Adjust your computer mouse's sensitivity, also known as DPI.
Michael Blann/Lifesize/Getty Images
The DPI, or dots per inch, switch on your computer's mouse enables you to adjust the mouse's sensitivity to a faster or slower pointer speed. Doing so is handy when you're color correcting and making precise edits to photos of your latest business presentation or product launch. Slowing down your mouse's pointer reduces the chance of you selecting a large area of a photo or document, while speeding it up is ideal when you want to select large blocks of data for copying or cutting.
Physical Specifications
The DPI control is a physical switch on the top, bottom or side of your mouse. Press or slide the switch to adjust your mouse's sensitivity. Your mouse's LCD then displays the DPI setting, or you see a message on the monitor informing you of the DPI change. Your mouse may have more than one DPI switch -- multiple switches are known as DPI On-the-fly buttons -- though some mouse models only have one DPI switch.
Optional Control
If your mouse's sensitivity is to your liking, leave the DPI switch alone and continue to use the device. Like other controls, you can adjust the DPI switch, as well as return the switch to its original setting, at your convenience. Any change to your mouse's DPI is effective immediately and doesn't require you to restart your computer.
Models
Not all mouse models contain DPI switches, including models that come bundled with computers from electronics superstores and resellers. DPI-enabled mouse models are available from a variety of manufacturers, including Microsoft, CM Storm and Zalman. Note that you cannot add a DPI switch to a mouse that doesn't contain one.
Adjustment via Windows
You can also adjust your mouse's DPI setting via Windows even if your mouse doesn't have a DPI switch. Press “Windows-Z” while on the Start screen, click the “All apps” icon, scroll to the Windows System heading, and then click “Control Panel | Hardware and Sound | Mouse | Pointer Options." Click and drag the slider under the "Motion" tab toward the "Slow" or "Fast" heading. Click "Apply," and then click "OK" to accept the settings.
Photo Credits
- Michael Blann/Lifesize/Getty Images