How to change your mouse pointer and cursor in Windows 11 or 10

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The Windows mouse pointer/cursor is something you look at and rely on all day long, but it's also easily taken for granted. For most users, it's just the default white arrow at a small size. However, if your eyesight isn't great or you have multiple monitors like I do, it can sometimes be difficult to see your mouse pointer.

Fortunately, it's easy to change the size and color of your mouse pointer in Windows 11 or 10. And, if you want to go further, you can even install custom mouse pointers that look different. Below, we'll look at a couple of different ways to customize the cursor, starting with the easiest. We took screenshots in Windows 11, but the steps are the same in Windows 10.

How to Change Your Mouse Pointer using Accessibility Settings

If you just want to change the size and color of your pointer -- the best idea for improving visibility -- you should use the Windows Settings Accessibility menu. Here's how.

1. Search for "change pointer" in the Windows search menu and click the top result.

2. Select a mouse pointer style. I recommend picking the colorful pointer option so it will stand out.

select pointer style — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

3. Choose a color if you selected the colorful pointer option.

4. Change the size if you want a larger pointer by moving the Size slider to the right. I like size 3 or 4.

change the size of the pointer — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

How to Change Your Text Cursor

In the same accessibility menu (see above), you can change the text cursor thickness and / or add a cursor indicator that makes it easier to spot.

1. Navigate to the Text Cursor Settings menu. You can get there by clicking Text cursor from the Mouse accessibility menu or by searching for "Text cursor."

navigate to text cursor — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

2. Enable the text cursor indicator and set its color and size, if you want an indicator. This is off by default and not needed, unless you want a colorful visual cue to help you locate the cursor.

enable text cursor indicator if you want it — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

3. Slide the Text cursor thickness slider to the right if you want a thicker cursor.

select text cursor thickness — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Use Custom Mouse Pointers and Cursors

If you want a completely different look for your pointer, perhaps a clear arrow or a theme that looks like anime characters, you can download a completely new image or set of images. In addition to the main arrow that you use to click on things, there's icons that appear when something is loading or when you're resizing a window.

1. Download custom cursor files. There's a nice collection of free cursors at Pling.

2. Unzip the downloaded set of cursors.

3. Run Install.inf if there's such a file in the unzipped cursor folder by right clicking on it and selecting install. It will install the entire cursor / pointer scheme, complete with the pointers that show up for busy, link select (the finger), resize, etc.

4. Launch the Mouse Properties Control panel app by searching for "mouse pointer display." and clicking the top result.

search for mouse pointer display — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

5. Select the Scheme you installed from the Scheme menu on the Pointers tab and click Ok.

select pointer scheme — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

If you don't have a Scheme installed, you can individually select each pointer type and choose a file for it using the Browse button.

individually select pointer files — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

If you get bored of the custom pointers, you can change the scheme back to "(None)."

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