Where to find mouse color settings on your computer

Most mice come in one color, but if yours has RGB lighting (colored lights built into the device), you can change those colors through your computer's settings or the mouse manufacturer's software. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether your mouse came with its own control program.

Before you start, check what kind of mouse you have. Look at the bottom or sides — if you see small LED lights or a logo that mentions "RGB" or "lighting," your mouse supports color changes. If it's a basic mouse with no lights, color changes won't be possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Only mice with RGB lighting can change colors — basic mice without built-in lights cannot.
  • Most gaming and premium mice come with manufacturer software (like Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE) that controls colors directly from your computer.
  • Windows 11 and some Windows 10 systems have a built-in mouse settings menu that works with compatible mice without needing extra software.
  • Mac computers have limited mouse color support and usually require the mouse manufacturer's own app to change colors.
  • If you lose the software disc, you can download the control program from the mouse maker's website using your mouse model number.

Changing mouse color in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a built-in settings menu for mice with RGB lighting. Open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then go to Bluetooth & devices on the left side. Click Mouse, then scroll down to find Lighting and effects or RGB lighting.

If you see this option, click it to open a color picker. You can choose from preset colors or create a custom color by adjusting the sliders. Some mice also let you pick a lighting pattern — solid color, breathing, or cycling through colors. Once you pick your color, click Apply and the change happens immediately on your mouse.

If you don't see a lighting option in Settings, your mouse either doesn't support RGB or needs the manufacturer's software instead. Move to the next section to install that software.

Installing manufacturer software for mouse color control

If your mouse is made by Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, Logitech, or another gaming brand, it likely came with a control program. Check the box your mouse came in for a disc or a card with a download link. If you don't have the original materials, go to the mouse maker's website, find the support or downloads section, and search for your exact mouse model.

Download the software and run the installer. You'll be asked to plug in your mouse (or connect it via Bluetooth if it's wireless) and may need to restart your computer. Once installed, open the program — it usually appears in your Start menu or system tray (the icons in the bottom right corner of your screen).

Look for a section labeled Lighting, RGB, Colors, or Effects. Click it to see color options. Most programs let you pick a solid color, a gradient, or an animated pattern. Some also let you set different colors for different parts of the mouse. Make your choice and save the settings — most programs save to the mouse itself, so the color stays even if you unplug it.

Changing mouse color on Mac

Mac computers don't have a built-in mouse color menu like Windows 11 does. If your mouse has RGB lighting, you need the manufacturer's software. Visit the mouse maker's website, download their Mac app (make sure it says "Mac" or "macOS," not just "Windows"), and install it the same way you would any other Mac program.

Open the app from your Applications folder. You should see a lighting or color section where you can pick your color and pattern. Save the settings, and your mouse will remember the color you chose.

Some older gaming mice don't have Mac software available. If the manufacturer's website doesn't list a Mac version, that mouse can't change colors on a Mac — you would need to use it on a Windows computer to adjust the lighting.

Troubleshooting when colors won't change

If you've installed the software but the color still won't change, first make sure your mouse is actually plugged in or connected. Unplug it, wait five seconds, and plug it back in. Some mice need to be recognized by the software before they'll respond to color commands.

Next, restart the control software. Close it completely (check your system tray to make sure it's not still running in the background), then open it again. Sometimes the program loses connection to the mouse and needs to reconnect.

If that doesn't work, restart your computer. This clears out any software conflicts and gives the mouse and computer a fresh start. After restart, open the control software again and try changing the color.

If the color still won't change after restart, your mouse's RGB lights may be broken. Contact the mouse manufacturer's support team with your mouse model number — they can tell you whether the lights are faulty and whether your mouse is still under warranty.

Finding your mouse model number

You'll need your mouse model number to download the right software or contact support. Look on the bottom of your mouse — the model number is usually printed there, sometimes next to a barcode. It might look like "Razer DeathAdder V3" or "Corsair M65 RGB Elite."

If you can't find it on the mouse itself, check the original box or receipt. You can also open the manufacturer's software (if you already have it installed) — most programs show your mouse model in a settings or device information section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mouse color if it didn't come with software?

If your mouse has RGB lighting but no software disc, visit the manufacturer's website and search for your mouse model. Most companies offer free downloads of their control software. Enter your mouse model number in the support section and look for "drivers" or "software" — that's the program you need.

Will changing my mouse color drain the battery faster?

Slightly, but not enough to matter for most users. RGB lighting uses a small amount of power. If you want to extend battery life, you can turn off the lighting entirely in the control software, or set it to a static color instead of an animated pattern.

What if my mouse color keeps resetting when I restart my computer?

The control software may not be set to save your color choice to the mouse itself. Open the software and look for an option like "Save to device," "Onboard memory," or "Store profile." Click that before changing the color. If you don't see that option, the software may need an update — check the manufacturer's website for a newer version.

Can I use one software program to control multiple mice at once?

Most manufacturer software can control multiple mice if they're the same brand. Plug in or connect both mice, open the software, and you should see both devices listed. You can usually set different colors for each one. However, software from different manufacturers (Razer and Corsair, for example) won't work together — you'd need to run both programs separately.