How to Find Mouse Pointer Quickly in Windows and Mac?

Well, this title may looks funny. However, many times you need to search the mouse pointer on your computer screen. In this article, we will explain few quick tips to find mouse pointer in Windows PC and Mac.

Related: 10 tips to use mouse productively.

Why Mouse Pointer Disappears?

Here are few reasons for the disappearing mouse point:

• You have an impaired vision and difficulties in locating the mouse pointer.
• Working long time on a Word or Excel with white background will disturb your focus.
• You are working in multiple monitors that pointer is in different place.
• You have a problematic mouse that does not work properly.

Remember that mouse pointer is different from your cursor. 

How to Find Mouse Pointer Quickly in Windows?

Whatever is the reason, it will be embarrassing to move the mouse up and down to find the pointer. You can use the mouse settings in Windows 10 easily to find the location of the pointer.

• Search “control panel” in the Windows Search box and open Control Panel desktop app.
• Click on the dropdown against “View by” option on the top right corner. Choose “Large icon” option to view the options with better visibility.

• Click on the “Mouse” link to open Mouse Properties dialog.

Mouse Visibility Settings

When you are on the Mouse Properties dialog, go to “Pointer Options” tab. You can see few options for improving the visibility under “Visibility” section.

• Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key – this is an ultimate option helping you to locate the mouse pointer. Enable this option and press control key to see a circled highlight around the mouse pointer.
• Hide pointer when typing – you can disable this checkbox to show the mouse pointer when you type on Word and other documents. Enabling this option will hide the mouse pointer whenever you type. Therefore, the only way to find the pointer is to move the mouse. As mentioned, you may find it difficult when working on the white background in Word and other document apps to find the pointer quickly.
• Display pointer trails – if you have vision problem to see the mouse, enable this option to have a shadow trail on your mouse pointer. Otherwise, you should disable this to avoid distraction and pain to eyes.

Related: How to change mouse pointer size in Windows and Mac?

Use Large Scheme

Navigate to “Pointers” tab in Mouse Properties. By default, your system should use “Windows Default (system scheme)” option. Click on the dropdown and choose one of the large or extra large scheme to enlarge the mouse pointer. If you have vision problem then choose the inverted scheme to show the pointer in dark color when you use light Windows theme.

You will have three large and extra large options – inverted, default and standard. Check and choose the best suitable option for your convenient. You can also choose the magnified scheme if that is convenient for you.

Change Mouse Pointer Icon

Even the extra large icons are not sufficient for your visibility then the best option is to setup custom mouse pointer. You first need to prepare a large and clear pointer icon image or download from the internet.

Double click on the “Normal Select” pointer under any of the schemes and upload the new image. Click on “Apply” button to change the mouse pointer icon. This will change the default mouse pointer that appears as a left pointed arrow. However, you can double click on the other pointers for help, work in background, busy, precision select, text select, etc. and upload custom icons.  

Use Night Dark Mode

You may have difficulties in finding the white mouse pointer on the light theme. In such case, change the Windows theme to dark mode and use standard extra large mouse scheme to locate the mouse pointer easily. In addition, Windows 10 also offers night shift mode for working in better ambience at nighttime.

Check Pointer Button in Mouse  

Finally yet importantly, many mouse devices have a separate button to activate the pointer. Generally, it will go inactive when you are typing or busy with other activities without moving the mouse. Especially, you may need to click the button to activate the pointer when starting your PC or waking from sleep. So check your mouse and if required, replace with a convenient device for easily locating the pointer without any additional buttons.

Quickly Locate Mouse Pointer in Mac

Other than some of the common points mentioned above like changing to dark mode, you have a simple trick in macOS. You can simply shake the mouse back and forth to locate the pointer quickly.

• Go to “Apple Menu > System Preferences…” section.

• Click on “Accessibility” icon and go to “Display” section. After that, click on “Cursor” tab. Here, you can enable the option “Shake mouse pointer to locate”.

Hereafter when you miss the pointer, drag the mouse and shake it up and down or sidewise to show the pointer bigger. You can also swipe back and forth on the touchpad to show the mouse pointer bigger.