How to change the mouse pointer size, color, and thickness

Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have some exciting new options that allow you to change the mouse pointer size and color. Have you grown tired of the dull white or black mouse pointer? Are you having trouble seeing the standard size mouse cursor on your screen? Would you prefer one in a lively color, maybe one that matches your wallpaper? How about making it up to three times bigger or making it thicker when typing? Here is how to get to the mouse size settings and how to change your pointer’s size and color in Windows: NOTE: We wrote this tutorial using the initial release of Windows 11 (version 21H2 build 22000), as well as Windows 10 (version 21H2 build 19044). If you’re using an older version of Windows 10, you might have to install the latest updates to get access to all the features presented.

How to access the mouse size settings in Windows

First, we’ll show how this is done in Windows 11 and then in Windows 10. Scroll to the section that fits your version of Windows.

1. Go to the “Mouse pointer and touch” settings in Windows 11

In Windows 11, in order to change the mouse pointer size, color, or thickness, you’ll need to first get to the appropriate page from the Settings app. Fortunately, that’s easy to do: open Settings (press Windows + I on your keyboard), select Accessibility on the left sidebar, and click or tap on “Mouse pointer and touch” on the right side of the window. Mouse pointer and touch in the Settings app

2. Go to the “Mouse pointer” in Windows 10

If you’re using Windows 10, open the Settings app on your Windows 10 PC or device. A quick way to do that is to press Windows + I on your keyboard. In Windows Settings, click or tap Ease of Access. The Ease of Access section of the Settings app Select Mouse pointer in the list of options on the left. Windows 10’s Mouse pointer settings NOTE: From here on, the steps to change the pointer size, color, and thickness are similar (almost identical) in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How to change the size of the mouse pointer

If you’re on Windows 11, look at the Mouse pointer area from the Mouse pointer and touch settings page. There, you’ll find a slider called simply Size. In Windows 10, the slider is called “Change pointer size” and is found in the “Change pointer size and color” section from the Mouse pointer page. By default, both Windows 11 and Windows 10 use the smallest pointer size available, but you can use the aforementioned slider to choose any dimension from 1 to 15, which can make your pointer up to three times bigger than the standard size. Use the slider to change the pointer's size As indicated by the graphics, moving the slider to the right makes the pointer bigger, while dragging it to the left turns it into a smaller one.

How to change the mouse pointer color

Don’t close the Settings app yet: on the same page, you’ll also find the color options for your mouse pointer. In Windows 11, it’s called “Mouse pointer style,” while in Windows 10, it’s called “Change pointer color.” It’s the same thing, even if the naming is slightly different. All you have to do to change your mouse cursor color is to choose one of the four available options. Change the pointer color in Windows As indicated by the graphics used, the first two options are white with a black border (which is the default) and black with a white border. The third, illustrated as black on a white background and white on a black background, has an inversion effect, ensuring your mouse pointer is always visible, by changing it to a color complementary to the color you’re hovering over. This does not just happen for black and white: hovering with your pointer on a blue background makes it turn orange, a red background turns it cyan, and so on. The first three mouse pointer styles are predefined The fourth and last mouse pointer style adds a black border to the color of your choice. Clicking or tapping on it reveals a rainbow of recommended pointer colors you can choose from. If you like a color from the list, click or tap on it. Choose one of the recommended pointer colors for a fun cursor If you have a different color in mind, click or tap the plus button under the recommended colors. In Windows 11, it’s called “Choose another color,” while in Windows 10 it’s named “Pick a custom pointer color.” Choose another color for the mouse pointer In the new color selection window that pops up, choose any color you like from the whole RGB spectrum. You have absolute freedom in your choice, and a slider at the bottom helps you fine-tune the color you choose. Click or tap anywhere to select a color and see its name If you need to be accurate, and you already know the RGB code of the color that you want to use, click or tap More. Pick a custom mouse pointer color Additional options are shown, where you can enter the code of the color that you want to use. Your changes are displayed in real-time, so, when you are satisfied, press Done and enjoy your new pointer. Enter the code for a custom mouse pointer color NOTE: If you are not satisfied with your pointer’s appearance, see how to use custom mouse cursors and pointers in Windows. And, if you want to learn more about personalizing your mouse, read: How to configure the mouse in Windows.

How to change the text cursor thickness when typing

There is one other pointer setting that you might want to customize, and it’s important, especially if you spend time writing on your Windows computer or device: the blinking cursor used when typing text. If you spend a substantial amount of time in the company of letters or numbers, as we do, you might appreciate the option to make this cursor more visible, by adjusting its thickness. In the Settings app, go back to the Accessibility section in Windows 11, or Ease of Access in Windows 10. Then, click or tap on Text cursor. Open the Text cursor settings In either operating system, scroll on the right side of the Settings window until you find the slider called “Text cursor thickness.” Move the slider and watch the preview box to make your decision. Move the slider to adjust the cursor’s thickness From now on, the mouse cursor while typing will be as thick or thin as you’ve decided, hopefully making it easier for you to write on your computer.

Bonus for old-school users: How to change the mouse pointer size and color from the Control Panel

You can also customize your pointer from the more limiting options available from the Control Panel, although these are less useful than those from the Settings app. To customize the mouse cursor’s size and color, open the Control Panel and go to the “Ease of Access” section. The Windows 11 Control Panel In the section called “Ease of Access Center,” click or tap on the “Change how your mouse works” link. Ease of Access settings A window named “Make the mouse easier to use” opens. Here you can find a series of mouse-related settings, starting with the size and color of your mouse pointer. In the Mouse pointers section, you can choose from three different mouse cursor colors and from three different sizes for each color. The third one has an inversion effect, which changes your mouse color for maximum visibility, depending on what color you are hovering over. Choose the size and the color that you want to use. Make the mouse easier to use in Windows Do not forget to press OK or Apply for your changes to take effect. You can now close the Control Panel and enjoy using your new mouse pointer.

What mouse pointer size and color do you use?

While writing this tutorial, I was pleasantly surprised by Windows’ option to turn the cursor the opposite color of the background, thus ensuring maximum visibility at all times. I decided to stick with it for now. What about you? How did you customize your mouse pointer? Did you choose a cheerful color or a larger pointer size? Let me know in a comment below.