MICROSOFT has enabled a mouse pointer locator in Windows 11 Beta Build 26220.9568, following earlier speculation that the feature would be brought into the operating system from PowerToys. It is intended to help users find the cursor on large, high-resolution or ultra-wide displays. The same build also adds custom mouse-pointer colours under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch, including RGB and HEX colour inputs.
Microsoft says the options can improve contrast for users with visual impairments, including colour blindness, while also allowing general personalisation.
The locator is enabled through Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch > Mouse pointer locator. Once active, pressing the Ctrl key displays a large, contracting black ring around the pointer. The article says the shortcut cannot currently be changed, meaning the locator may be triggered accidentally during normal use or when Ctrl is used with application-specific shortcuts. It suggests adjusting conflicting software shortcuts if the halo becomes disruptive. Early adopters reportedly consider the ring’s appearance unfinished, indicating that Microsoft may refine its presentation in later updates.