Fixing VSCode Cross Cursor Problems | Generated by AI

Home 2025.09

The mouse cursor changing to a cross/plus symbol (十字架) in VSCode usually indicates that VSCode is in a special mode or there’s a configuration issue. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

Common Causes:

  1. Column Selection Mode: You might have accidentally activated column/block selection mode
    • Try pressing Alt + Shift + I or Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Arrow keys to exit this mode
  2. Extension Conflict: Some extensions can change cursor behavior
    • Try disabling extensions temporarily: Ctrl + Shift + P → “Developer: Reload Window”
    • Or start VSCode in safe mode: code --disable-extensions
  3. Zoom/Selection Tools: You might have activated a zoom or selection tool
    • Press Escape key several times
    • Try Ctrl + Z to undo recent actions
  4. Terminal Focus Issue: If the terminal is focused, it can change cursor behavior
    • Click in the editor area to refocus
    • Try Ctrl + 1 to focus on the editor

Quick Fixes:

  1. Restart VSCode: Simple but often effective
    • Ctrl + Shift + P → “Developer: Reload Window”
  2. Check Mouse Settings:
    • Go to File → Preferences → Settings
    • Search for “cursor” and check cursor-related settings
  3. Reset Workspace:
    • Close VSCode
    • Delete .vscode folder in your project (if present)
    • Reopen the project
  4. System-wide Issue Check:
    • Test if the cursor issue appears in other applications
    • If yes, it might be a GNOME/system setting issue

Try pressing Escape a few times first, then restart VSCode. This usually resolves the cross cursor issue.

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