How to Enable or Disable Use Pen as Mouse in Windows 11
You enable or disable the “Use pen as mouse” feature in Windows 11 to control how your digital pen interacts with your screen.
This setting lets your stylus act like a traditional mouse, giving you precise cursor control and clicks, not just scrolling and panning.
For example, you might want to turn this on in Windows 11 if you find yourself needing to select small icons or perform detailed drawing actions with your pen.
To use this feature, you first pair your compatible pen via Bluetooth to your Windows 11 device.
You enable or disable “Use pen as mouse” in Windows 11 Settings under Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink. Expand Additional pen settings and check or uncheck the box next to “Let me use my pen as a mouse”.
Option One
Enable or Disable Use Pen as Mouse in Settings
- Open Settings by pressing
Win+Ion your keyboard. - Click on Bluetooth & devices on the left side.
- Click on Pen & Windows Ink on the right side. Open Pen & Windows Ink settings
- Click on Additional pen settings to expand the section.
- Check the box next to Let me use my pen as a mouse when it’s available to turn it on. Or uncheck it to turn it off (this is the default setting).
- You can now close Settings.
You can easily turn your pen into a mouse in Windows 11 using the Settings app. Simply open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and then select Pen & Windows Ink to find the option.
Your pen will now work like a mouse when this setting is turned on.
Option Two
Enable or Disable Use Pen as Mouse Using Registry
If you prefer using the command line, you can change the pen as mouse setting in Windows 11 with the Registry Editor. You’ll need administrator access to open Windows Terminal and run specific commands to turn this feature on or off.
- Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
- Run the command below for what you want to do.
To Turn On Use Pen as Mouse:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Pen" /v PenInteractionModel /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Turn Off Use Pen as Mouse:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Pen" /v PenInteractionModel /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
This is the default setting.
Summary
In summary, you can switch the pen as mouse feature on or off in Windows 11 using either the easy Settings menu or the more advanced Registry Editor. Both methods achieve the same result: making your pen act like a mouse pointer instead of just scrolling.
How to use a pen instead of a mouse?
Your tablet surface aligns with your monitor. So, if you want your cursor in the top left corner of your screen, move your pen’s tip to the top left of your tablet.
Can you use a Surface Pen as a mouse?
Navigate and click using your pen. Your pen can be used throughout Windows, similar to how you would use a mouse or keyboard. Here are some actions you can start with. Tap on an item. Press and hold the side button, then tap on the item.
How do you use the S Pen as a cursor?
Using your S Pen as a cursor in Windows 11 involves a special ‘Warp mode’. You can activate this by holding down the S Pen’s button while keeping the pen still, which then lets you reposition the cursor or navigate apps and webpages.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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