On Windows 10, when connecting a mouse to your computer, the system will usually set the left button as the primary key, as it's the default setting for any right-handed person.
However, if you're a left-handed person, or you want to switch hands after an extended period, you can use the Settings app and Control Panel to quickly change the mouse settings to reassign the left and right buttons to click, select, drag, and perform other actions using your left hand on Windows 10.
In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the easy steps to change the primary and secondary button actions of your mouse.
- How to change mouse primary button using Settings
- How to change mouse primary button using Control Panel
How to change your mouse's primary button using Settings
To switch the primary and secondary buttons on your mouse, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on Mouse.
- Use the "Select your primary button" drop-down menu and select the Right option if you're left-handed (or the Left option if you're right-handed).
Once you complete these steps, you can start using the mouse with your left hand.
If you're looking for the "right" left-handed mouse (no pun intended) for Windows 10, we recommend the Razer Deathadder Essential because it offers accurate sensor and great ergonomic design perfect for gamers as well as for daily use.
The Razer's Deathadder Essential has been designed for gaming, but it's also perfect for daily use. It features an accurate sensor, ergonomic design, and it's affordable. It's one amazing mouse, whichever hand you want to use it in.
How to change mouse primary button using Control Panel
To change the primary button of a mouse from left to right using Control Panel, use these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Under the "Devices and Printers" section, click the Mouse option.
- Click the Buttons tab.
- Check the Switch primary and secondary buttons option.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, the primary and secondary buttons will swap actions depending on your selection.
Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories
Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.
Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)
I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.
Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)
If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.
Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)
You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.
