How to Control Your Cursor Pointer Without a Mouse?

The mouse is almost an extension of our limbs now. But what skills can you fall back on when your mouse dies? A simple keyboard can be your saviour.

That’s why learning all the keyboard shortcuts is essential because you don’t know when you will need them. A mouse is definitely not the only way to control a cursor pointer.

You can control your cursor pointer using many other methods as well, even without a mouse. Read on to learn all the ways to control your cursor pointer.

Also, learn to use the accessibility feature called Mouse Keys that’s available on Windows. Mouse Keys is designed for people who have difficulty using a mouse. The function is standard for both operating systems and lets you control the mouse pointer with the keyboard.

How to Control Your Cursor Pointer Without a Mouse

On Windows, the numeric keypad on your keyboard helps move the pointer across the screen. Here’s how you can turn it on.

1. Click the Start button  > Control Panel > Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center.
2. Click Make the mouse more comfortable to use.
3. Under Control the mouse with the keyboard, select the Turn on Mouse Keys checkbox.

You can also configure Mouse Keys further by going to Set up Mouse Keys. For instance, the Pointer speed and acceleration.

The position of the keys aligns with the direction the cursor will move across the screen. Here’s the screenshot from Microsoft Support which shows you the keys to press:

Also, you have to select the key which will act as the replacement for the active button in your mouse.

• Select the left mouse button: The forward-slash (/)
• Select both buttons: The asterisk (*)
• Select the right mouse button: The minus sign (-)

You can set only one button as the active button at a time. In the above list, the number 5 key is missing.

Single-click on any item on your screen by pressing 5 after you have selected an active button. For example, to click an item, set an active button, point to the item and then press 5.

Double-click on any item on your screen by pressing + after you have selected the active button.

Remember to configure the Mouse Keys before your mouse malfunctions. If you use a wireless mouse, then it is a good idea to keep this accessibility setting switched on.

Conclusion

For those days when you want to navigate through the internet without using a mouse, or for those times when you just want to control your cursor pointer but don’t have a mouse on hand, there are still ways to do it. You just need to have the right know-how.