How to Install Cursors

Sometimes you just want to change the pointy cursor you have to something a bit more exciting. XP has two main views or themes, so the Windows XP and Windows Classic themes are both used here. Your setup may differ slightly. Cursors may be downloaded online and many already exist on the hard drive. Some cursors are part of a package with a self-installing file, in which case this guide is unnecessary.

Instructions

Windows XP Theme with Category View in Control Panel

1. Click the "Start" button in the task bar. Click on "Control Panel" on the "Start" menu.

2. Click on the category "Appearance and Themes" under the "Pick a category" header. Click "Mouse Pointer" under the "See Also" header on the left hand side of the window and the "Mouse Properties" box will pop up.

3. Go to the "Pointers" tab. Scroll down in the "Customize" section and highlight the cursor you wish to change. Click the "Browse" button near the bottom of the "Mouse Properties" box.

4. Find the cursor you want to install in the browser window and click "Open." Click "Apply" at the bottom of the "Mouse Properties" box once the desired cursor is shown under the "Customize" section.

Windows Classic Theme with Classic View in Control Panel

1. Click the "Start" button in the task bar. Scroll up to "Settings" and click "Control Panel" in the menu that pops open.

2. Click "Mouse" on the the "Control Panel" and the "Mouse Properties" box will pop up. Go to the "Pointers" tab. Scroll down in the "Customize" section and highlight the cursor you wish to change.

3. Click the "Browse" button near the bottom of the "Mouse Properties" box. Find the cursor you want to install in the browser window and click "Open."

4. Click "Apply" at the bottom of the "Mouse Properties" box once the desired cursor is shown under the "Customize" section.