Where to find cursor settings on your computer

Your mouse cursor (the arrow or pointer on your screen) can be changed through your computer's settings. On Windows, this lives in the Mouse settings panel. On Mac, it's in System Settings under Accessibility. Both operating systems let you pick from built-in cursor styles, and both let you upload your own image files if you want something custom.

The steps differ between Windows and Mac because they store cursor files in different places and use different naming systems. Windows looks for cursor files with a .cur or .ani extension. Mac uses .tiff or .png files. If you download a cursor from the internet, check which operating system it's made for before you try to install it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Devices > Mouse, and select from the Cursor Style menu or upload a custom cursor file.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Accessibility > Display and choose Pointer Style, or upload a custom cursor in the same menu.
  • Custom cursors must be in the correct file format for your operating system (.cur or .ani for Windows, .tiff or .png for Mac).
  • You can change the cursor size and color on both systems to make it easier to see on your screen.
  • If a custom cursor doesn't work, move the file to your system's cursor folder so your operating system can find it.

Changing your cursor on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to Devices on the left side, then click Mouse. Scroll down to find Cursor Style. Windows shows you several built-in cursor designs — click any one to preview it, and your cursor will change immediately when you select it.

To use a custom cursor you've downloaded or created, stay in the Mouse settings and look for an option to browse for a custom cursor file. Click that button, navigate to where you saved your cursor file, and select it. The file must be in .cur or .ani format. If Windows doesn't recognize the file, the file format may be wrong, or the file may be corrupted.

You can also adjust cursor size and color in the same Mouse settings panel. Look for Cursor Size (usually a slider from small to large) and Cursor Color (usually a choice between white, black, or inverted). These changes take effect immediately and work with both built-in and custom cursors.

Changing your cursor on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click Accessibility on the left sidebar. Under the Display section, click Pointer Style. Mac shows you several built-in cursor options — click any one to see a preview, and it becomes active right away.

To use a custom cursor, look for an option to add a custom pointer in the same Pointer Style menu. Click the button to browse your computer, then select your cursor file. Mac accepts .tiff and .png files. If your custom cursor doesn't appear in the menu after you select it, try moving the file to your Library folder (~/Library/Cursors/) and restarting System Settings.

Mac also lets you adjust pointer size in the Pointer Style menu. Larger cursors are easier to see on high-resolution displays. Unlike Windows, Mac does not offer a built-in color change for the cursor itself, though some third-party cursor packs include different colors.

Where to find and download custom cursors

Cursor files are available on websites that specialize in them. Common sources include Cursor.cc, CursorFX, and DeviantArt (search for "cursor pack"). Always download from a site you trust, because cursor files are executable code and can carry malware. Stick to well-known sites with user reviews and comments.

When you download a cursor pack, it usually comes as a .zip file. Extract (unzip) it on your computer first — do not try to install it directly from the .zip. Inside you'll find individual cursor files. Read any included instructions, because some packs require you to move files to a specific folder rather than using the Settings menu.

If you want to create your own cursor, you can use image editing software like Photoshop, GIMP (free), or online cursor makers. Your image should be small (usually 32 by 32 pixels or smaller) and saved in the correct format for your operating system. Test it on your own computer before sharing it with others.

Troubleshooting when a custom cursor won't work

If you've selected a custom cursor and it doesn't appear, first check the file format. Windows needs .cur or .ani files. Mac needs .tiff or .png files. If your file is in the wrong format, you'll need to convert it using image software or find a version in the correct format.

If the format is correct but the cursor still doesn't show up, try moving the file to your system's cursor folder. On Windows, this is usually C:\Windows\Cursors\. On Mac, it's ~/Library/Cursors/. Create the Cursors folder if it doesn't exist. After moving the file, restart your Settings app and try selecting the cursor again.

Some cursor packs include an installer program instead of individual files. If you downloaded a .exe file (Windows) or .app file (Mac), run the installer and follow its instructions. The installer will place the cursor files in the right location automatically. After installation, restart your computer and check your cursor settings again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same cursor file on both Windows and Mac?

No. Windows and Mac use different file formats and store cursors in different places. A cursor made for Windows (.cur or .ani) won't work on Mac, and vice versa. If you want to use the same cursor design on both systems, you'll need to find or create separate versions for each operating system.

Will changing my cursor slow down my computer?

No. Cursor files are very small and have no effect on your computer's speed or performance. You can change your cursor as often as you want without any impact on how your computer runs.

What if I want to go back to the default cursor?

On Windows, open Mouse settings and select the default cursor style from the Cursor Style menu. On Mac, go to Accessibility > Display > Pointer Style and choose the default option. Your original cursor will return immediately.

Can I have different cursors for different programs?

Not through built-in settings. Windows and Mac apply one cursor style to your entire system. Some third-party software like CursorFX (Windows) or Cursor Pro (Mac) can change cursors based on which program is open, but these require separate installation and may not work with all applications.

Is it safe to download cursors from the internet?

Download only from established websites with user reviews and comments. Avoid unknown or suspicious sites, because cursor files can contain malware. Stick to sites like Cursor.cc, CursorFX, and DeviantArt, which have large communities and moderation. If a download seems suspicious, don't install it.