Technology Solutions > Operating a Mouse > Need to Switch the Hand that Operates the Mouse

Due to injury or other problems, there may be a need to switch to the non-dominant hand for operating the mouse. For the majority of people, this means switching from right to left-handed mouse operation. Switching your mouse operating hand can be a frustrating experience, similar to learning to write with your non-dominant hand.

Windows mouse drivers automatically default to right-handed operation. Unless specifically designed for either left or right hand use, most mouse drivers will provide the option of switching the buttons to allow left handed operation of a mouse (basically, switching the left/right buttons).

Windows XP makes the left/right button change through the Mouse Properties in the Control Panel. Click here for information on adjusting Windows mouse properties.