Practical Ways to Move the Mouse Pointer with a Keyboard in Windows 11

How to Control Mouse Pointer Using a Keyboard

Using the Numeric Keys to Move the Pointer

With Mouse Keys active, you can move the mouse pointer using the numeric keys on the keyboard. Here is the function of each numeric key:

  • Button 2: Move the pointer down.
  • Button 4: Move the pointer to the left.
  • Button 6: Move the pointer to the right.
  • Button 8: Move the pointer up.

In addition, the 1, 3, 7, and 9 buttons are used to move the pointer diagonally (e.g., 1 to move down left, 3 to go down right, and so on).

How to Do Right and Left Click Using the Keyboard

To left-click using the keyboard, use the 5 button on the num pad. If you want to right-click, press the minus (-) button first, then press the 5 button. To switch back to left-click, press the slash (/) key on the num pad. This combination of keys allows you to perform both right and left clicks without using the mouse.

Drag and Drop with Keyboard

For drag and drop objects in Windows 11 use Mouse Keys:

  1. Point the pointer at the object you want to move.
  2. Press the 0 button on the num pad to start dragging.
  3. Use the 2, 4, 6, or 8 buttons to move the object to the desired location.
  4. Once in the right location, press the dot (.) button to release the object (drop).

Shortcuts to Enable and Disable Mouse Keys

You can quickly turn Mouse Keys on or off using the Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock key combination. When this combination is pressed, a confirmation pop-up will appear that allows you to quickly enable or disable the Mouse Keys feature.

Solutions to Common Problems

Pointer Doesn’t Move as Expected

If  the pointer is not moving or unresponsive when using Mouse Keys, try the following steps:

  • Make sure Mouse Keys Aktif: Double-check in Settings > Accessibility > Mouse if Mouse Keys is enabled.
  • Check Pointer Speed Settings: If the pointer moves too slowly or doesn’t move at all, try increasing the pointer speed in the Mouse Keys setting.
  • Num Lock: Make sure the Num Lock in your keyboard is active. Some Mouse Keys settings require Num Lock to activate for the numeric keys to function properly.
  • Restart the Computer: If the problem persists, restart the computer to refresh the settings and restore functionality.
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The numeric Button Not Working

If the numeric keys on your keyboard don’t work to control the pointer, try the following solutions:

  • Enable Num Lock: Make sure Num Lock is active. If Num Lock is not enabled, the numeric keys will not function correctly.
  • Check the Keyboard: Make sure the keyboard is working properly. Try testing the numeric keys with another app to make sure that the problem isn’t with the keyboard.
  • Mouse Keys: Double-check the Mouse Keys settings in Settings >  Ease of Access > Mouse. Make sure that the settings are set up correctly and according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Controlling mouse pointers using a keyboard through the Mouse Keys feature in Windows 11 offers a variety of benefits, especially in terms of increased accessibility and efficiency. This feature is especially useful for users with disabilities or mobility impairments who have difficulty using the mouse.

In addition, Mouse Keys allow for faster and more flexible navigation, as well as reduced reliance on the traditional mouse. By adjusting the Mouse Keys settings, users can optimize the use of Windows 11 according to their needs and convenience.

Not only does this feature improve accessibility for those who need it, but it can also be a useful tool to improve your work efficiency. By utilizing Mouse Keys, you can feel better control over your computer and find new ways to work more productively and conveniently.

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