How to Change Mouse Pointer Image in Windows 11
Changing the mouse pointer image in Windows 11 replaces the standard white arrow with a custom graphic, a larger size, or a different color scheme. Windows 11 includes 8 built-in pointer color schemes and pointer sizes from 1 to 15. You can also load your own pointer files. The steps are the same on Home and Pro editions of a currently supported Windows 11 version (25H2 or 26H2).
A larger or brighter pointer is easier to find on screen. This helps on high-resolution displays, where the default arrow can look small, and on busy backgrounds where a white arrow disappears. A custom pointer also makes your PC feel more personal.
Open Settings, go to Accessibility Mouse pointer and touch, then click Customize pointer image. Pick one of the built-in pointer images or click Browse to load your own.ani.cur file. The new pointer applies immediately, with no restart needed.
What File Types Do Mouse Pointers Use?
Windows uses two pointer file types:
- .anianimated pointers that move or blink
- .curstill pointer images that don’t move
C:\Windows\Cursors. You can use pointer files from any folder on your computer. Windows reads the file from the location you pick, so if you move or delete it, the pointer can revert to a default. Save downloaded pointer packs in a folder you will keep.How to Change Your Mouse Pointer Image
The pointer settings are under Accessibility in Settings. Follow these steps to pick a built-in image or load your own.
- Open Settings. Click the Start menu, then click Settings. You can also press the Win+I. A list of categories appears on the left.
Windows 11 Start menu search panel for opening OpenSSH Client settings - Go to Accessibility. Click Accessibility in the left pane. The accessibility options appear on the right.
Settings › Accessibility - Open the pointer settings. Click Mouse pointer and touch. This page has the pointer style choices and a size slider (1 to 15). If you only want a bigger pointer or a different color, change them here and stop.
Settings › Accessibility › Mouse pointer and touch - Expand Customize pointer image. Scroll down and click Customize pointer image. The section lists every pointer image you can change. If you don’t see this section, your build of Windows 11 may be out of date. Run Windows Update and check again.
On the Mouse pointer and touch settings pane, expand customize pointer image tile - Pick a pointer image. Move your mouse over each image to see what it looks like and what it is used for. Click the one you want to change, and Windows applies the new image.
- Use your own pointer image (optional). Click the Browse button, select a .ani or .cur file on your computer, and confirm your choice. If the file won’t load, check its extension. Ordinary image files such as .png or .jpg don’t work as pointers. Convert them to .cur first.
Browse for custom mouse pointer image
The new pointer takes effect right away. You don’t need to restart Windows.
To undo the change, return to Mouse pointer and touch and choose the default white pointer style. If you swapped in a custom file, you can also pick the original image from the list.
Summary
- Windows 11 has built-in pointers, and you can add your own.
- Animated pointers use .ani files. Still pointers use .cur files.
- The settings are in Settings Accessibility Mouse pointer and touch.
- Moving your mouse over a pointer previews it.
- Changes apply immediately, with no restart.
What to do next
If a custom pointer goes back to a default one later, the file was probably moved or deleted. Restore it to the folder you chose, or browse to it again. Other Windows 11 tips are available in a separate guide.
Frequently asked questions
How to change cursor image?
To change the cursor image, open Settings and go to Accessibility, then Mouse pointer and touch. Pick a pointer style, size, or color there. To use your own image, select Additional mouse settings, open the Pointers tab, and choose Browse to load a .cur or .ani file. Keep that file in a folder you will not move.
How to customize pointer image?
To customize the pointer image, open Settings and select Accessibility, then Mouse pointer and touch. Choose a style, size, or color scheme from the options shown. For your own image, open Additional mouse settings, go to the Pointers tab, and click Browse to pick a .cur or .ani file. Click Apply, then OK to save.
How to change pointer image?
To change the pointer image, open Settings, go to Accessibility, and select Mouse pointer and touch. Choose a built-in style, size, or color there, and changes apply right away. For a custom file, open Additional mouse settings from the Mouse page, then use Browse on the Pointers tab to load a .cur or .ani file.
How to change mouse cursor image?
To change the mouse cursor image, open Settings and go to Accessibility, then Mouse pointer and touch. Select a pointer style, size, or color scheme. To use your own image, open Additional mouse settings, select the Pointers tab, and click Browse to choose a .cur or .ani file, then click OK.
How to change mouse cursor to custom image?
To change the mouse cursor to a custom image, download a .cur or .ani file and save it in a folder you will keep. Then open Additional mouse settings, select the Pointers tab, choose the pointer you want to replace, click Browse, and pick your file. Click Apply, then OK.
How do I change my mouse to a custom image?
To change your mouse to a custom image, open Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and select Mouse. Choose Additional mouse settings, open the Pointers tab, and click Browse. Pick a .cur or .ani file from your computer, then click Apply and OK. If the pointer reverts later, the file was moved or deleted.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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