How to easily control the cursor with the keyboard in Windows 11

Many times, when the mouse stops working or you simply prefer not to use it, the ability to control the pointer with the keyboard in Windows 11 turns out a life-saving solution. For those who need a method alternative Due to physical limitations, such as those whose mouse breaks at the worst possible moment, knowing how to control the cursor using only the keyboard can make the difference between continuing to work or being frozen in front of the screen.

In the following lines, I will teach you How to use the numeric keypad to control the mouse pointer in Windows 11, detailing each function, configuration option and all the shortcuts that allow you to no longer rely on the physical mouseIf you ever find yourself experiencing a mouse that stops responding, or you're simply looking for a different, more accessible way to work, we've got you covered.

What are Mouse Keys in Windows 11?

The function Mouse keys It is an accessibility option built into Windows 11 that allows you to control the mouse pointer with the numeric keypad. It is designed for people with reduced mobility as well as for unforeseen situations where the mouse is not available. Once activated, the numeric keypad becomes your main tool to move the cursor, click, drag and drop files, and perform all common mouse functions.

The activation of the Mouse keys es very easy and, once you have them enabled, you will be able to personalize your behavior to suit your work pace and preferences. You can even adjust the movement speed of the cursor and acceleration, making the experience as comfortable as using a traditional mouse.

How to enable keyboard cursor movement in Windows 11

To take advantage of this feature, you'll need to follow a few steps from your system settings. No need to install additional programs; everything comes included in Windows 11.

1. Press the keys Windows + I to quickly open the Configuration.
2. In the menu on the left, select Accessibility (may appear as “Ease of Access” in some versions).
3. Scroll down to the section Soil-structure and click Mouse.
4. In the section Mouse keys, turn on the switch to enable this function.
5. Optionally adjust the pointer speed and acceleration with the sliders, and check the box to use the keys CTRL y SHIFT to modify the speed of movement in real time.

Once activated, the numeric keypad will help you control the mouse cursor, and special keys will allow you to configure how each one interacts.

Move the mouse cursor with the numeric keypad

With the Mouse keys activated, the magic: You can move the pointer around the screen using only the numbers on the numeric keypad.Each key represents a direction, making operation very intuitive. Here's a quick guide to the main functions:

• 8: Moves the cursor up.
• 2: Moves it down.
• 4: Move it to the left.
• 6: He directs it to the right.
• 7: Up and to the left.
• 9: Up and to the right.
• 1: Down and to the left.
• 3: Down and to the right.

This allows move the pointer to any point on the screen just by pressing a number, ideal when you need precision or don't have access to the mouse. Also, by holding down the corresponding key, you can move faster.

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Selection and click types with the keyboard

In addition to moving the cursor, the Mouse keys offer full control over click actions: left, right and double clickSome useful combinations are:

• 5: Performs a click with the active button (usually left).
• +: Double-click with the active button.
• / (forward slash): Makes the left button the default for future clicks.
• - (script): Select the right button as active for clicks.
• * (asterisk): Allows you to use both buttons if any function requires it.

Example: to make a right click on a file, first press - to activate the right button and then 5. For a Double click, select the left button and press +.

Drag and drop elements using only the keyboard

An advanced but very useful feature is drag and drop files or folders using only the numeric keypad. The process consists of:

1. Move the cursor to the item to be dragged using the number keys.
2. Pulsar 0 to start dragging (the active button remains pressed).
3. Move the element to the desired position using the number keys.
4. Pulsar . (decimal point) to release.

This method makes it easier to organize files and interact with windows without using the mouse, especially for tasks that require precision or remote access. You can also learn more about other keyboard functions at This keyboard guide in Word.

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.