To change the mouse pointer in Windows 10, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Mouse pointer. Drag the Change pointer size slider to make it bigger, and pick a pointer color: white, black, inverted, or a custom color. To choose a different pointer style or scheme, open Control Panel > Mouse > Pointers tab, pick a Scheme, and click OK.
Here’s how to change the size, color, and style of your pointer, add pointer trails, and restore the default.
How to change pointer size and color
- Press Windows key + I and click Ease of Access.
- Click Mouse pointer in the left menu.
- Drag the Change pointer size slider.
- Under Change pointer color, choose white, black, inverted, or the custom color option, then pick a color.
How to change the pointer style (scheme)
- Press Windows key + R, type main.cpl, and press Enter to open Mouse Properties.
- Click the Pointers tab.
- Choose a Scheme, like Windows Black (system scheme) or Windows Standard (large).
- To change one pointer, select it in the list, click Browse, and pick a .cur or .ani file.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Only download custom cursor packs from trusted sites.
Make the pointer easier to find
- Show location with Ctrl: In Mouse Properties > Pointer Options, check Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key.
- Pointer trails: On the same tab, check Display pointer trails.
- Pointer speed: Adjust Select a pointer speed under Motion.
- Text cursor: In Ease of Access > Text cursor, make the typing cursor thicker or add a colored indicator.
How to restore the default pointer
In Ease of Access > Mouse pointer, set the size slider to 1 and choose the white pointer. In Mouse Properties > Pointers, choose Windows Default (system scheme) and click Use Default.
To change its colour, see changing the mouse pointer colour.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my mouse pointer change on its own?
An app, theme, or accessibility setting may have changed it. Reset it with the steps above.
Can I make the pointer change color based on the background?
Yes. Choose the inverted option, which flips the pointer color against light and dark backgrounds.
Does changing the pointer affect performance?
No. Pointer size and color don’t affect performance.
How do I change the pointer in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.