, as the company expands support beyond digital pens and into more everyday interactions, I can see why some people may appreciate the extra layer of feedback.

Personally, I don’t think haptic signals are essential. Snapping windows, resizing apps, and aligning objects already work well with visual cues alone. However, the subtle vibration can make these actions feel more deliberate and provide confirmation that the action was registered.

What I like most is that Microsoft isn’t forcing a one-size-fits-all experience. You can adjust the intensity to make the feedback more subtle or disable it entirely if you find it distracting.

As hardware manufacturers add support for haptic signals to more devices, it’ll be interesting to see whether the feature becomes a meaningful part of the Windows experience or remains a nice-to-have option for those who prefer a more tactile interface.