X-Mouse Button Control for Windows

Softonic review

Free utility to customize your mouse

Many people don’t realize that their computer mouse can do a lot more than just point and click. The free utility, X-Mouse Button Control (XMBC), lets you unlock the full potential of your mouse by mapping new functions to its buttons. With XMBC, you can reconfigure and expand the capabilities of your mouse.

How do I download X-Mouse Button Control?

X-Mouse Button Control is a safe, virus-free program available on Windows PCs. It is compatible with Windows 10 and there are versions available for older operating systems. It was originally designed to run natively on x64 editions of Windows but it is also fully supported on 32-bit editions too. The version needed (x64 or x86) is automatically determined during installation.

The program also supports various functions in different Windows operating systems, such as Flip3D in Vista, ModernUI/Metro in Windows 8, and Virtual Desktops in Windows 10.

XMBC is not available for Mac computers. Alternatives to X-Mouse Button Control include Mouse Speed Switcher, Remote Mouse, and AutoHotKey. There is also a portable version of XMBC available called X-Mouse Button Control Portable.

Downloading X-Mouse Button Control is easy. You just run the installation exe and then follow the on-screen instructions, including agreeing to the license agreement. XMBC is available in various languages apart from English, via the community-translated language packs.

To open XMBC, you have to navigate to the system tray and double click the corresponding icon. A right-click on the icon reveals additional options, including exiting the utility.

How do I remap my mouse buttons?

XMBC can be used to remap mouse buttons. It lets you change the behavior of the mouse buttons and scroll wheel, assigning new tasks to each. The software is not just for button mapping, however. It also allows for various navigation customizations, including tuning the pointer and scroll wheel to your needs.

XMBC can also make your changes context-dependent. This means that a button’s function in one piece of software can differ from its function in another.

This is useful in many scenarios, including changing the behavior of your mouse in certain windows, such as making the mouse wheel change volume when hovering over the system tray or a YouTube video. Or perhaps you play specific games that do not natively support the fourth and fifth mouse buttons. You can map the relevant key commands to each of these mouse buttons.

Application- and window-specific behavior is programmed by creating profiles that control how the mouse behaves when switching between individual applications or windows. By default, profiles are automatically activated as the mouse moves over the defined window or application.

In each profile, you can configure up to 10 ‘layers’ of different button configurations that you can switch between by either using the hotkeys or mouse buttons.

How do I use X-Mouse Button Control?

Using X-Mouse Button Control can be a little daunting at first: there are a lot of options and the interface, although clean and easy to understand, doesn’t guide you through the process of assigning them. Confused users might wish to search online for a user guide or tutorial, especially when starting. What it lacks in ease, though, it makes up in versatility.

The software features an extensive list of functions available to map to your mouse buttons. These include shifting/combining buttons to perform different actions; creating timed button actions that change depending on how long you hold a button down for; mapping simulated keystrokes that send custom keystrokes, key sequences or mouse actions when you press a mouse button; and launching specific Windows applications.

In total, there are around 100 different actions for you to select.

When you open X-Mouse Button Control, you will see the main window that includes a list of Application/Window Profiles. This list contains all of the profiles you have created and assigned to various applications or windows. From here you can quickly add, activate, or deactivate profiles. If a profile’s text is red, then it is the active profile.

The corresponding Profile Information box shows how XMBC classifies the selected process or window. This is information is the same as that entered when creating the profile.

The list of Mapping Commands shows the tasks assigned to each of up to nine possible controls on your mouse. Actions for each button are selected from the drop-down lists. It’s important to remember that the list of commands is subject to change with each version of XMBC and that some items are only available on specific operating systems. For example, only operating systems after Windows XP support standard tilt wheel messages.

When assigning keystrokes to the mouse (i.e. when you click on a certain mouse button, it will activate a set key command), there are nine methods available for sending your assigned keystroke. These include sending the keys when the mouse button is either pressed or released, sending the keys while the mouse button is held or continuously sending the keys while the mouse button is held down.

All these functions add up to a rather comprehensive program that can address the mouse customization needs of even the most advanced user. Getting your mouse set up exactly as you want it might take a little while but the effort will be worth it.

Powerful yet complicated mouse customization

X-Mouse Button Control is a powerful mouse customization tool. It is ideal for people who want to perform a wide range of different functions with just a click of a button or tap of their scroll wheel. With around 100 different actions and available for up to nine mouse controls, the configurations are almost endless.

Due to this extensive range of options, however, X-Mouse Button Control can seem quite intimidating and complicated for inexperienced users. With no user guide easily accessible through the utility, it will take most users time to fully figure out what they can achieve.

Download Windows 10

Before updating, please refer to the Windows release information status for known issues to confirm your device is not impacted.

Windows 10 October 2020 Update

The Update Assistant can help you update to the latest version of Windows 10. To get started, click Update now.

Create Windows 10 installation media

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. You can then download and run the media creation tool. For more information on how to use the tool, see the instructions below.

Here’s when to use these instructions:

• You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
• You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.

If you are installing Windows 10 on a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media to install Windows 10 on a different PC, see Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC section below.

Note: Before you install Windows 10, check to make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for any additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

1. Select Download tool, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.

After downloading and installing, the tool will walk you through how to set up Windows 10 on your PC. All Windows 10 editions are available when you select Windows 10, except for Enterprise edition. For more information on Enterprise edition, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.

• If you don’t have a license to install Windows 10 and have not yet previously upgraded to it, you can purchase a copy here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-10.
• If you previously upgraded to Windows 10 on this PC and you’re reinstalling it, you don’t need to enter a product key. Your copy of Windows 10 will automatically activate later using your digital license.

When Windows 10 is ready to install, you’ll see a recap of what you’ve chosen, and what will be kept through the upgrade. Select Change what to keep to set whether you would like to Keep personal files and apps, or Keep personal files only, or choose to keep Nothing during the upgrade.

Save and close any open apps and files you may be running, and when you’re ready, select Install.

It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.

Follow these steps to create installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) you can use to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows 10.

Before you download the tool make sure you have:

• An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
• Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
• A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space or blank DVD (and DVD burner) if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
• When burning a DVD from an ISO file, if you are told the disc image file is too large you will need to use Dual Layer (DL) DVD Media.

Check a few things on the PC where you want to install Windows 10:

• 64-bit or 32-bit processor (CPU). You’ll create either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10. To check this on your PC, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for System type.
• System requirements. Make sure the PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
• Language in Windows. You’ll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 10. To see what language you’re currently using, go to Time and language in PC settings or Region in Control Panel.
• Edition of Windows. You should also choose the same edition of Windows. To check what edition you’re currently running, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for Windows edition. Windows 10 Enterprise isn’t available in the media creation tool. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.
• Microsoft Office products. If you just purchased a new device that includes Office 365, we recommend redeeming (installing) Office before upgrading to Windows 10. To redeem your copy of Office, please see Download and install Office 365 Home, Personal, or University on your PC. For more information, check How to upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office 365.

If you have Office 2010 or earlier and choose to perform a clean install of Windows 10, you will need to locate your Office product key. For tips on locating your product key, check Find your Office 2010 product key or Enter the product key for your Office 2007 program.

Using the tool to create installation media:

1. Select Download tool now, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. This table will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 you’ll choose:

Your current edition of Windows	Windows 10 edition
Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8.1 with Bing Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Center Windows 8/8.1 Single Language Windows 8 Single Language with Bing Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1 Chinese Language Edition Windows 8 Chinese Language Edition with Bing	Windows 10 Home China​

Select which media you want to use:

• USB flash drive. Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.
• ISO file. Save an ISO file to your PC, which you can use to create a DVD. After the file is downloaded, you can go to location where the file is saved, or select Open DVD burner, and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD. For more info about using an ISO file, see Additional methods for using the ISO file to install Windows 10 section below.

After the installation media is created, follow the steps below to use it.

After completing the steps to install Windows 10, please check that you have all the necessary device drivers installed. To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. You may also wish to visit your device manufacturer’s support site for any additional drivers that may be needed.

Note: Drivers for Surface devices may be found on the Download drivers and firmware for Surface page.

Before you install Windows 10, it’s a good idea to save any work and back up your PC before you start. If you used the media creation tool to download an ISO file for Windows 10, you’ll need to burn it to a DVD before following these steps.

1. Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Restart your PC.

If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you’ll typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer’s website. If you do not see the USB or DVD media device listed within the boot options, you may need to reach out to the PC manufacturer for instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.

If changing the boot menu or order doesn’t work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down. To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or on the Start menu and select Shut down.

On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next.

Select Install Windows.

If you downloaded an ISO file for Windows 10, the file is saved locally at the location you selected. If you have a third-party DVD burning program installed on your computer that you prefer to use for creating the installation DVD, that program might open by going to the location where the file is saved and double-clicking the ISO file, or right-click the ISO file, select Open with and choose your preferred DVD burning software.

If you want to use the Windows Disk Image Burner to create an installation DVD, go to the location where the ISO file is saved. Right-click the ISO file and select Properties. On the General tab, click Change and select Windows Explorer for the program you would like to use to open ISO files and select Apply. Then right-click the ISO file and select Burn disc image.

If you want to install Windows 10 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 10.