Fix the GTA San Andreas mouse not working issue on Windows 10/11. Learn how to restore full mouse control in GTA SA with easy step-by-step methods.
Are you frustrated because your mouse isn’t working in GTA San Andreas? Many PC players face this annoying bug where the keyboard works fine but the mouse won’t respond, making it impossible to aim, move the camera, or even use in-game menus. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this guide will walk you through step-by-step fixes to solve the issue and get your game running smoothly again on modern systems.
This error is usually caused by compatibility issues between the 2004 classic and today’s Windows 10/11. Thankfully, the community has found reliable fixes. In this guide, we’ll cover multiple methods including DINPUT8.DLL injection, CPU affinity settings, SilentPatch, compatibility mode tweaks, and Steam launch options, so you can finally enjoy mouse functionality in GTA SA.
Why Does the GTA San Andreas Mouse Stop Working?
Before applying fixes, it helps to understand why the mouse bug exists. GTA San Andreas was originally designed for Windows XP-era PCs, long before modern multi-core CPUs, high-refresh rate monitors, or Windows 10/11.
As a result, you may encounter the following problems. The mouse cursor may move but won’t click. In some cases, you can’t move the mouse in-game at all. Sometimes the mouse works on loading screens but stops after pressing Resume Game. In other cases, controls break after cutscenes or switching resolutions.
These issues stem from outdated gta-sa.exe properties, Windows compatibility problems, or corrupted configuration files. The good news is they are fixable.
GTA SA Mouse Not Working Fix: Step-by-Step Methods
Method 1: Fix GTA SA Mouse Bug with DINPUT8.DLL
One of the most reliable solutions for fixing the GTA San Andreas mouse not working problem is by using the DINPUT8.DLL file fix. This file is part of Microsoft’s DirectInput API, which controls how your PC handles input devices like the mouse, keyboard, and controllers. GTA San Andreas being an older game, often fails to communicate properly with modern Windows versions unless this fix is applied.
You can safely download the required file from here: https://www.dll-files.com/dinput8.dll.html
Steps to Install DINPUT8.DLL for GTA San Andreas
- Download dinput8.dll from the above link.
- Extract the downloaded file from the ZIP archive.
- Locate your GTA San Andreas installation folder, usually found at:
C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\GTA San Andreas - Copy the dinput8.dll file into the same directory where your gta-sa.exe file is located.
- Restart the game and check whether your mouse works properly.
Why This Fix Works
This method restores proper DirectInput communication, ensuring the mouse and other input devices respond correctly inside GTA San Andreas. It has been confirmed to solve mouse freeze, cursor not clicking, and camera movement bugs in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions of the game.
Method 2: Set CPU Affinity to Single Core (Task Manager Fix)
The GTA SA mouse problem often occurs because the game doesn’t handle multi-core CPUs correctly. By forcing it to run on a single core, the mouse usually works again.
To do this, first launch GTA San Andreas. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the Details tab and find gta-sa.exe. Right-click, then select Set Affinity. Uncheck all processors except CPU 0 (or CPU 1, depending on your system). Click OK, return to the game, and test the mouse.
This method may need to be repeated each time you launch the game, but it’s a quick temporary solution.
Method 3: Run GTA SA in Compatibility Mode
Because GTA San Andreas is a 2004 title, it often struggles with modern Windows operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11. One reliable way to fix the mouse issue is to run the game in compatibility mode, which makes it behave as if it’s running on an older Windows version such as Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3).
For detailed guidance, check the official Microsoft guide on how to use program compatibility mode in Windows.
Steps to Enable Compatibility Mode for GTA San Andreas
- Navigate to your GTA San Andreas installation directory.
- Locate and right-click the gta-sa.exe file.
- Select Properties from the menu.
- In the Properties window, open the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode for.”
- From the dropdown menu, select Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Windows XP (Service Pack 3).
- (Optional) Tick Disable Visual Themes and Disable Desktop Composition for added stability.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Restart the game and test the mouse functionality.
Why This Fix Works
Running the game in compatibility mode allows Windows 10/11 to emulate older environments where GTA San Andreas was designed to operate. This helps resolve DirectInput handling issues that prevent proper mouse response.
Method 4: Use SilentPatch GTA SA Mouse Fix
Another highly effective and permanent solution for the GTA San Andreas mouse not working bug is to install SilentPatch. This is a well-known community-made mod that fixes many of the long-standing issues in the game, including the infamous mouse input problem, frame limiter bugs, and widescreen glitches.
You can download it directly from the official thread on GTA Forums here: SilentPatch for GTA San Andreas.
Steps to Install SilentPatch for GTA San Andreas
- Visit the official SilentPatch GTA SA page.
- Download the SilentPatch archive provided in the thread.
- Extract the contents of the ZIP file to your GTA San Andreas installation folder.
- Ensure you have an ASI Loader installed (check the ReadMe file included in the archive if unsure).
- Once the files are in place, restart GTA San Andreas.
Why This Fix Works
SilentPatch makes your game more compatible with modern operating systems and hardware. It is a permanent fix because it patches underlying bugs in GTA San Andreas, unlike temporary solutions such as CPU affinity. Installing this patch not only resolves the mouse input issue but also improves game stability and performance across the board.
Method 5: Delete Corrupted GTA SA Config Files
Sometimes, corrupted settings files prevent the mouse from working.
To fix this, navigate to Documents → GTA San Andreas User Files. Locate the file named gta_sa.set and delete it. Alternatively, you can rename the file as backup.
After that, relaunch the game. A fresh config will be generated, often correcting the issue.
Method 6: Steam-Specific Mouse Fix
If you’re experiencing mouse issues in the Steam version of GTA SA, there’s a quick fix using launch options.
Open your Steam Library and right-click on GTA San Andreas. Select Properties. Under Launch Options, add the following command:
-nomouseaccel
Save the settings and restart the game.
This disables mouse acceleration conflicts that often cause unresponsive input in the Steam release.
Method 7: Additional Fixes to Try
If the main fixes above don’t work or you want to further improve GTA San Andreas stability, there are a number of additional tweaks you can try. Many players report that enabling certain options or disabling overlays can help restore mouse functionality.
One common tip is to enable the Frame Limiter in GTA SA’s graphics settings. This syncs the game with your system’s refresh rate and prevents unpredictable input glitches. You can learn more about how and when to use the frame limiter in this detailed Steam guide: Frame Limiter; When and Where to Use It.
Other useful adjustments include running the game as an Administrator, which prevents Windows permissions from blocking input. Disabling overlays such as Steam Overlay, Discord, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience can also help, since these often interfere with mouse clicks and camera movement.
For compatibility improvements on modern systems, you may want to try mods such as GInput or the GTA SA Downgrader. These restore DirectInput compatibility and ensure stable mouse functionality.
And finally, if none of the methods work and you’d still like to play, connect an Xbox or PC controller. This won’t fix the mouse bug itself but gives you an alternative way to enjoy the game while troubleshooting further.
GTA San Andreas Mouse Bug Fix on Windows 10 vs Windows 11
Windows 10 users often solve it with DINPUT8.DLL or CPU Affinity fixes. Windows 11 users may need SilentPatch alongside Compatibility Mode for stability.
Both systems can benefit from deleting corrupted configuration files like gta_sa.set and using the -nomouseaccel command on Steam.
These OS differences matter because Windows 11 tends to enforce stricter compatibility rules, which can break older DirectInput systems that GTA SA relies on.
FAQ: Solving GTA SA Mouse Issues
Why is my mouse not working in GTA San Andreas?
This happens because the game was developed in 2004 and isn’t fully compatible with modern Windows input handling.
How do I fix GTA SA mouse bug on Windows 10/11?
You should try installing dinput8.dll, using the CPU Affinity fix, or applying SilentPatch.
Does SilentPatch fix the mouse problem?
Yes, SilentPatch includes a fix for the mouse bug along with other performance improvements.
How do I set CPU affinity for GTA San Andreas?
Open Task Manager, right-click gta-sa.exe under the Details tab, select Affinity, and set it to use only one CPU core.
Conclusion: GTA San Andreas Mouse Working Again
The GTA San Andreas mouse not working bug on PC is one of the most frustrating problems for players revisiting this legendary title. However, by following these step-by-step fixes—including dinput8.dll installation, CPU affinity tweaks, running in compatibility mode, or applying SilentPatch—you can restore normal mouse functionality.
Whether you’re on Windows 10, Windows 11, Steam, or Rockstar Launcher, these methods cover all versions of GTA SA. Start with the DLL fix or CPU Affinity fix, and if the issue persists, SilentPatch is your best long-term solution.
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