A Long-Awaited Mouse Feature Makes Its Return to Windows 11

Revitalization of the Mouse Crosshair Feature in Windows 11

In a significant update for Windows 11, Microsoft has reintroduced the mouse cursor crosshair feature—a tool designed to enhance accessibility. Originally moved from PowerToys to the Windows 11 Settings app in early 2024, this feature was temporarily disabled due to bugs. After a hiatus of nearly 18 months, it is now available once more.

New Update Brings Crosshair Back

The latest Windows 11 build 27913, which has recently been released in the Canary Channel, includes the reinstatement of the mouse crosshair feature within accessibility settings. Users can now enable this option and customize its color, ensuring easy visibility of the cursor across the screen. Despite the absence of an official mention in the release notes, the return of this functionality was observed by astute Windows insider @phantomofearth on X.

How to Enable the Mouse Crosshair

If you’re utilizing Windows 11 build 27913, activating the mouse crosshair is straightforward. Simply navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse Pointer and Touch > Pointer Indicator to turn on this useful feature. It’s worth noting that this functionality is accessible to all insiders without the need for any additional feature toggles, although it has yet to be released to the broader public version of Windows 11.

Integration of PowerToys Capabilities

The mouse crosshair is part of Microsoft’s PowerToys utility suite, with several of its other features already integrated into Windows 11. There is growing anticipation for Microsoft to incorporate additional PowerToys tools into the operating system. Recently, I shared insights on five PowerToys utilities that would significantly enhance Windows 11 if made standard.

Other Notable Changes in Build 27913

Alongside the mouse crosshair, build 27913 introduces several enhancements, including a centered search box in the Settings app and various wallpaper fixes. Interestingly, this update also saw the removal of the Windows Vista startup sound, an oddity that had reappeared in the Canary Channel after its correction in earlier development builds. For those interested, a detailed changelog for build 27913 can be explored in our dedicated article.

To learn more about this update and others, visit this source.

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