Even seasoned computer users may not be utilizing their mouse to its fullest potential. Beyond the basics, your mouse offers an array of features—from arranging windows and auto-scrolling to managing tabs and selecting files—that could enhance your productivity significantly. Let’s explore some of the lesser-known functionalities that could transform your daily tasks.
1 Effortlessly Snap Windows by Dragging
Windows’ Snap Layouts feature is a powerful tool for multitaskers. Rather than relying solely on keyboard shortcuts or the maximize button, you can easily drag application windows to organize your workspace. To utilize this feature, click and hold the title bar of a window, then drag it to the left or right edge of your screen. When you touch the edge, a translucent outline will appear, signaling where the window will snap into place. Release the mouse button, and the window will occupy half of your screen, enabling you to select another window for the opposite side.
For access to various Snap Layouts, simply drag a window to the top center of the screen, where a layout grid will become visible. Choose your preferred layout and release the window to snap it into the configuration. This method allows for efficient arrangement of multiple windows at once.
2 Utilize the Right Mouse Button for Move/Copy Options
When dragging a file using the left mouse button on Windows, it will move to the new location by default. However, if you wish to make a copy or create a shortcut, there’s no need to resort to the clipboard or right-click menu. Instead, utilize the right mouse button for dragging.
On release at your desired location, a small context menu will appear, offering options such as Copy here, Move here, and Create shortcut. Notably, any compression tools installed, like 7-Zip or WinRAR, will also be available in this menu.
You can also select multiple files by dragging them with the right mouse button, streamlining the process of creating desktop shortcuts for various applications and programs at once.
3 Access the Full Context Menu with Shift + Right-Click
The context menu in Windows 11 has been enhanced, yet there are still times when the full classic menu is necessary to access various advanced options. If you frequently require tasks such as Create shortcut or Scan with Microsoft Defender, holding down the Shift key while right-clicking a file or folder will reveal the complete legacy menu, offering both the new and traditional options without requiring extra clicks.
4 Horizontal Scrolling with Shift + Scroll Wheel
Although vertical scrolling is the norm, there are instances, particularly with extensive Excel sheets or zoomed-in web pages, where horizontal scrolling becomes essential. To avoid engaging with the scroll bar, simply hold the Shift key while scrolling your mouse wheel. Scrolling up will shift content left, while scrolling down will move it to the right. This trick is compatible with most applications and browsers supporting horizontal scrolling.
5 Select Multiple Files with Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click
Managing multiple files within Windows can be streamlined using two effective shortcuts. The Ctrl + Click method allows for selective highlighting of individual files; hold down the Ctrl key and click on each file to select. If you accidentally select the wrong item, simply click it again to deselect it. This technique is particularly beneficial for non-sequential file selection.
In contrast, the Shift + Click method is ideal for selecting a continuous range of files. Click on the first file, hold the Shift key, and click the last file to highlight everything in between. After making your selections, you can effortlessly move, copy, or delete the entire batch, a function that works seamlessly across most applications, including cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive.
6 Quickly Open and Close Tabs with Middle-Click
Tabs in Windows File Explorer provide great utility, but if you usually right-click to choose Open in new tab, there’s a faster alternative. Simply middle-click (the scroll wheel) on any folder to open it directly in a new tab. To close a tab, simply middle-click on its title.
This feature also extends to web browsers, allowing you to open links in new tabs via middle-clicking without the need for Ctrl. Additionally, if your tab bar feels cluttered, a quick middle-click on any tab title will close it. Adopting this method can significantly streamline your workflow.
7 Enable Auto-Scroll with the Middle Click
Navigating lengthy web pages or documents can become tedious when scrolling manually. Instead, engage the auto-scroll feature by middle-clicking anywhere on the page. This will activate a circular icon, changing your cursor to indicate that auto-scroll is working.
Once activated, move your mouse slightly up or down to initiate the automatic scrolling—moving the cursor further away from the icon increases the speed. This feature is highly useful for reading lengthy materials or browsing without straining your finger or the scroll wheel. Exiting auto-scroll is as simple as clicking the scroll wheel again. This technique proves particularly valuable in web browsers, PDF viewers, and applications like Microsoft Word.
Personally, I find auto-scroll to be a superior alternative to the read-aloud feature, as it enhances the reading experience without disrupting concentration.
8 Personalize Mouse Buttons for Better Productivity
If you own a high-end mouse, such as the Logitech MX Master, it likely features customizable software that can significantly boost your productivity. Through tools like Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, or Corsair iCUE, you can remap buttons, create custom shortcuts, and establish application-specific profiles that tailor your mouse’s performance to your tasks.
For instance, you might assign a side button to launch your favorite application, switch between virtual desktops, paste copied text, or mute your microphone during video calls. The possibilities increase with mice that have extra buttons.
For those with standard mice, you’re not left out; consider downloading X-Mouse Button Control (XMBC). This free tool enables button remapping, keyboard function assignments, and per-app profiles for greater customization.
Although a mouse may seem limited compared to a keyboard’s shortcuts, it actually holds vast potential beyond basic interactions. Familiarizing yourself with these tips will unlock a wealth of functionality, and with customization options available, tailoring your mouse to match your workflow has never been easier.
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