How To Right-Click Without a Mouse

Using your computer can be tricky when your mouse fails or you cannot use the right-click on your trackpad. Right-clicking is a necessary action you need when operating your computer. However, it is possible to right-click on your PC without a mouse. The question now is, how do you right-click without a mouse? 

Knowing the different ways to right-click without a mouse is handy, so you are not stranded when your mouse breaks. This article elaborates on how you can right-click without a mouse. 

Methods To Right-Click Without a Mouse 

When you have issues with your mouse, you could buy a new mouse or fix your PC trackpad. But if you need an emergency fix to finish a task, there are alternative ways to right-click on a PC without a mouse. Below are three ways you can right-click without a mouse. 

Method #1: Using the Context key 

On most keyboards, a context key performs the same function as right-clicking. The context key is usually located on the bottom row, towards the right-hand side between the Alt and Ctrl keys. While this key is useful, some modern keyboards do not come with this key. However, if you have this key on your PC, you can use it to right-click whenever you need it. 

Here’s how to right-click with the context key.

1. Move your cursor over the area you want to right-click and tap on it to lock it in place, depending on your tool. 
2. Press the context key, and the right-click menu will pop right beside the option your cursor is over. 
3. You can then select whatever option you need from the pop-up menu. 

Method #2: Using Shortcuts 

Another option you have to right-click on your PC is to use shortcuts. So, if your keyboard does not come with the context key, you can always opt for the shortcut option to right-click.

Here’s how to right-click using a shortcut.

1. Move your cursor over the area you want to right-click and click on it to lock the cursor in place. 
2. Press the keys Shift + F10 together, and the right-click menu will pop up immediately. 
3. You can then select the option you want to use from the options.  

Method #3: Using Gestures 

Another option you have to right-click without a mouse is to use gestures. While this method is convenient, you can only use it on a trackpad that supports multiple touches. Not every trackpad comes with this feature by default. So, in case your PC does not have gestures, you could enable it by downloading third-party apps like Synaptics ForcePad, amongst others. 

Here’s how to right-click using gestures.

1. Launch the Settings app on your PC and select “Devices”. 
2. Click on “Touchpad” and set a gesture under the “Scroll and Zoom” section. 
3. Use clicking with two fingers to right-click or any other gesture that feels more convenient for you, then save and close the window. 

Conclusion 

As you can see from this guide, there are different ways to right-click without a mouse. You never can tell when you’d need to know another way to right-click. So, if you find yourself in need of right-clicking but your mouse seems to be unresponsive, use any of the methods elaborated on in this guide.  

Frequently Asked Questions