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Level 2
posted Feb 3, 2026 2:02:37 PM

Annoying pointer in TT Home & Business software

I have an issue with the pointer when I'm operating in Turbotax.  It looks like a small document is attached to the pointer - similar to what I would see if I was dragging a file from one folder to another.  It's very annoying and makes clicking on a selection difficult. This issue only shows up in the active TT window and not on any other software application.  It starting showing up last week after an update for TT was installed.

 

I'm using the 2025 version of TT Home & Business.

My computer is a MacBook Pro running MacOS 26.3 (25D5112c)

 

I greatly appreciate any help.

0 8 2584
8 Replies
Employee Tax Expert
Feb 3, 2026 2:12:12 PM

Try to force TurboTax to release the drag state:

  1. Click any blank area inside TurboTax (white space if possible)
  2. Press Esc once
  3. Click somewhere else in TurboTax

Was the cursor released?   Do you use a trackpad?  

 

To reset the window's event state:

  1. Press Control + ↑ (Up Arrow) to open Mission Control
  2. Click back into the TurboTax window

If the cursor returns to normal immediately, that confirms it was a stuck drag state.

Level 2
Feb 3, 2026 2:26:56 PM

Dawn,

 

Thank you for your response.  

The cursor was not released after pressing Esc. Yes, I do use a trackpad.

I tried the Control + Up arrow.  The cursor still appears to be in drag state.

 

Thank you,

Level 2
Feb 4, 2026 2:11:34 PM

So, I’m curious to know how this issue can be resolved. The only application that I have this issue is TurboTax. 

Thank you, 

Level 2
Feb 6, 2026 11:50:13 AM

Again, I’m awaiting a response. Will this be fixed n an update? The issue makes the software almost unusable - but certainly extremely frustrating. 

Thank you. 

Employee Tax Expert
Feb 9, 2026 10:26:33 AM

This may be an alternative to try to release the pointer. It seems you've already restarted, likely numerous times.

  • Accessibility Check: Ensure Head Pointer is not enabled in System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control, as this can cause the mouse to follow facial movements. 

@wbthornton1 

Level 2
Feb 9, 2026 10:35:38 AM

Thanks, Diane

 

I have checked those settings and I can confirm that "Head pointer" is not enabled.

 

Thanks,

Level 15
Feb 9, 2026 10:41:51 AM

Did you try just rebooting the computer?

Level 2
Feb 9, 2026 10:51:23 AM

VolvoGirl,

 

I have rebooted my Mac, several times.  I've also restarted TT '25 several times.

 

I have TT '24 still installed on my Mac.  I am not having the same issue there.  Only TT '25.

 

As I was replying, I closed out and restarted TT '25, which installed an update.  The issue seems to be resolved as of now.

 

Thank you,