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

Understanding DHCP

DHCP allows computers to join IP-governed networks without the need for system administrators to set up configuration ...

Discover More

Connecting a Bluetooth Device

If you're the proud owner of a Bluetooth device, you probably want to get right to connecting it to your computer. This ...

Discover More

Updating a Device Driver

If you attach a new device to your computer or need to update a current device's driver, this tip provides the general ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Customizing the SendTo Menu

The SendTo menu can be used to perform some handy tasks with files. By following the steps in this tip you'll be able to ...

Discover More

Removing an Update

Windows installs updates automatically by default. If you want to remove an update, this tip tells you how.

Discover More

Changing Screen Resolution

Screen resolution is a key attribute of your monitor. You usually have choices for resolution, which provides you with a ...

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 seven more than 5?

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


Newest Tips