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.

  2. 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.)
  3. 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. ...

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