Since this morning, Windows 11 has been putting outlines around apps and items inside apps and browsers, almost as if everything is being selected or highlighted. The behavior appears in Microsoft Edge, Discord, and across the desktop. Unplugging the computer, mouse, and keyboard, uninstalling device drivers, and restarting have not fixed it. A Windows Defender scan found no malware. What could be causing this, and how can I disable it?
2 Answers
Try disconnecting both the keyboard and mouse while the computer is running, then test whether the outlining continues. A stuck key or failing input device can cause repeated selection or focus behavior. Since it still happens with both unplugged, an accessibility or Windows focus setting is more likely than the peripherals. A clean Windows reinstall should be a last resort, not the first step.
Check Windows’ Accessibility settings first. Features such as Narrator, keyboard navigation, focus indicators, or other accessibility options may have been enabled accidentally and can make items appear outlined or selected.
I tested it with both the keyboard and mouse disconnected, and it still happened. I also scanned with Windows Defender and it found nothing. Everything was working normally yesterday, so this started very suddenly.