Controlling the Mouse Pointer Speed

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated December 25, 2017)

The Mouse Pointer Speed is an important parameter contributing to how easily you can navigate through Windows. If you find that you must lift your mouse and take a couple of swipes to move your cursor across the desktop, the speed is probably too slow. On the other hand, if you're having trouble zeroing in on menu items or icons because the mouse moves too quickly, the speed is probably too fast.

To change the mouse pointer speed, 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; you are interested in the Pointer Options tab. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Pointer Options tab of the Mouse Properties window.

Near the top of this window is a slider control in the Motion group box. Click and drag the slider to the left to slow down your pointer speed, or click and drag the slider to the right to speed up your pointer speed. The speed change occurs immediately, so if you slow it down too much you may find yourself lifting your mouse to make multiple swipes just to get to the OK button. Or if you speed it up too much you may find it more difficult to zero in on the OK button.

Once you have the mouse speed set the way you want, click OK to dismiss the dialog box.

 This tip (12090) 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

Minimizing All Open Windows in One Step

There may be times when you need to minimize all of your open windows in one quick step. Windows provides a few methods ...

Discover More

Launchy

Launchy is a small utility that packs a powerful punch. It allows you to instantly find files and launch them without ...

Discover More

Sharing a Windows Theme with a Friend or Coworker

Being able to customize your theme is a great way to personalize your computer, but what if you want to share your theme ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Organizing the All Programs Menu

All of the programs installed on your system are visible when you choose All Programs from the Start menu. If you want to ...

Discover More

Enable or Disable Mouse Hover Window Activation

Windows 10 allows for a window to become active by simply hovering your mouse over it. Discover how to turn this setting ...

Discover More

Turning Off Window Drop-Shadows

Windows adds its own bells and whistles to what you see on your desktop. One of those flourishes is a drop-shadow added ...

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 2 + 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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.