How to Highlight Mouse Pointer Location in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to show the mouse pointer location using the CTRL key. You may want to try this trick if you’re having difficulty finding the mouse pointer on your screen.

Windows 11 has a standard mouse pointer size and color, which is small and white. The default small size usually isn’t helpful, especially for people with poor vision. With wide screens and higher resolutions, spotting the mouse pointer across bigger areas of the screen or even double screens can be difficult.

We’ve written helpful posts that show users how to increase the mouse pointer’s size and change the color to help people with poor vision. You can read these posts here and here.

Showing the pointer location on the screen may also be helpful, and the steps below show you how to do that.

To locate your mouse pointer on Windows 11, follow the steps below.

How to find your mouse pointer fast on Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you quickly find your mouse pointer by circling it when you hit the CTRL key. Here’s how to set it up.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings app. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from the System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and select Mouse on the right pane of your screen, shown in the image below.

On the Mouse settings pane, under Related settings, click on Additional mouse settings as highlighted below.

On the Mouse Properties screen, select Pointer Options, and check the box for “Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key” to enable this feature.

Click OK to save your changes and exit. The next time you want to locate the mouse pointer on your screen quickly, simply press the CTRL key on your keyboard.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Locating the mouse pointer can be challenging, especially on high-resolution screens or for individuals with visual impairments.
• Windows 11 provides a simple solution to this issue by allowing users to highlight the mouse pointer’s location with the CTRL key.
• Following the steps outlined above enables this feature, making it easier to find the pointer when needed.
• For further assistance, consider adjusting the size and color of the mouse pointer for improved visibility.
• Stay informed with helpful guides and tweaks to enhance your Windows experience.