On Windows 10, the mouse is an essential component that allows you to navigate and complete actions on the desktop and applications quickly and more efficiently.
However, a mouse can only be efficient if you configure its settings to meet your requirements. Since it's a peripheral that receives analog inputs, and the preferences will always vary per individual. For example, some people may prefer to move the cursor fast (especially in a multi-monitor setup), and others prefer a slower speed to make it easier to execute actions and keep track of the pointer on the screen more easily.
Whatever your preference might be, Windows 10 includes at least two easy ways to adjust the mouse speed sensitivity using the Settings app and Control Panel to help use the device more accurately.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to adjust the mouse speed on your computer.
- How to change mouse speed using Settings
- How to change mouse speed using Control Panel
- How to change mouse speed using Registry
How to change mouse speed using Settings
To adjust the mouse speed on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on Mouse.
- Use the Cursor speed slider and change the setting to the desired speed (slow or fast).
Once you complete the steps, the mouse speed will change to the level you specified.
If you're in the market for a new mouse, we recommend the Logitech MX Master 2S, since it's a wireless mouse that you can use on virtually any computer running Windows 10. It has exceptional battery life, great features to make it easier to navigate the desktop, and it's affordable.
The best wireless mouse for Windows 10
The Logitech MX Master 2S has a new sensor and vastly improved battery life over the previous version. It also has other useful features that make pointing anywhere on a screen a breeze. If you should need a mouse that isn't bolted down to a device, the MX Master 2S is for you.
How to change mouse speed using Control Panel
To change the mouse speed with Control Panel, use these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Click on Devices and Printers.
- Click the Mouse option.
- Click the Pointer Options tab.
- Under the "Motion" section, use the slider to adjust the speed sensitivity.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, you can start using the mouse pointer with the speed you specified.
How to change mouse speed using Registry
Alternatively, you can also adjust the sensitivity of the mouse by modifying the registry.
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
To change the mouse speed modifying the Registry, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
- Browse the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse
Quick tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
- Double-click the MouseSensitivity key and set the value to any number from 1 to 20 to set the desire speed.Quick tip: Usually, the default value is 10. Anything below this number will make the mouse pointer slower, and anything higher will make it faster.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, the speed of the mouse should be reflected after restarting the device.
You can always revert the changes by using the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to set the value to 10 or the previously configured value.
