Need to right-click on your computer but don't have a mouse or it's not working? Don't panic, there are other ways to access the context menu without using a mouse. In this article, we'll show you how to right-click without a mouse on different types of computers and give you a few extra tips!
What is a right-click and what is it used for?
A right-click is the action of clicking the right mouse button when the cursor is placed over an element on the screen. This action opens a context menu that offers different options depending on the selected element.
For example :
- If you right-click on a file, you can copy , cut , rename , delete , share , etc.
- If you right-click on an image, you can open , save , edit , copy , etc.
- If you right-click on a text, you can select it, copy , paste , search for , etc.
Right-clicking is therefore a quick and convenient way to access useful functions without going through the main menus of the computer or the software being used.
Why use a keyboard to right-click instead of a mouse?
You might be wondering why you would need to right-click on a computer without a mouse . After all, the mouse is the most common and simplest accessory for interacting with the screen. However, there are several reasons why you might use the keyboard to right-click instead of a mouse.
Here are some of those reasons:
- You don't have a mouse available or you've left it at home.
- Your mouse is faulty , broken, or the battery is dead.
- Your mouse is not compatible with your computer or operating system.
- Do you prefer to use the keyboard to save time or for ergonomic reasons?
- You are working on a computer that does not have a mouse or does not allow you to plug one in.
- You want to learn how to use the keyboard to gain more control over your computer
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Whatever your reason, you should know that it is possible to right-click without a mouse on a computer, and in several ways. We will show you these in the following sections.
How do I right-click on a Windows PC without a mouse?
Windows PC , you have several options for right-clicking without a mouse. Here are the main ones:
- Use the context menu key : This key is usually located to the right of the space bar, between the Alt and Ctrl . It represents a menu with an arrow. Pressing this key opens the context menu for the item where the cursor is located. You can then navigate the menu using the arrow keys and confirm your selection with the Enter key.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 : this shortcut has the same effect as the context menu. It opens the context menu of the item where the cursor is located. You can then use the arrow keys and the Enter key to select the desired option.
How do I right-click on a Mac without a mouse?
If you're using a Mac , you also have several options for right-clicking without a mouse. Here are the main ones:
- Use the Control or Command key : these keys are located at the bottom left and right of the keyboard, respectively. Pressing one of these keys while clicking on an item with the trackpad or numeric keypad opens that item's context menu. You can then navigate the menu using the arrow keys and confirm your selection with the Enter key.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 5 : This shortcut has the same effect as the Control or Command key. It opens the context menu for the item where the cursor is located. You can then use the arrow keys and the Enter to select the desired option.
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- Configure keyboard or trackpad settings : If you want to customize how you right-click without a mouse on your Mac, change the keyboard or trackpad settings in System Preferences . You can then choose the options that suit you best.
How do I right-click on a Chromebook without a mouse?
If you're using a Chromebook , you also have several options for right-clicking without a mouse. Here are the main ones:
- Use the Alt or Search key : these keys are located at the bottom left and right of the keyboard, respectively. Pressing one of these keys while clicking on an item with the touchpad or numeric keypad opens that item's context menu. You can then navigate the menu using the arrow keys and confirm your selection with the Enter key.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Search + 5 : This shortcut has the same effect as the Alt or Search key. It opens the context menu of the item where the cursor is located. You can then use the arrow keys and the Enter key to select the desired option.
- Using the touchpad or numeric keypad : If your Chromebook has a touchpad or numeric keypad, you can use them to right-click without a mouse. On the touchpad, you can tap with two fingers or your right finger on the desired item. On the numeric keypad, you can activate the Num Lock key, then press the 5 key while holding down the Alt key.
How do I right-click on a laptop without a mouse?
If you're using a laptop, you also have several options for right-clicking without a mouse. Here are the main ones:
- Use the designated area of the touchpad : Most laptops have a touchpad that allows you to control the cursor instead of using a mouse . This touchpad usually has a dedicated right-click area , often located in the bottom right corner. Tapping this area opens the context menu for the item where the cursor is located.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + click : this shortcut has the same effect as the designated area on the touchpad. It opens the context menu of the item where the cursor is located. You can then use the arrow keys and the Enter key to select the desired option.
- Using a touchscreen or stylus : Some laptops have a touchscreen that allows you to interact with the screen using your fingers or a stylus. On these screens, you can right-click without a mouse by pressing and holding on the item you want. The context menu for that item will then appear.
- Configure the touchpad or touchscreen settings If you want to customize how you right-click without a mouse on your laptop, you can change the touchpad or touchscreen settings:
- Access the Control Panel
- Click on Hardware and Audio
- Then select Mouse or Touchscreen .
You can then choose the options that best suit you, such as enabling secondary click, tap click or two-finger click on the touchpad, or adjusting the sensitivity or duration of the click on the touchscreen, etc.
How do I right-click on a computer without a mouse and with a stylus?
If your computer has a stylus , you can right-click without a mouse by pressing and holding on the item you want with the stylus. This brings up the context menu for that item. You can then select the option you want by tapping on it with the stylus.
How do I right-click on a computer without a mouse and with a game controller?
If your computer has a gamepad , you can right-click without a mouse using the B button or the right button on the gamepad. This brings up the context menu for the item where the cursor is located. You can then use the joystick or the arrow keys on the gamepad to navigate the menu and the A button or the left button on the gamepad to confirm your selection.
How do I right-click on a computer with a virtual keyboard without a mouse?
If your computer has a virtual keyboard , you can right-click without a mouse using the context key or the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10 on the virtual keyboard. This brings up the context menu for the item where the cursor is located.
How do I right-click on a computer without a mouse using voice commands?
If your computer has voice control , you can right-click without a mouse by saying " right-click " or " context menu " when the cursor is over the item you want. This will bring up the context menu for that item. You can then say the name of the option you want to select or its corresponding number.
