How to Get a Custom Cursor on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of the same old arrow on your screen? Giving your Windows 11 cursor a personal touch can make your computer feel more fun, stylish, and uniquely yours. Luckily, Windows 11 makes it easy to customize your cursor—whether you want something subtle, flashy, or downright quirky. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get a custom cursor, step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Customize Your Cursor?

Custom cursors aren’t just about aesthetics—they can also improve usability and make your computing experience more enjoyable.

Personalization: Show off your personality with cool or themed cursors.
Visibility: Larger or more colorful cursors can make it easier to navigate your screen.
Fun factor: Simple animations or themed sets can make mundane tasks more enjoyable.

Think of it like changing your desktop wallpaper, but for your pointer!

Requirements Before You Start

Before diving in, make sure you have:

A Windows 11 PC.
Basic knowledge of navigating Settings.
Optional: Custom cursor files in .cur or .ani format for extra flair.

Having these ready will make the process smoother.

Step 1: Open Mouse Settings

To start customizing your cursor:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Bluetooth & devices → Mouse.
Click on Additional mouse settings under the Related settings section.

This opens the classic Mouse Properties window where all the magic happens.

Step 2: Access the Pointer Tab

In the Mouse Properties window, click on the Pointers tab.
Here, you’ll see the default scheme and individual pointers for different actions (like Normal Select, Busy, Text Select, etc.).

This is where you can start customizing each cursor.

Step 3: Choose a Pre-Installed Cursor Scheme

Windows 11 comes with a few built-in schemes:

Under Scheme, click the drop-down menu.
Select one of the pre-installed options like Windows Black (system scheme) or Windows Inverted.
Click Apply → OK.

This is the easiest way to get a quick refresh without downloading anything.

Step 4: Download Custom Cursor Packs

For something unique:

Visit trusted websites like DeviantArt, RW Designer, or CursorFX.
Download cursor packs in .cur (static) or .ani (animated) formats.
Extract the files if they’re in a ZIP folder.

Make sure to scan downloaded files for malware—only use reputable sources.

Step 5: Install a Custom Cursor

Once you have your files:

Go back to Mouse Properties → Pointers tab.
Select the cursor you want to change (like Normal Select).
Click Browse… and navigate to your downloaded .cur or .ani file.
Select it and click Open.
Repeat for other pointer actions if desired.
Click Apply → OK to save changes.

Your cursor should now reflect your custom design immediately.

Step 6: Save Your Custom Scheme

If you’ve changed multiple pointers:

In Mouse Properties → Pointers, click Save As… under Scheme.
Give your scheme a name and click OK.

This allows you to switch between custom setups quickly without repeating the process.

Step 7: Adjust Cursor Size and Color

Windows 11 also lets you tweak cursor visibility without downloading anything:

Open Settings → Accessibility → Mouse pointer and touch.
Adjust the pointer size slider for larger or smaller cursors.
Choose pointer color: white, black, or inverted.

These changes can complement your custom cursor or improve visibility.

Step 8: Use Third-Party Cursor Tools (Optional)

If you want animated cursors or dynamic effects:

CursorFX: Allows full customization and animation.
Stardock IconPackager: Offers extensive cursor and icon themes.
RW Designer: Create or download custom cursors easily.

Third-party tools provide more options than Windows’ built-in settings but may require installation and occasional updates.

Step 9: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes custom cursors don’t show up correctly. Here’s how to fix them:

Cursor not changing: Make sure you clicked Apply in the Mouse Properties window.
Corrupted cursor files: Re-download the pack from a trusted source.
Animated cursors not working: Ensure the .ani file format is used for animation.

These simple fixes usually solve most problems.

Step 10: Restore Default Cursors

If you ever want to go back to normal:

Open Mouse Properties → Pointers.
Click Scheme → Windows Default (system scheme).
Click Apply → OK.

Your PC will revert to the standard arrow without losing any custom files.

Step 11: Benefits of Using Custom Cursors

Unique look: Express your personality and style.
Improved visibility: Easier to locate on complex backgrounds.
Fun and interactive: Animated cursors add movement to your desktop experience.

Even small changes like cursors can make your daily computing more enjoyable.

Step 12: Tips for Safe Customization

Always download from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Keep a backup of your default cursors in case something goes wrong.
Don’t overload your system with animated cursors—they can slow down older PCs.

Safety first ensures a smooth and fun customization experience.

Conclusion

Getting a custom cursor on Windows 11 is a fun and simple way to personalize your PC. Whether you stick to built-in schemes or download flashy animated packs, customizing your cursor can make your desktop feel fresh and unique. By following this guide, you can safely install, apply, and even save your own cursor setups, enhancing both style and usability.

FAQs

1. Can I use animated cursors in Windows 11?
Yes! Use .ani files for animation or third-party tools like CursorFX for advanced effects.

2. Do I need third-party software for custom cursors?
Not necessarily. Windows 11 allows basic cursor changes, but third-party tools provide more options and animations.

3. How can I make my cursor more visible?
Use Windows 11’s accessibility settings to adjust pointer size and color.

4. Are custom cursors safe to use?
Yes, if downloaded from reputable sources. Always scan files for malware before using.

5. Can I save multiple custom cursor schemes?
Yes! Use the Save As… option in Mouse Properties to create and switch between multiple schemes.