How do I deselect tools and get pointer back in Microsoft Paint verson 11

Question

How do I deselect tools and get pointer back in Microsoft Paint verson 11

Anon 5

i cant seem to be able User's image

to select back to the pointer while using paint , anyone got a solution?

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2 answers

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Answer 1

EmilyS726 280.2K Independent Advisor

Hello

This is actually by design with the new Paint app. Took me quite some time to get used to it as well. Unfortunately there's no way to get it back via settings.

The selection/deselection is now the default, but let's say if you create a square shape and need to move it, you move the mouse over the edge and you will notice the select icon turns to move icon, then you can drag and move.

David Benjamin 0 Reputation points

2026-11-12T22:03:13.36+00:00

The answers are not helpful because microsoft paint does not actually behave in the ways that the text in the answers indicate.

Answer 2

Microsoft Paint version 11 does not have a separate “pointer” tool like older graphics or Office apps. The mouse cursor automatically acts as a selection/pointer tool when not actively using a drawing action.

To effectively “deselect” a tool and just select or move things:

Finish the current stroke or shape (release the mouse button or lift your pen).
Click on a blank area of the canvas to clear any active selection.
The cursor will behave as a normal pointer for selecting and moving existing content.

If a specific tool (like brush, pencil, or eraser) is still active, simply avoid dragging on the canvas; clicking on existing content will select it, and clicking on empty space will do nothing—functionally the same as a pointer mode.

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