How can I find the Cursor Position on my Screen?

Dennis Faas's picture

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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About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.

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Comments

doulosg's picture

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?

Dennis Faas's picture

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'.

stekcapofni's picture

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.

Dennis Faas's picture

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.

rwells78's picture

Dennis - Thanks for a solution to a problem I have had for years with hard to find cursors. This works great!