Whether your mouse is malfunctioning or you’re using a touch-only device, it would be helpful to master how to right-click without a mouse on Windows 11. In this guide, I’m going to talk about the 8 reliable ways to right-click in Windows 11 using only your keyboard or touchpad. Fret not, these methods are simple and don’t require much learning curve either. That said, let’s get started!
1. Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Shift + F10)
Frankly speaking, this is the most direct way to right-click using just your keyboard. To get it done, all you need to do is just select the item you want to right-click and press Shift + F10. It will show up in the context menu just like a right-click.
2. Use the Touchpad Right-Click Area
Are you using a modern Windows laptop? If the answer is in the affirmative, chances are your touchpad likely has a built-in right-click zone. Tapping or pressing the bottom-right corner of the touchpad will allow you to simulate a right-click.
- To check or customize this behavior, head over to the Settings app on your laptop > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad.
3. Use a Custom Shortcut with AutoHotkey
If you’re a power user, it would be nice to make full use of tools like AutoHotkey. Using AutoHotkey, you can create scripts to simulate right-clicks. What’s more, you can even bind a key combo (like Ctrl + Space) to perform a right-click action anywhere on the screen.
4. Use the Menu Key (if available)
It’s worth pointing out that some keyboards come equipped with a Menu key located between the right Alt and Ctrl keys. When you highlight a file or folder and press this key, the right-click menu will display.
5. Use Two-Finger Tap on a Precision Touchpad
It’s also important to mention that for laptops with a precision touchpad, tapping with two fingers on the touchpad surface will let you access the right-click menu. If you want to unlock this hidden feature, make sure this setting is active on your Windows device.
- To get it done, launch the Settings app on your PC > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Taps and enable a Two-finger tap for right-click.
6. Use On-Screen Keyboard
If you’re using a touchscreen or don’t have access to a physical keyboard, I’d recommend you take advantage of the On-Screen Keyboard.
- To launch the on-screen keyboard, press the Win + Ctrl + O.
- Now, tap the Menu key or right-click option from there to bring up the context menus.
7. Enable Mouse Keys (Numeric Keypad)
Did you know that you could simulate mouse actions with your keyboard by activating the Mouse Keys on your PC?
- If you are not familiar with this super handy feature, navigate to the Settings app on your PC > Accessibility.
- Choose Mouse.
- Now, turn on the Mouse keys.
- With Num Lock on, you can use Shift + F10 or navigate the cursor using the number pad and press / (slash) to mimic a right-click.
8. Use Touchscreen Long Press
On touchscreen devices, you can just tap and hold on to an item until the right-click context menu shows up. To me, it is the easiest method if you’re using a tablet or touchscreen laptop.
Wrapping up..!
That’s it! Whether your mouse stopped working or you just prefer using your keyboard or touchpad, Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to access right-click functionality. Now that you’ve unlocked these slightly hidden gems, make the most of them – without fail.
