Left-Handed Mouse

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated July 29, 2019)

Computers, most often by default, are designed so that when you plug in or pair a new mouse it will be set up for right-handed users. If you are left-handed (like 10% of the world's population) this default setting means that your primary mouse button would be in a "backwards" location that might be uncomfortable. For right-handed users, the primary button is the left button on their mouse; this position works well as it typically sits under the right index finger. If you simply move the mouse to the left side of the keyboard, as a left-handed user this would place the primary button under your middle finger or cause your index finger discomfort as you try to click.

Switching things up and configuring your mouse for left-handed use is simple and easily done by following these quick steps:

  1. Press the Windows button and type (without quotes) "Mouse Settings," then press Enter. Windows displays the Mouse settings of the Devices section of the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 1.)
  2. Figure 1. The Mouse Settings section of the Settings dialog box.

  3. Click on the drop-down menu under "Select Your Primary Button" and choose Right. (It sounds odd to choose "Right" for left-handers, but that is what you need to do.)
  4. Close the Settings window; your choice is applied immediately.

Now you can use your mouse in a way that may be more comfortable for you. If you ever need to change your mouse settings back, just follow the steps above and switch the setting from "Right" back to "Left" in step 2.

 This tip (13655) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Search a Website Using the Run Dialog Box

The Run dialog box allows you to quickly run a search on a website that offers a search function. Performing web searches ...

Discover More

Quickly Hiding Desktop Icons

Your Windows desktop can become crowded and messy. When you need to show your desktop to other people, Windows 10 allows ...

Discover More

Clean Boot Windows 10

When your computer is not running the way it should, you can try a clean boot. A clean boot in Windows 10 provides more ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Change Your Pointer

Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and ...

Discover More

Disabling Automatic Reboot after a Windows Update

It may not always be a good thing to have Windows automatically restart your computer after an update. This tip tells you ...

Discover More

Quickly Deactivate Apps that Impact Startup

Windows will load apps at startup, which can impact performance. Quickly deactivate startup items that can affect the ...

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 6?

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


Newest Tips