A CUR file is a cursor image or animation used for the Windows mouse pointer. It may be an arrow (for general use), a spinning hourglass (for waiting periods), or an I-bar (for text editing).

Custom desktop themes (.THEME files) may be used to change the cursor image/animation, such as turning the hourglass into a watch. You can modify the image or animation for pointers via the Control Panel by opening the Mouse applet, and clicking the Pointers tab. Choose the scheme you want for the pointer by selecting the "Scheme" dropdown list, choosing the scheme, and clicking Apply. If you want to view, add, edit, or remove CUR files in Windows, they are stored in the following path: C:\Windows\Cursors