How to Right Click Without a Mouse in Windows and macOS
When the mouse fails and is unable to execute right click actions, using a computer could become trickier. Whether using Microsoft Word, Excel, coding software, or graphic designing tools, a right click is an essential action that we all make.
Though you can get a replacement mouse by leaving your work or ordering online, it’ll surely hamper your work productivity. Why not learn how to right click without a mouse on a Windows or macOS computer and finish your work without any interruptions.
How to Right Click Without a Mouse on Windows PC
Here are the 3 best methods to right click without a mouse:
1. Use the Context Key
The standard 101 QWERTY keyboards come with the Context key aka the Menu key. It’s between the right-side Windows and Ctrl key. Most manufacturers use a menu box with a cursor on it as the icon for this key.
You can point the mouse cursor on any component of the Windows PC and then hit the Context key to get the right click context menu.
2. Use a Keyboard Shortcut
Windows computers are highly reliable and trusted for the various alternatives to specific inputs. If using a modern keyboard that doesn’t provide the Context key, you can use a keyboard shortcut.
Hit Shift+F10 to make a right click on any element on the desktop or within a software interface. The right click context menu will immediately show up.
3. Use Mouse Keys
To make Windows operating systems more accessible for persons with disabilities, Microsoft has injected many accessibility features into various Windows versions. One of the most useful is Mouse Keys.
Most advanced Windows OSs like Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 have this feature. Here is how you can activate that from a Windows 7/10/11 PC:
- Bring forth the Start Menu by hitting the Windows key.
- Type Ease of Access in the search box and hit Enter.
- Ease of Access Center will appear on the top of the search result list. Click on it.
- Under the Explore all settings heading, you’ll find Make the mouse easier to use. Select this option.
- On the window that appears next, click on the Set up Mouse Keys link.
- You’ll find various settings on this screen, like Keyboard shortcut, Pointer speed, etc.
- Make any adjustments if needed, and then select the box Turn on Mouse Keys.
- Click on Apply and select Ok to close the screen.
- Now, you can hit Left Alt+Left Shift+Num Lock to activate Mouse Keys and use the number keys for pointer navigation.
- To make a right click, press the Subtraction (-) key in the Num Lock area.
How to Right Click Without a Mouse on macOS PC
Right click on a macOS computer without a mouse is easy if you follow these steps:
- Hold down the Command key and then hit the Spacebar.
- Now, type System Preferences in the Spotlight search box and press Enter.
- Select Universal Access and then click Mouse and Trackpad.
- Here, you need to toggle the Mouse Keys feature to On state.
- Turn on Num Lock by pressing the F6 key.
- Press and hold the Ctrl key, and then hit Num 5 to make a right click action on any element on the screen.
Final Words
Keyboard-based navigation on computers is increasing because it’s accessibility-friendly and improves work productivity. Though you can use the mouse at home for a short time, the longer run keyboard is the right choice.
This tutorial should have answered your question about how to right click without a mouse. You can further make computer work sessions on keyboards more comfortable with the best mechanical gaming keyboard.
