How to Change Mouse Hover Menu Delay in Windows

This guide explains how to adjust the hover menu delay time in Windows using the Registry Editor. By modifying a specific registry string value, you can customize how quickly submenus, Start menu flyouts, and context menus appear when your mouse cursor hovers over an item.

The Registry Key and Value

The delay time for Windows desktop mouse hover menus is controlled by the MenuShowDelay string value located within the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. In the left navigation pane, navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
  4. In the right-hand pane, scroll down and double-click the MenuShowDelay string value.
  5. In the Value data field, enter a new number representing the delay in milliseconds:
    • Default: 400 (0.4 seconds)
    • Faster response: 100 to 200
    • Instant response: 0
  6. Click OK to save the changes.
  7. Restart your computer or sign out and sign back into your Windows account for the changes to take effect.