How to Change Mouse Sensitivity in Windows 10

To change mouse sensitivity in Windows 10, select Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse, then drag the Cursor speed slider. Move it right to make the pointer faster, or left to make it slower. The change works right away.

For finer control, open Additional mouse options and use the Pointer Options tab.

Applies to: Windows 10 with any mouse or touchpad. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Change the cursor speed in Settings

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse.
2. Drag the Cursor speed slider left or right.
3. Move the mouse to test it.

Change pointer speed in Mouse Properties

1. In Mouse settings, select Additional mouse options under Related settings.
2. Open the Pointer Options tab.
3. Drag the Select a pointer speed slider.
4. Select OK.

This is the same setting as Cursor speed, with the slider in a different place.

Turn mouse acceleration on or off

Windows calls mouse acceleration Enhance pointer precision. With it on, the pointer moves farther when you move the mouse quickly.

• To turn it off, clear Enhance pointer precision on the Pointer Options tab and select OK. Many gamers prefer it off because the same hand movement always moves the pointer the same distance.
• To turn it on, check the box. It helps if the pointer feels slow on a large screen.

Change scroll speed

In Settings > Devices > Mouse, set Roll the mouse wheel to scroll and Choose how many lines to scroll each time.

Change the mouse DPI

DPI is set by the mouse, not by Windows. Use the DPI button on the mouse if it has one, or the mouse maker’s app. After changing DPI, adjust Cursor speed in Windows to fine-tune.

Other mouse settings worth checking

• Double-click speed: in Mouse Properties, open the Buttons tab and drag the Speed slider. Test it on the folder icon.
• Left-handed use: in Settings > Devices > Mouse, set Select your primary button to Right.
• Scroll inactive windows: on the same page, turn this on to scroll a window just by pointing at it.
• Snap To: on the Pointer Options tab, check Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialog box to jump the pointer to OK or Yes.

Touchpad sensitivity

On a laptop, select Settings > Devices > Touchpad and change Touchpad sensitivity and cursor speed there.

If the mouse still doesn’t feel right

• The pointer jumps or drifts: clean the sensor, use a mouse pad on glass or shiny desks, and replace weak batteries in a wireless mouse.
• Your settings change back: mouse software from the maker, such as a gaming app, can override Windows. Change the speed there or close the app.
• A wireless mouse lags: plug the receiver into a USB port closer to the mouse, or use a USB extension cable, away from USB 3 devices and Wi-Fi routers.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the default mouse speed in Windows 10?

The middle of the slider, which is 10 on a scale of 1 to 20.

Why does my mouse feel different in games?

Many games use their own sensitivity setting. Change it in the game’s settings, and consider turning off Enhance pointer precision.

Why is my mouse slow or jumpy?

Check the batteries or connection, clean the sensor, and try a mouse pad. See how to update all drivers on Windows 10.

Do these settings work on Windows 11?

Mostly, yes. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. Mouse Properties and its tabs are the same.

To change which way the page moves, see how to reverse scroll direction in Windows 10.

To change how the pointer looks, see how to change your cursor in Windows 10. Microsoft’s guide is Change mouse settings. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

On Windows 11, you can also swap the left and right buttons or turn on ClickLock. See how to program mouse buttons in Windows 11.

Related: How to change mouse DPI in Windows 11.

Related: how to check mouse DPI in Windows 11.

Related: how to enable two-finger scrolling in Windows 10.