Give Your Mouse Pointer a Tail
Today’s TechTips was inspired by a conversation I had with an agent a couple of weeks ago. I was giving a presentation and during the break he asked how I was able to highlight my mouse cursor on the screen with a “tail.”
I was somewhat taken aback as I have always put trails on my mouse cursor because it makes it easier to find where the cursor is located on the screen. He thought explaining how to do this would be a good TechTip.
It is a simple setting. You can take these steps to make your mouse cursor leave a trail behind it.
For Windows 7, go to Start and then click on Control Panel on the right column. I have not used Windows 8 or 10, but the process should be similar.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
At the top of the window you’ll see Devices and Printers with a Mouse option underneath. Click on Mouse to open the Mouse Properties window (see the image below).
On the Mouse Properties window, click on the Pointer Options tab.
At the bottom of the window under Visibility select the check box Display pointer trails and the length of the trail you want your cursor to leave behind. I have mine set toward the long side.
While you are on this screen you might want to check out some of the other mouse options.
It’s that easy to set your mouse cursor to leave a trail on your computer screen.
This is a simple quick tip that may just help you keep track of where your mouse pointer is on the screen.
What other “settings” tips have you used to make your computing experience better? Let me know by commenting below.
Hi Steve! Continue to enjoy and find value in TechTips. Regarding the tip on mouse tails, instead of that I use the option “Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key” It animates a series of black circles around my mouse location and helps me find it in a snap. I’ve used this with company associates as well, and always get a positive response. It’s been a help – especially with dual or triple monitors.
Keep the TechTips coming!
Bill Alexander
Hi Bill. Thanks for your note. I have known that option was available for quite some time but don’t use it. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks. Again.