Swapping Mouse Buttons for Left-Handed Users

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 22, 2021)

Like it or not, we live in a world geared towards right-handed people. This means that the default mouse configuration is for right-handed people. Thus, a "normal" mouse click means clicking the left mouse button with your index finger, and it's explicitly called out if a right-click (typically done using your middle finger) is intended. Fortunately (for left-handed people), this is easy to change so that from your left hand you can perform a "normal" mouse click by using your index finger and when a right-click is called for, you can use your middle finger.

To swap the mouse buttons, start at the Control Panel and click Hardware and Sound. Under the "Devices and Printers" category click the Mouse link. Windows displays the Mouse Properties dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Mouse Properties dialog box.

Select the Switch Primary and Secondary Buttons check box. This immediately swaps the mouse buttons so that now you must right-click OK to dismiss the window. From this point on, your primary mouse button is the right one and the secondary button is the left one.

You can, of course, swap them back just as easily by again going to the Mouse Properties dialog box and right-clicking (since the right button is now your primary button) the Switch Primary and Secondary Buttons check box.

 This tip (12070) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Changing Your Internet Home Page

Regardless of the browser you use, there's a way to change its settings so that you can specify where it goes when you ...

Discover More

Understanding Registry Value Data Types

Every key value in the registry has a data type. This tip explains the available data types supported in the registry.

Discover More

Using Batch Files, Part 4: The CALL Statement

This tip is part of a series that talks about Windows batch files. It introduces a few more commands you can use in your ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Controlling the Taskbar on Multiple Monitors

On Windows computers the Taskbar, by default, runs along the bottom of the screen. Learn how to control how the Taskbar ...

Discover More

Adding a Tile to the Start Screen

The Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you desire. Here's how to add tiles for your ...

Discover More

Limiting Bandwidth for Updates

Use a new advanced feature in Settings to limit upload bandwidth usage. By setting the absolute bandwidth an update can ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 8 - 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.