How to install new mouse pointers

Updated: 11/06/2021 by Computer Hope
Mouse pointer

New mouse pointers may come in the form of a theme pack, a cursor pack, or as an individual mouse cursor file. The sections on this page contain information on how to download and install cursors in any of these forms. To proceed, choose a method below and follow the instructions.

Installing a theme pack

Most theme packs include an installer in the form of an executable file to put the new mouse cursors and other theme pack contents on your computer.

  1. Download a new theme pack.
  2. Double-click the file you downloaded.
  3. New cursors are installed in the appropriate location and activated in Windows automatically.

Installing a new scheme

A scheme is an entire set of pointers. It can be installed at the same time, as long as the pointer pack includes an .inf file.

  1. Download the cursor scheme of your choice.
  2. Extract the downloaded cursor pack and view the files.
Tip

If you are having issues extracting schemes, we recommend downloading the 7-Zip utility.

  1. Locate and right-click the .inf file, and select Install from the drop-down menu.
  2. To enable your new pointers, visit our page on how to change a Windows mouse cursor.

Installing one or more cursors individually

These instructions apply if you are only getting one new pointer or your pointer pack does not include a .inf file.

  1. Download a single cursor or cursor pack.
  1. Extract the downloaded cursor pack and view the files.
Tip

If you're having issues extracting cursor packs, we recommend downloading the 7-Zip utility.

  1. Select the new cursor files you want to install. The cursor files usually have .ani and .cur file extensions.
  2. Copy the selected files by pressing Ctrl+C.
  3. Press Windows key+E to bring up Windows Explorer.
  4. Double-click the drive that Windows is installed on (usually Local Disk C:), then the folder labeled Windows, and then the Cursors folder.
  5. Paste the selected files by pressing Ctrl+V.
  6. To turn on your new pointers, see: How do I change my mouse cursor?

Cursor download sites

There are several places you can download mouse cursors. We suggest checking the RealWorld Graphics and DeviantArt websites.

Caution

Be careful of the websites you download mouse cursors from on the Internet. There are many sites that have malware, spyware, and other crapware included with many downloads.