Adjusting Double-Click Timing

If you find folders opening when you don't mean to, or struggle to open them at all, your double-click speed setting might be off.

💡 How to adjust double click speed?

You can adjust double-click speed in Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse. Lower speeds allow more time between clicks, while higher speeds require rapid double-taps.

What you are changing: This setting controls the maximum time allowed between two clicks for the OS to consider them a 'double-click'.

Windows Settings

Windows 11 (24H2+)

New settings menu location:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
Click on Double-click speed to expand it.
Use the slider to adjust the speed. Test it by double-clicking the folder icon inside the settings app.

Windows 10 & Older 11

Classic Control Panel method:

Open Start and search for "Mouse Settings".
Click Additional mouse settings (or "Mouse Properties").
In the Buttons tab, adjust the Double-click speed slider.

Registry Editor

For advanced users only:

Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse.
Find DoubleClickSpeed. The value is in milliseconds (default ~500).
Lower value = faster clicks required. Higher value = slower clicks allowed.

macOS Settings

macOS Sequoia (15+)

Open System Settings.
Go to Accessibility > Pointer Control.
Adjust Double-click speed slider.

macOS Sonoma (14)

Open System Settings.
Go to Accessibility > Pointer Control.
Use the slider to change speed.

macOS Ventura (13)

System Settings > Accessibility.
Select Pointer Control.
Change the Double-click speed.

Notes:

Fast setting: You must click very quickly.
Slow setting: You can click slowly and it still counts as a double-click.
If checking 'Ignore built-in trackpad', ensure your external mouse is connected.

Troubleshooting

How to Test

Single-click a folder name to rename? You might be too slow.
Folder doesn't open? You might be too slow for the current 'Fast' setting.

Common Pitfalls

Don't set it to fastest unless you have reflex-like fingers.
Don't set it to slowest or single clicks might be interpreted as double clicks if you click casually.
Check hardware: If speed settings don't help, your mouse switch might be physically failing (double-clicking on single press).
See our Double Click Test to verify hardware faults.

References

Windows 11 (24H2+) Settings slider and Registry values: Windows 11 Forum tutorial (updated May 28, 2025).
Windows 10/11 path to “Additional mouse settings”: MakeUseOf guide (Windows section).
macOS Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia steps (Pointer Control): AbilityNet guides — Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia.
Latest macOS versions (recency check): endoflife.date/macos.

Verified on Windows 11 Pro 23H2 and macOS Sonoma 14.2.

Written by MouseTesting Team

Reviewed by MouseTesting Engineering • Last updated: January 2026