CUR File Extension

What is CUR file?

Files with CUR extension store mouse cursor icons used by Windows systems.

What do CUR files contain?

Cursor images are typically stored in three variants, each with different purpose:

• standard usage (mouse cursor icon),
• waiting periods (for example, while opening a file or starting a program; an hourglass icon),
• text editing mode (I-bar icon).

How can I change the mouse cursor icon?

Default cursor icon saved in CUR files can be changed using desktop themes (distributed as THEME files). Most desktop themes are available for free. Themes can not only be used for changing the mouse pointer icons, but also menus, color themes, sounds, desktop background, folder icons, etc. Themes are generally used for personalizing Windows desktops.

How to manually change mouse cursor icon?

Windows users can manually change mouse cursor icon using Mouse settings in Control Panel menus by selecting an alternative icon from associated CUR file.

Where are CUR files saved?

CUR files are by default saved in Cursors subfolder located in Windows system folder.

Programs which support CUR file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support CUR files. CUR files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/14/2022

How to open file with CUR extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening CUR files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with CUR extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with CUR files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Windows

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening CUR files is that no program that can handle CUR files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Windows or one of the recommended programs (for example, ACDSee, PaintShop Pro, Inkscape) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Windows installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Windows and update if needed

If the problems with opening CUR files still occur even after installing Microsoft Windows, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Windows is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why CUR files are not compatible with Microsoft Windows. The latest version of Microsoft Windows should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open CUR files to Microsoft Windows

After installing Microsoft Windows (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open CUR files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the CUR file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Windows is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open CUR files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with CUR extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CUR extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the CUR for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the CUR file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the CUR in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the CUR is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the CUR file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with CUR extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic CUR file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the CUR file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Windows

If the systems has insufficient resources to open CUR files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Windows Cursor file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with CUR files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the CUR file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on CUR file.