JAWS – Text cursor position appears to move randomely whilst editing documentrs

JAWS – Text cursor position appears to move randomely whilst editing documentrs

Problem

When a JAWS user is entering text on a laptop computer with a touchpad they encounter a problem where randomly the text cursor may appear to jump around in the document as they type.

Applies to

  1. JAWS and Windows 11

Resolution

This problem may heppen on laptops where the touchpad is mounted in front of the QWERTY keyboard.  This means that when a touch typist is editing text they may accidentally activate the touchpad with their thumbs in such a way that it moves the text editing cursor.  One way to diagnose this as the cause is just have them use up and down arrow keys to check that the text cursor is only moving when they press the UP/DOWN ARROW keys.

  1. Then problem may potentially be resolved by adjusting the settings so they are less sensitive. 
  2. If no setting appears to resolve the problem completely, disabling he touchpad might be the next best option and only enable it when sighted assistance is required. 

  1. Press Windows key to open Start menu search.
  2. Then enter the word ‘Touchpad’ then press ENTER on the result Touchpad Settings when it is displayed.
  3. On the next screen the focus will land on the Touchpad toggle switch, press SPACEBAR to disable the touchpad.
  4. Then press ALT+F4 to close the Settings app.
  5. If the touchpad is require eg. For a sighted assistant one can use the steps above to re-enable the touchpad.


Notes
Note
  1. If searching ‘touchpad’ does not work try entering ‘trackpad’ instead and toggle its setting.
  2. Some laptops will have a special Fn+Function key shortcut to disable the touchpad, refer the laptpop documentation for further information on special function keys.

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