Buzz
This article will guide you through the process of changing mouse sensitivity on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook computers. This setting is easily adjustable across all three operating systems, enabling you to tailor the cursor's responsiveness to your movements.
Steps
On Windows
Click on Devices. This option is located at the top of the menu, next to the speaker and keyboard icons.
Click on Mouse. This option appears as the third item from the top in the left column, directly below the "Devices" heading. You'll see the mouse settings displayed on the right side of the window.
Click on Additional mouse options. This option is located under the "Related Settings" section within the mouse settings. The Mouse Properties window will appear on your screen.
Click on Pointer Options. This tab is located at the top of the Mouse window.
Adjust the pointer speed. In the "Motion" section near the top of the window, click and drag the slider to the left to decrease the mouse speed or to the right to increase it.
Disable pointer precision to reduce mouse speed. If the mouse feels too fast, uncheck the "Enhance pointer precision" box below the "Motion" slider. This setting causes the pointer to move varying distances depending on how quickly you move the mouse or interact with the touchpad; disabling it prevents the pointer from moving too fast even if you make sudden movements.
Test the pointer's movement speed. Move the mouse and observe the pointer's speed. If the pointer moves too quickly, reduce the speed using the "Motion" slider. Conversely, increase the speed on the "Motion" slider if the pointer moves too slowly.
- It may take a few minutes to find the ideal speed for your computer mouse.
Click on Apply, then select OK. Both options are located at the bottom of the window. This action saves your settings and closes the Mouse window. Your pointer will now move at the selected speed.
On Mac
Click on System Preferences…. This option is located near the top of the displayed menu.
Click on Trackpad or Mouse. If you're using a MacBook, click Trackpad; for iMac users, select Mouse.
Click on the Point & Click tab. This tab is located at the top of the window.
- Skip this step if you've already clicked on Mouse.
Adjust the "Tracking speed" slider. Click and drag the slider to the left to decrease the pointer speed, or drag it to the right to increase the pointer speed.
Test the mouse's responsiveness. Move the mouse around the screen. If the pointer moves too quickly, drag the "Tracking speed" slider to the left; if it's too slow, drag it to the right.
- It may take a few minutes of adjusting to find the perfect speed for your needs.
Close the System Preferences window. Click the red "Exit" circle at the top-left corner of the window. This action will save your changes.
On Chromebook
Open the menu. Click the button located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Locate Settings. Type "Settings" into the displayed menu and click on the first option that appears.
Find the Mouse and Touchpad settings. Scroll down until you see the Devices section and select Mouse and Touchpad.
Adjust the mouse sensitivity. Move the slider for Mouse or Touchpad to your preferred setting.
Close the settings window. This action will automatically save your changes.
Tips
- To adjust the DPI (dots per inch) settings for gaming mice, you typically need to do this within the mouse's technical settings. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions. Some gaming mice also feature physical buttons that allow you to increase or decrease DPI directly.
- If you're still experiencing issues with your mouse after adjusting sensitivity, the problem might be due to dirt on the bottom of the mouse. Cleaning the mouse can often resolve this issue.
Warnings
- Using a mouse on glass, mirrors, or uneven surfaces can cause issues with mouse movement.
