How to change mouse sensitivity on Windows and Mac computers

Mouse sensitivity, sometimes called dots per inch (DPI) or counts per inch (CPI), is a measure of how responsive a mouse is to movement. Depending on a mouse’s sensitivity, the cursor will travel different distances from the same movement. A mouse with greater sensitivity will move further, while a mouse with less sensitivity won’t move as far.

To determine your mouse’s sensitivity, look in your operating system's settings.

How sensitive your mouse is to movement depends on your personal preference and needs. Consider changing your mouse sensitivity in situations where accuracy, speed, or comfort is essential. Here are some real-world scenarios where adjusting mouse sensitivity is helpful:

• A graphic designer who needs to draw precise lines or select very small objects can benefit from changing their mouse settings for better pointer control.
• Gamers may want to use different DPI levels for gaming mice. Some gamers use a lower mouse sensitivity to achieve more accurate aiming or subtle movements. Others increase their mouse sensitivity when traveling long distances quickly or to deliver faster reactions.
• When using two screens, mouse sensitivity can vary between each screen. They can be leveled out by changing mouse sensitivity on one or the other.
• A person with wrist pain can change their mouse sensitivity to minimize the need for repetitive movements.

To change your mouse sensitivity on a Windows computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows settings
2. Select “Bluetooth® & devices”
3. Select “Mouse”
4. Select “Additional mouse settings”
5. Find the pointer speed tab and adjust the motion slider to modify the sensitivity

If you're using a Logitech mouse on a Windows computer, you can adjust its sensitivity through the Windows settings. You can find adjustments to change the DPI of a mouse in Windows 10 or the mouse pointer style.

If you’re looking to change your mouse settings on a Mac computer, here’s how to change your mouse sensitivity via macOS:

1. Navigate to the Apple menu
2. Select “System Settings”
3. Click “Mouse” or “Trackpad,” depending on the device you’d like to modify
4. Under “Point & Click,” use the Tracking speed slider to adjust the sensitivity

You can also navigate to "System Settings" on your Mac computer to change mouse click settings and other mouse settings.

If you’d like to change the DPI of a Logitech mouse or set mouse sensitivity and pointer speed with Logi Options+, follow these steps:

• Open Logi Options+
• Select your mouse
• Select “Point and Scroll” then “Pointer speed”
• Use the slider to adjust the pointer speed.

You can also change several other mouse sensitivity options using Logi Options+ software. For example, on the Logitech MX Master, you can adjust the thumb scroll wheel sensitivity or scroll speed on your mouse.

Here’s how to change your settings on your mouse to solve common sensitivity issues:

• Mouse cursor moves too quickly or slowly. To fix this, you’ll want to change the DPI settings on your mouse. You can adjust the mouse pointer speed to do so.
• Mouse sensitivity changes across apps. If your mouse sensitivity varies by app, you may have enhanced pointer precision enabled. Disable this in your settings to create more consistency across apps.
• Mouse double-clicking is too sensitive. To change your mouse double-click settings in Windows 11 or 10, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth® & devices > Mouse > Additional options. There, you’ll find an adjustment for double-click speed.
• Mouse scrolls in the wrong direction. To change your mouse’s scroll settings on Mac, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth® & devices > Mouse or Trackpad. There, you’ll find a setting for scrolling direction as well as settings to adjust scroll wheel sensitivity.

Changing your mouse sensitivity can be a great way to gain control over your cursor. Whether you have a Windows or a Mac Computer, it’s easy to adjust your Logitech mouse sensitivity using the steps outlined in this article.