While Windows 10 does not natively support using two mouse pointers on a single machine, there are workarounds and third-party tools that can help you achieve this functionality. This can be especially useful in scenarios like collaborative work, presentations, or accessibility. In this guide, we’ll explain how to set up two mouse pointers in Windows 10 using different methods.
Method 1: Use the “Mouse Without Borders” Tool
Mouse Without Borders is a free tool from Microsoft that allows you to control multiple PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. While it doesn’t directly create two mouse pointers on one screen, it enables seamless control of multiple computers with just one set of input devices. This is useful if you want to use two systems but need the feel of two pointers.
Steps:
- Download and Install Mouse Without Borders:
- Go to the official Mouse Without Borders download page and download the software.
- Install it on both computers you want to control.
- Configure the Setup:
- After installation, open the program and follow the setup wizard to link both computers.
- Enter a security code provided by the program to pair the devices.
- Control Multiple Systems:
- Once set up, you can use a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple PCs.
- When you move your mouse cursor to the edge of one screen, it will seamlessly appear on the next screen (if you’re using two monitors connected to separate PCs).
While this method does not give you two cursors on the same machine, it offers a similar experience where you can control multiple systems simultaneously, creating a pseudo-dual-pointer environment.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Software for Dual Mouse Pointers
If you specifically need two mouse pointers on the same screen, third-party software is your best option. Programs like Dual Mouse or TeamPlayer can create two or more mouse pointers for use on one computer. These tools are often designed for shared screen or collaborative work, and they allow different users to control the computer independently.
Option 1: TeamPlayer
TeamPlayer is a popular software that allows multiple mouse pointers and control over a single screen, perfect for team collaboration.
- Download TeamPlayer:
- Visit the TeamPlayer website and download the software.
- Install the Software:
- Install TeamPlayer on your Windows 10 machine.
- Set Up Multiple Pointers:
- TeamPlayer will automatically allow multiple mouse pointers. You can connect additional mice and control them independently. The software allows you to control each pointer separately with its own cursor, useful in collaborative environments.
Option 2: Dual Mouse
Dual Mouse is another tool that adds multiple mouse pointers to your screen.
- Download Dual Mouse:
- Search for Dual Mouse on third-party software sites like Softpedia or GitHub and download the program.
- Install and Configure:
- Follow the installation instructions. Once set up, plug in the second mouse to the computer, and you’ll see two independent mouse pointers on your screen.
- Use Two Pointers:
- Now you can control the screen with both pointers, which can move independently. This can be handy in educational or team environments where multiple people need to interact with the same computer.
Method 3: Accessibility Settings for Additional Cursors (Limited Use)
Windows 10 has some accessibility settings that allow for cursor customization, such as changing its size, color, or adding a second pointer for assistive purposes. However, this doesn’t create two fully independent pointers on the same screen. It mainly helps with making the primary cursor more visible.
Steps to Modify Cursor Settings:
- Open Settings:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Navigate to Ease of Access:
- Go to Ease of Access > Mouse.
- Customize the Mouse Pointer:
- Under the Change Pointer Size and Color section, adjust the size and color of your cursor to make it more visible. You can also enable the “Show pointer trails” option to make it easier to follow the cursor’s movement.
While this option doesn’t give you two independent cursors, it enhances the visibility and tracking of the existing cursor, which may help in certain accessibility scenarios.
Method 4: Use a Virtual Machine with Mouse Control (Advanced)
If you’re looking for a way to have two active pointers on one physical screen, using a virtual machine (VM) could be an advanced solution. In this method, you would run a virtual environment on your main system, and each VM could have its own mouse pointer. This is an ideal solution if you need to simulate an environment with two separate pointers for testing or development.
Steps to Set Up a Virtual Machine:
- Install Virtualization Software:
- Use VMware Workstation or VirtualBox to create a virtual machine. Install these programs on your Windows 10 PC.
- Create a New Virtual Machine:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new virtual machine within the virtualization software.
- Enable Mouse Integration:
- Ensure that mouse integration (which allows you to control the VM with the same mouse) is enabled.
- Within the VM, you can use the mouse as a separate pointer, while your main system retains the other.
This method works best for scenarios where you need to simulate two independent systems or environments on a single physical machine.
Conclusion
While Windows 10 does not natively support having two mouse pointers on the same screen, there are several ways to simulate or create a dual pointer setup, depending on your needs:
- Mouse Without Borders allows seamless control over multiple PCs with a single mouse and keyboard.
- TeamPlayer and Dual Mouse offer third-party solutions to create independent pointers for collaborative use.
- Accessibility settings in Windows 10 help improve visibility but don’t provide dual pointers.
- Virtual Machines provide an advanced method for using two cursors if you need separate environments.
These solutions can be highly useful in educational, collaborative, or accessibility-focused environments. Choose the method that best suits your specific needs for multiple mouse pointers in Windows 10.