How can I find the Cursor Position on my Screen?
Infopackets Reader 'lewfrazier' writes:
" Dear Dennis,
Sometimes I when I'm viewing a page on my web browser (or MS Word, for that matter), I can't find the cursor on the screen. Is there a freeware program I can download that will help me locate the cursor on my screen? "
My Response:
That's a great question -- thanks for asking. You can locate your cursor by tapping the CTRL key on your keyboard, but you first need to enable this feature in Windows (no download is required). The 'cursor location' feature works with Windows XP, 7, and 8; here are the steps to enable it:
1. Click Start and go to the Control Panel.
2. For Windows 7 and 8: select 'View by: Large icons' at the top right of the Control Panel window.
3. Next, locate and click the 'Mouse' icon.
4. Go to the 'Pointer Options' tab.
5. At the bottom of the window, check mark 'Show Location of Pointer when I press the CTRL key'.
6. Click Apply.
Now when you tap the CTRL key, it will create an 'echo wave' around the pointer so you can easily locate the cursor (or pointer) on the screen. If you press CTRL + some other key (example: CTRL + V) it will not display the echo wave, so it will not interfere with any keyboard shortcuts commonly used in programs like Notepad, and similar.
Freeware Cursor Location Alternatives
If anyone reading this article has a suggestion for a freeware cursor location program with similar or better features, please feel free to chime in with your suggestions.
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Comments
Curious
This is very helpful, Dennis. Frequently my cursor just disappears and this may help find it. I hope I remember the tip when I need it, though!
I'm curious, why Step 2, above? The method works fine with small icons too, does it not?
Control Panel View by Large or Small icons vs Category
Viewing by 'Small icons' will work fine in Control Panel. I prefer 'Large icons' so I can see the icons easier, but there is no difference in the steps if you choose large or small. There is however a difference if you are viewing by 'Category', as there is no option for 'Mouse', which is why I suggested viewing by 'Large icons'.
Cursor locator
That is an interesting tip. But when I read the original question I thought the reader was asking about the text cursor not the mouse cursor.
Works with cursor or pointer
Once the 'cursor location' feature is enabled, it will identify the location of either the cursor (when editing text), or the mouse pointer. So it works it either scenario.
Great TIp
Dennis - Thanks for a solution to a problem I have had for years with hard to find cursors. This works great!