While using a mouse for navigation is the most common method, there are instances where you might need to use your keyboard to move and click your mouse. This can be particularly helpful in cases where your mouse is not functioning correctly, or if you have mobility issues that make using a mouse difficult.
In this article, we will cover how you can achieve this on both PC (Windows) and Mac.
Understanding Mouse Keys
Mouse Keys is a feature available on both Windows and Mac that allows you to use your keyboard’s numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer and use other functions like clicking, right-clicking, and double-clicking.
What Are Mouse Keys?
Mouse Keys is an accessibility feature that enables users to control their mouse pointer with the keyboard. When activated, pressing specific keys allows for mouse movement and various clicking actions.
Using Mouse Keys on Windows
Follow these steps to enable and use Mouse Keys on a Windows PC:
- Press Alt + Shift (left) + Num Lock to open the Mouse Keys dialog box.
- Select Yes to activate Mouse Keys.
- To move the mouse, hold the NUM LOCK key and then use the number keys on the numeric pad as follows:
- 8 – Up
- 2 – Down
- 4 – Left
- 6 – Right
- 7, 9, 1, and 3 for diagonal directions.
Mouse Keys Functions on Windows
| Function | Key |
|---|---|
| Select Left Mouse Button | / (Slash key) |
| Select Right Mouse Button | – (Minus key) |
| Select Both Buttons | * (Asterisk key) |
| Click | 5 |
| Double Click | + (Plus key) |
| Drag | 0 (Zero key) |
| Drop | . (Period key) |
Using Mouse Keys on Mac
To enable Mouse Keys on a Mac, follow these steps:
- Open System Preferences.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Select Pointer Control from the sidebar.
- Click on the Alternate Control Methods tab.
- Check the option for Enable Mouse Keys.
Mouse Keys Functions on Mac
| Function | Key |
|---|---|
| Move Up | 8 |
| Move Down | 2 |
| Move Left | 4 |
| Move Right | 6 |
| Move Diagonally Up-Left | 7 |
| Move Diagonally Up-Right | 9 |
| Move Diagonally Down-Left | 1 |
| Move Diagonally Down-Right | 3 |
| Primary Click | 5 |
| Secondary Click | Hold Control + 5 |
| Hold | 0 |
| Release | . |
Tips for Using Mouse Keys
- Practice: It might take some time to get used to controlling the mouse with your keyboard. Practice using these controls to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Adjust Speed: Most operating systems allow you to adjust the speed of mouse pointer movement under the Mouse Keys settings. Customize this to suit your comfort level.
- Shortcut: Create a keyboard shortcut for quickly enabling and disabling Mouse Keys. This can make it easier to switch back and forth between using your mouse and keyboard for navigation.
Conclusion
Whether your mouse is malfunctioning or you simply prefer using your keyboard, knowing how to use Mouse Keys can be a valuable skill. Both Windows and Mac offer robust solutions for this. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily navigate and control your computer using only your keyboard.