How to move the mouse cursor with the keyboard in Windows

Whether your mouse breaks, runs out of batteries or you simply want to have an alternative way to the cursor, you can use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Before proceeding, make sure the Num Lock feature is toggled on by pressing the key until you see an indicator light, or can type numbers with the keypad.

Shortcut in all versions of Windows

1. Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock on your keyboard at the same time.
2. When the window appears, press Spacebar or Enter.
3. Repeat this process to turn Mouse Keys off.

Windows XP, Vista and 7

If the shortcut key combination listed above did not work, you may enable or disable Mouse Keys, using the following steps. If your mouse isn't working, use the Tab key and Spacebar to navigate through menus.

1. While viewing the Desktop, press the Windows Key or Click Start in the lower left-hand corner.
2. Select Control Panel from the list on the right-hand side.
3. Within the Control Panel, open Ease of Access.
4. Under Ease of Access Center, select Change how your mouse works.
5. Check the box next to Turn on Mouse Keys.
6. Select Apply then OK.

Tip: If you want to change the cursor's movement speed or other settings, select Set up Mouse Keys.

Windows 8

If the shortcut key combination listed above did not work, you may enable or disable Mouse Keys, using the following steps. If your mouse isn't working, use the Tab key and Spacebar to navigate through menus.

1. With nothing selected, type the word "Mouse" anywhere on the Start Screen.
2. Arrow down to Ease of Access mouse settings and press Enter.
3. Toggle the switch under Mouse Keys to On.
4. Press Alt + F4 to exit this menu.

How to use Mouse Keys

The following table shows each of the keys on the Numeric Keypad and how they interact with the mouse cursor. Make sure you're only using the Keypad to execute these actions.

Desired Action	Key Combination
Move up and to the left	Press 7
Move up	Press 8
Move up and to the right	Press 9
Move left	Press 4
Move right	Press 6
Move down and to the left	Press 1
Move down	Press 2
Move down and to the right	Press 3
Select the left mouse button	Press /
Select both of the mouse buttons	Press *
Select the right mouse button	Press -
Click	With the left button selected, press 5
Right-click	With the right button selected, press 5
Double-click	With the left button selected, press +
Drag an item	Point to the item, and then press 0
Drop the item you are dragging	Press .