Change the Mouse Sensitivity

Most people think of “mouse sensitivity” as how fast the cursor moves in response to mouse or trackpad movement. However, if you are a gamer with a more advanced (and expensive!) mouse, you likely think of sensitivity as precision defined by the dots-per-inch (DPI) settings. A higher DPI makes the cursor move quickly, while a lower DPI increases precision (useful especially in gaming). Learn how to change the pointer speed for any mouse or trackpad, as well as how to adjust the DPI on a gaming mouse.

Steps

Changing Pointer Speed in Windows

1. Press ⊞ Win+S to launch search, then type mouse. Changing the mouse sensitivity is similar in all versions of Windows. The fastest way to bring up the mouse settings is to use the search feature.
   • If you have a gaming or precision mouse, see .
2. Click “Mouse & Touchpad Settings” in the search results. In earlier versions of Windows, the option may be called “Change Mouse Settings” or “Change the Mouse Pointer Display or Speed.”
3. Click “Additional mouse options”. You may have to scroll down to the bottom of the current window to see this link.
4. Click to the “Pointer Options” tab. This is where you will adjust the pointer speed, which is what most people refer to as “mouse sensitivity.”
5. Move the “Motion” slider to adjust the speed of the pointer/cursor of your mouse. Moving the pointer to the right raises the speed/sensitivity. Moving it to the left slows it down and makes it more precise.
6. Place a checkmark into the box next to “Enhance Pointer Precision”. This option adjusts the DPI (Dots Per Inch) on the fly to match how quickly you are moving the mouse. This option gives you more control over the pointer so it moves at the exact speed as your hand (or finger, if you are using a trackpad).
   • If you are using your mouse for gaming, this setting might interfere with precision in your game. Gamers often opt NOT to use this feature for that reason.
7. Adjust the double-click speed. If you like, you can also change how quickly a double-click registers. Click to the “Buttons” tab and move the speed slider towards “Slow” or “Fast.”
   • Test the setting by double-clicking the yellow test folder to the right of the slider.
   • Click “Apply” when satisfied with the changes.
8. Click “OK” to save your settings. You can return to this screen at any time to update the settings for your mouse.

Changing the Pointer Speed on a Mac

1. Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”. You can change how fast the pointer moves in response to you moving the mouse (or dragging your finger on the trackpad) in System Preferences.
2. Select “Mouse” from the “View” menu at the top of the screen. This is where you will find numerous mouse settings that can be adjusted to meet your needs.
   • If you are using a trackpad on a laptop, choose “Trackpad” from the “View” menu instead of “Mouse.” The rest of the settings will be the same.
3. Navigate to the “Point & Click” tab.
4. Drag the “Tracking Speed” slider to the right or left. Moving the slider to the right increases the pointer speed, making it more sensitive to your touch. Moving it to the left decreases the speed, which enhances precision, but less sensitive to the touch.
5. Move the “Double-click” slider to increase or decrease the double-click speed. This option may not appear on all systems. If you find you need to double-click too fast for your liking, you can move the slider to the left to decrease the double-click speed. If you click quickly and find that your system doesn’t register your clicks, move the slider to the right.
6. Click the red Exit button when you are finished. This will save and apply your settings. You can return to this menu at any time to re-adjust your settings.

Changing the Mouse Sensitivity on Ubuntu

1. Go to the System settings. Hit the Super (Windows) key and type in "Settings".
2. Click on mouse and trackpad.
3. On the bottom, drag the slider to raise and lower the sensitivity.
4. Once you're done, close out of the window.

Adjusting the DPI for a Gaming Mouse

1. Look for a button on the mouse labeled “DPI.” If you see this button, press it to increase (make the pointer faster) or decrease (slow down the pointer to make it more precise) sensitivity. The new DPI (e.g., 800, 1200, etc) will appear either on the monitor or on the LCD screen of your mouse.
   • To decrease the DPI, keep pressing the button until the DPI number cycles back around from the smallest possible number (e.g., 400 DPI).
   • There is no “recommended” DPI, as it is a matter of preference. Start by setting it close to the vertical resolution of your monitor. For example, if your monitor is 1920 x 1080, try setting the DPI as close as you can get it to 1080. If you want it faster or more precise, increase it from there.
2. Install the software that came with your mouse. If you bought a mouse labeled “gaming” or “precision,” it likely came with its own software that provides the option to change the DPI (sensitivity) settings. You will be able to change the DPI in the software.
   • You can download the software for most mice from the mouse manufacturer’s website. Visit the website (e.g., www.logitech.com) and navigate to the product page for your specific model. Follow the download link for your operating system.
   • If there is no software available for your mouse, use or . You won’t be able to change the DPI, but you can increase and decrease the pointer speed.
3. Locate the “Sensitivity” or “Pointer Settings” screen in the mouse software. This varies depending on your model and manufacturer.
4. Choose a DPI setting from the provided options. Depending on your mouse, you may see a dropdown menu containing DPI values (e.g., 800, 1600, etc) or a slider. Increasing the DPI value from the default increases the speed of the pointer, and decreasing enhances precision.
   • There is no “ideal DPI” as it is a matter of preference. Start by setting it close to the vertical resolution of your monitor. If your monitor is 1920 x 1080, for example, try setting the DPI at 1200 (or as close as you can get to 1080).
5. Click “Save” or “OK” to test your settings. Open the game or application you use most and make sure the mouse controls are to your liking. You can return to the mouse software to change your settings at any point.

Tips

• Many computer games allow you to adjust the mouse sensitivity from a control panel within the game. Look for a “Controls” or “Settings” menu in your game.
• If you are still having difficulty with the mouse after adjusting the sensitivity settings, it could be due to dirt buildup on the bottom of the mouse. Clean the bottom of your mouse regularly, including removing and cleaning the mouse ball if there is one.
• Make sure you are using the mouse on a flat surface that is not glass or mirrored.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Shop for Speakers
• Buy a Network Switch
• Paint a Computer Case
• Network a Scanner
• Connect a Computer to a Stereo System
• Use a Computer Keyboard
• Replace Batteries on an Apple Magic Mouse

What links here

• Connect a Wireless Mouse