Whenever I play games while connected to a voice or video call, clicking the mouse causes the taskbar to flash briefly. If I keep clicking, the game eventually closes or loses focus, leaving me in the call application. This happens in fullscreen, borderless fullscreen, and windowed modes, although windowed mode also lets the cursor escape onto the desktop and can leave the game unresponsive. The issue affects every game I have tested, including Roblox, Minecraft, Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Project Zomboid, and Stardew Valley. It happens with multiple calling applications and even during voice-only calls, but not when I am gaming without being in a call. The problem started sometime after reinstalling Windows 11. My graphics drivers, headset drivers, and Logitech software are up to date, and changing taskbar settings or using separate virtual desktops did not help. I use a Logitech G522 wireless headset. What could be causing this input or focus problem?
4 Answers
Changing virtual desktops probably will not fix this if the issue is caused by an application stealing focus. Verify that the taskbar is not set to auto-hide, but also look for a hidden window or notification appearing behind the game. The same mouse behavior across games points more toward a Windows focus, input-hook, or overlay problem than bandwidth or the individual games.
The fact that the taskbar flashes on every mouse click suggests Windows is briefly treating the desktop or another background window as active. Check for programs that monitor mouse input, display notifications, or use always-on-top overlays. Temporarily close Logitech G Hub, Xbox Game Bar, screen recorders, RGB utilities, and other background tools, then test the game in exclusive fullscreen. Also check Windows notifications and Focus Assist, since a recurring notification can steal focus.
Because it affects every game and several calling applications, try isolating whether the problem is related to audio, overlays, or capture software. Test with no microphone or headset connected, then try recording the game with OBS while not on a call. Also disable overlays from the calling app, Logitech software, Xbox Game Bar, GeForce Experience, and similar utilities. If OBS recording works normally but calls trigger the issue, an overlay or hardware-acceleration conflict is more likely than a game-specific problem.
Since this began after a Windows reinstall, compare the current setup with a clean boot. Disable non-Microsoft startup services and overlays, restart, and test a game during a call. If the problem disappears, re-enable items in groups until you find the conflicting program. Updating the graphics driver is worth trying, but reinstalling it with a clean-install option may be more useful than simply having the newest version.
The call is normally face-to-face rather than a game stream. I use a Logitech G522 wireless headset, and its drivers and software are already updated. I am going to test with OBS and without the headset to see whether either changes the behavior.