How to Change a Computer Cursor

Customize your desktop by changing the cursor.

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is Windows lets you run programs and manage files by controlling pictures and menus. You use the mouse to move a cursor that can activate icons or drag them to a new location. By default, this cursor appears as a white arrow, though you can easily change it to something more useful or interesting. Note that these procedures specifically apply to Windows XP, but in general, they work for all versions of the operating system.

Instructions

Changing a Cursor

1. Click on the "Start" button and select "Control Panel" to display the Control Panel window. Then, double-click the Mouse icon to display the "Mouse Properties" dialogue. If the Mouse icon isn't visible on the main level of the Control Panel window, try looking under "Printers and Other Hardware" or something similar.

2. Choose the "Pointers" tab. The "Customize" box lists the cursors currently being used including the "Normal Select," which is the default white arrow; "Busy," which is the hourglass that appears when the system is processing; and "Text Select," which shows that text can be entered. Click to highlight the cursor that you want to change.

3. Click the "Browse" button to display the "Browse" dialogue. A list of possible cursor replacements and their pictures appears. You may need to scroll the selections horizontally to find the one you want.

4. Double-click the cursor you want. The dialogue closes and the cursor image appears in the selection under "Customize" of the "Mouse Properties" dialogue.

5. Click the "OK" button to change the cursor to your selection and to close the dialogue.

Adding New Cursors

1. Find a new cursor if the ones included with your system are not sufficient. Browse a website such as CursorMania.com or TotallyFreeCursors.com, which these procedures will use as an example. If you don't find what you need, use your favorite search engine to look for more possibilities.

2. Click on a cursor category to display a list of possibilities. When you find one you want, click on it. Your cursor assumes the selection as a preview while a page appears for your choice.

3. Click the download link and save the file in your cursors directory, which by default is C:\\WINDOWS\\CURSORS.

4. Change the cursor as described under "Changing." Browse to the file you just downloaded and choose it as your replacement.

References

• Microsoft: Changing Your Cursor

Resources

• Totally Free Cursors