You can use Windows 11 without a touchpad: navigate many controls with the keyboard, turn on Mouse Keys to control the pointer with a numeric keypad, or connect an external mouse. Keyboard navigation is the quickest no-purchase option; Mouse Keys is useful when you need pointer actions and have a keypad.
Choose the input method that fits your situation
| Option | Purchase needed? | What it requires | Pointer control? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard navigation | No | A working keyboard | No; it moves focus between controls |
| Mouse Keys | No, if your keyboard has a numeric keypad | A numeric keypad | Yes; keypad keys move and click the pointer |
| External mouse | Yes, unless you already have one | A compatible mouse and available connection | Yes; direct physical control |
| Touchscreen | No, if your computer already has one | A device with a touch display | Yes, through touch gestures |
Start with keyboard navigation for menus and Settings. Use Mouse Keys when you need to move a pointer and your keyboard has a dedicated numeric keypad. If you want conventional pointer control, connect an external mouse.
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Navigate Windows with the keyboard
Keyboard focus navigation works for many Windows menus and Settings tasks, though individual apps may not make every control keyboard-operable.
- Press Windows+I to open Settings, or Windows+U to open Accessibility settings.
- Press Tab to move forward through interface regions, or Shift+Tab to move backward.
- Use the arrow keys to move within a selected region.
- Press Enter or Space to activate the focused item.
If multi-key shortcuts are difficult, Sticky Keys lets you press the keys in a shortcut one at a time. Filter Keys changes how Windows handles brief or repeated keystrokes. Windows documents these as keyboard accessibility features in its guide to making input devices easier to use.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard to type
Press Windows+Ctrl+O to open the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK). It can enter keystrokes without a touchscreen, so you can use it to type or issue keyboard commands. It does not move the pointer by itself.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
Control the pointer with Mouse Keys
Mouse Keys turns the numeric keypad into pointer controls. To enable it, open Settings > Accessibility > Mouse and turn on Mouse keys. Microsoft’s instructions cover using Mouse Keys to move the pointer.
Move, click, and drag
- Move: Press 7, 8, or 9 for up-left, up, or up-right; 4 or 6 for left or right; and 1, 2, or 3 for down-left, down, or down-right.
- Choose a button: Press / to select the left mouse button, – for the right button, or * for both.
- Click: With the left button selected, press 5 to click or + to double-click.
- Drag: Press 0 to hold the active button, move the pointer with the keypad, then press . to release it.
Mouse Keys requires a numeric keypad. On a compact keyboard without one, the number row at the top is not a substitute; use keyboard navigation or connect a mouse instead. You can adjust pointer speed and related options in Mouse Keys settings.
Rank #2
- Pair and Play: With fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology, you’re connected in seconds to this quiet cordless mouse —no dongle or port required
- Less Noise, More Focus: Silent mouse with 90% reduced click sound and the same click feel, eliminating noise and distractions for you and others around you (1)
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 18-month battery life with an energy-efficient auto sleep feature, so you can go longer between battery changes (2)
- Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Design: Small enough to toss in a bag; this slim and ambidextrous portable compact mouse guides either your right or left hand into a natural position
- Long-Range: Reliable, long-range Bluetooth wireless mouse works up to 10m/33 feet away from your computer (3)
Connect and configure an external mouse
An external mouse is the direct physical alternative if you want conventional pointer control. Choose one based on the connection type that suits your computer, comfort and hand size, portability needs, and whether extra buttons would be useful. No individual mouse model is established here as tested or recommended.
After connecting a mouse, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse to change the primary button or scrolling behavior. For pointer size and style, go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. Microsoft also documents ClickLock, which can help with highlighting or dragging without continuously holding a mouse button, in its guide to changing mouse settings.
Rank #3
- 【Dual Mode Wireless Bluetooth Mouse】: Switch easily between two devices—connect one via Bluetooth (BT5.2/3.0) and the other using a 2.4G USB receiver. No drivers needed; just plug and play. Enjoy a reliable connection up to 33 feet. Note: You can't use both modes simultaneously; the USB receiver is stored in the mouse.
- 【Rechargeable Wireless Mouse】: Equipped with a 500mAh lithium-ion battery, it charges in 2 hours for over 7 days of use and 30 days on standby. The mouse sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power and can be woken with any click.
- 【Colorful LED Breathing Light】: Features 7 colorful LED lights that change randomly, adding a fun atmosphere to your workspace.
- 【Portable Mouse】Compact size (4.4 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches) makes it easy to fit in your laptop bag. Lightweight and ergonomic, it's perfect for travel. Contact us anytime for support.
- 【Wide Compatibility】: Works with laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones across various operating systems, including Android, Windows, and Mac. Ideal for home, office, and travel.
Use a touchscreen if your device has one
On a computer with a touch display, taps can select items, while supported gestures can scroll or zoom. Touchscreen gestures and touchpad gestures are distinct; not every Windows 11 device has a touchscreen, and some touchpad gestures work only with precision touchpads. See Microsoft’s guide to touch gestures for Windows for the distinction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: Contoured, wireless optical mouse with 3-button navigation and integrated scroll wheel lets you be productive all-day using either-hand; multi-OS (1), multi-device optical mouse and gives you the freedom to work or play from almost anywhere
- WIRELESS CONVENIENCE: Go cordless with 2.4 GHz USB-A connectivity that keeps you connected up to a range of 30 feet; USB nano receiver stores inside the mouse for easy portability
- MULTI-SURFACE PERFORMANCE: Be ready for anything with LED multi-surface technology that smooth, lag-free movement on virtually any surface (2)
- PRECISION CONTROL: 1600 dpi optical sensor provides reliable mouse tracking, exceptional speed, and pinpoint accuracy that can be customized to match your working style
- DEPENDABLE POWER: With up to 15 months of use on a 1 AA battery (3), this HP wireless mouse is designed to push the limits and work as hard as you do
Rank #4
- 【Special Mint Green Mouse】This is an ideal choice if you need a colorful and cute mouse. Special mint green color and compact size makes it the best mouse for kids and people with small hands.
- 【Portable Small Mouse】 Only 3.94*2.28*1.52 inches, the usb mouse is designed for small to medium sized hands to achieve optimal fit and comfort. Portable design makes it easy to store in a bag for traveling.
- 【Soft Click Quiet Mouse】 Responsive buttons and scroll wheel provide very soft click with less noise, no more disturbing others and bring you comfortable using experience.
- 【Easy to Use Laptop Mouse】 2.4GHz wireless technology ensures reliable connectivity up to 49ft. 3 adjustable DPI levels (1600/1200/800) to meet your different needs. Only need 1xAA battery (NOT included) to support up to 15 months battery life.Note:USB connector is stored inside the back compartment (open the cover to access).
- 【Universal Compatibility】The wireless mouse is well compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/7,Mac OS . Fits for desktop, laptop, PC, and other devices.
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