Mastering Computer Navigation with Keyboard Instead of Mouse

Have you ever found yourself thói quen using a mouse but longing for the efficiency of keyboard navigation? Learning to manage your computer with a keyboard rather than a mouse can significantly improve your productivity and accessibility, especially for those with limited motor skills. This article will guide you through the process on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

On Windows

Using a mouse is not always feasible due to various reasons, such as physical disabilities or simply the ergonomic discomfort it may cause. Luckily, Windows offers a feature called Mouse Keys that allows you to navigate using your numeric keypad. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you up and running:

Check for a Numeric Keypad

Your computer should have a numeric keypad. This is the block of number keys usually located on the right side of the keyboard. If your keyboard does not have one, you cannot use Mouse Keys, but you can still use the many keyboard shortcuts listed elsewhere.

Access the Ease of Access Center

Press the Win key to open the Start menu. Alternatively, you can use the combination Ctrl Esc. Search for “ease of access” and select the related Control Panel link. You can do this by pressing the ↓ key until you highlight it, then Enter. Select Set up Mouse Keys from the Ease of Access Center. Use the arrow keys to navigate and press Enter.

Enable Mouse Keys

After enabling, the Mouse Keys utility will open. Use the ↓ key to select Toggle Mouse Keys and press Enter. To adjust the pointer speed, use the arrow keys. Set the Top speed to a high value, such as 75 percent or higher. Acceleration to around 50 percent.

Control Pointer Movement and Clicks

Once set, use the numeric keypad to move the pointer:

4, 8, 6, 2 for left, up, right, down 7, 9, 3 for 45-degree angle movement

To perform a click, press the 5 key in the center of the numeric keypad. You can disable this drop-down menu by pressing the / key.

Enable Right-Click Menu

For the right-click menu, you can use the Shift 5 shortcut.

On Mac

Although the basic window navigation is straightforward using arrow keys, there are additional Mac-specific shortcuts to enhance your experience:

Enable Mouse Keys on Mac

To access the Accessibility menu, you can use the following shortcuts: Command Q to quit an app or window. Command Space to open Spotlight. Command Tab to switch between open apps. Command N to open a new Finder window from the desktop. Alt F2, then Command L to open System Preferences. Ctrl F2 to open the Apple Menu. Press Return to activate.

To enable Mouse Keys on Mac, you can:

Quickly tap the Touch ID button three times on a MacBook with a Touch Bar. On other Mac models, press Fn Option Command F5.

Control Pointer and Click

Use the arrow keys U, 8, O, K for left, up, right, and down movement. Use J, 7, 9, L for 45-degree angle movement. To perform a click, use the 5 key. To release the hold, use the . key.

With Mouse Keys enabled, you have the power to navigate easily and efficiently, enhancing your computer experience. Try these steps today and experience the convenience of keyboard-only navigation!