Is Raw Accel a virus or malware?

No, Raw Accel is not a virus or malware. It is an open-source project hosted on GitHub with fully transparent source code. Some antivirus programs may flag it as suspicious because it installs a system-level driver, but this is a false positive. Always download from the official source to ensure safety.

Will Raw Accel get me banned in Valorant?

No, Raw Accel will not get you banned in Valorant. It is allowed by Riot Vanguard anti-cheat and is used by professional players at VCT tournaments. The software only modifies how your mouse cursor responds to movement and does not interact with game files or memory.

Does Raw Accel give an unfair advantage in games?

No, Raw Accel does not give an unfair advantage. It modifies cursor response behavior only, similar to changing your mouse DPI or in-game sensitivity. It does not automate actions, reveal enemy positions, or alter any game mechanics.

Is Raw Accel Safe? A Complete and Honest Guide (2026)

Is Raw Accel Safe? Complete Safety Guide

Mouse precision is key in competitive gaming, and Raw Accel is at the center of the conversation when it comes to fine-tuning mouse acceleration. But one big question keeps coming up: Is Raw Accel safe?

This guide gives you a complete, honest answer. We cover system safety, anti-cheat compatibility, potential risks, and whether Raw Accel gives any kind of unfair advantage.

What Is Raw Accel, And Why Do People Use It?

Raw Accel is a third-party Windows software designed for fine-tuning mouse acceleration. Unlike the basic and unpredictable acceleration built into Windows, Raw Accel gives you full control over how your cursor responds to different movement speeds.

People use Raw Accel because it helps with:

Precision in small movements: Slow mouse inputs stay precise and controlled.
Smoother fast swipes: Quick movements accelerate predictably so you can flick and turn without overshooting.
Custom acceleration curves: You can design exactly how the cursor speed scales with mouse input speed.
Raw input tracking: The software works at the driver level for maximum consistency, bypassing Windows processing.

It is used by casual gamers, competitive players, and even professionals in games like Valorant, Counter-Strike, Overwatch, and Apex Legends.

Is Raw Accel Safe For Your PC?

Yes, Raw Accel is safe for your PC when downloaded from the official source. Here is why:

Open-Source and Transparent

Raw Accel is fully open-source and hosted on GitHub. This means anyone can inspect the source code at any time. Thousands of developers and security-conscious users have reviewed the code, and there is no hidden or malicious functionality.

No System Modification

Raw Accel does not modify your Windows system files, registry, or core operating system components. It installs a lightweight driver that intercepts mouse input and applies your custom acceleration curve before passing it to the operating system.

Lightweight and Minimal

The software is extremely lightweight. It uses minimal system resources and does not run unnecessary background processes. It does not collect data, connect to the internet, or install additional software.

Driver-Level but Transparent

While Raw Accel does install a driver (which is why Windows shows security prompts), this is necessary for it to work at the lowest level of mouse input. The driver is signed and its source code is publicly available for review.

Important: Always download Raw Accel from the official source. Third-party downloads from unofficial websites, forums, or file-sharing platforms may be modified and could contain malware.

Does Raw Accel Affect Anti-Cheat Systems?

This is one of the most common concerns among competitive gamers. The short answer is: Raw Accel is allowed by major anti-cheat systems.

Riot Vanguard (Valorant)

Raw Accel is allowed by Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat system used in Valorant. Multiple professional players use Raw Accel at the highest level of competitive play, including VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) tournaments. Players like TenZ, Sarah, and Alfajer have been known to use mouse acceleration tools in competitive settings.

Other Anti-Cheat Systems

Raw Accel works alongside other common anti-cheat systems without triggering bans or flags. However, anti-cheat policies can change over time, so it is always a good idea to check the specific rules for any game or tournament you play in.

Tournament Rules

While Raw Accel is generally accepted in online competitive play, some LAN tournaments may have specific rules about third-party software. Always check tournament rules before competing to make sure you are in compliance.

Does Raw Accel Give An Unfair Advantage?

No, Raw Accel does not give an unfair advantage. Here is why:

It only modifies cursor response. Raw Accel changes how your mouse cursor responds to physical movement. It does not interact with game files, game memory, or game servers in any way.
It does not automate actions. There is no auto-aim, no recoil control, and no automated clicking. You still have to aim and shoot manually.
It does not reveal hidden information. Raw Accel cannot show enemy positions, remove visual effects, or display information that is not already visible on screen.
It does not alter game mechanics. The software operates entirely at the Windows driver level and has no ability to modify how games function.

Using Raw Accel is comparable to adjusting your mouse DPI, changing your in-game sensitivity, or using a mouse with adjustable weights. It is a preference tool, not a cheat.

Potential Risks to Be Aware Of

While Raw Accel is safe, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Software Conflicts

Raw Accel can sometimes conflict with other mouse management software. If you use Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, or Corsair iCUE, you may experience unexpected behavior. It is best to close these programs while using Raw Accel, or at minimum disable their acceleration and smoothing features.

Not Beginner-Friendly

The settings in Raw Accel can be confusing for beginners. Incorrect configuration can make your mouse feel worse, not better. Take time to learn what each setting does before making changes. Our How to Use Raw Accel guide is a good starting point.

Requires Administrator Access

Because Raw Accel installs a driver, it requires administrator privileges. On shared or managed computers, this may not be available. Never install Raw Accel on a computer where you do not have permission to install software.

Safety Checklist Before Installing

Before installing Raw Accel, go through this checklist to ensure a smooth and safe setup:

Confirm your operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit recommended).
Download from the official source: Use the official GitHub repository or our download page.
Disable other mouse software: Close Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, or similar programs before installing.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator.
Test in practice modes first: Do not jump into competitive matches immediately. Test your settings in practice range or casual games.

For a complete installation walkthrough, follow our How to Install Raw Accel guide.

Final Verdict

Yes, Raw Accel is safe when downloaded from the official source. It is open-source, lightweight, transparent, and compatible with major anti-cheat systems including Riot Vanguard.

The vast majority of issues people experience come from three sources:

Downloading from unofficial or outdated sources.
Conflicts with other mouse management software.
Misconfiguration of settings.

If you ever need to remove Raw Accel, the process is straightforward and completely safe. Follow our How to Uninstall Raw Accel guide for step-by-step removal instructions.

Conclusion

Raw Accel has built a strong reputation in the gaming community as a safe, reliable, and effective mouse acceleration tool. It is open-source, lightweight, and fully compatible with anti-cheat systems like Riot Vanguard.

As long as you download from the official source and follow proper installation steps, there is nothing to worry about. Ready to get started? Download Raw Accel and check out our Best Raw Accel Settings for Valorant guide to optimize your gameplay.

Guides

How to Use Raw Accel

A beginner-friendly guide to configuring Raw Accel from opening the app to finding your perfect settings.

How to Install Raw Accel

Step-by-step installation guide for getting Raw Accel set up on your Windows PC.

Best Raw Accel Settings for Valorant

Find the optimal Raw Accel configuration for competitive Valorant play with recommended values.