How to right click on a laptop – there are more ways than you think!

How to right click on a laptop of any type, even if your laptop touchpad is not working

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Knowing how to right click on a laptop is one of the first steps you need to learn if you want to go used to using your laptop, but there’s a bit more to it than you might think! If you’re new to laptop trackpads and have only ever used a mouse before, this may actually be a question that needs answering – quickly. Luckily for you, this guide will take you through how to right click on a laptop using various different methods: from the basic to the more complex.

The most straightforward way to right click on a laptop that has buttons in the trackpad/touchpad is to (stay with us here) simply click the button on the right-hand side. Of course, many laptops these days don’t have visible buttons, and instead require you to depress the trackpad itself in the corresponding location. Usually, single-clicking the bottom right of the pad on a Windows laptop will be the equivalent of right-clicking, however on MacBooks the action is usually two fingers clicking anywhere on the touchpad, and some Chromebooks and Windows laptops also follow this method. If you have a touchscreen laptop, then you’ll want to know that Windows 10 machines allow you to hold your finger down on the screen to bring up the right-click context menu.

Our advice would be to try all of the above methods and if you’re still struggling to get the right click action, read the more in-depth solutions below. The methods involving the keyboard are particularly useful if your trackpad isn’t working at all.

How to right click on a laptop without a precision touchpad

A precision touchpad is a more advanced touchpad that allows the incorporation of various gestures. If you have an older non-precision touchpad then follow the below steps to set the right click action how you like.

Step

1

Search ‘touchpad’ in the Start Menu

Go to the Windows Start Menu in the bottom left of your desktop, and type touchpad into the search bar.

Step

2

Synaptics Touchpad

 

Most touchpads will have a Synaptics TouchPad under apps, click on this or whatever brand your laptop uses.

Step

3

Clickpad Settings

In the new Properties window that should open, select Clickpad Settings.

Step

4

Set gestures

You will be able to set the desired actions to the corresponding gestures, including right click.

How to right click on a laptop with a precision touchpad

If you do have the more advanced precision touchpad, then follow the below steps instead to set the right click action how you like.

Step

1

Open Windows Settings

Click on the Start Menu icon in the bottom left of your desktop, then click on the cog wheel icon to open Windows Settings.

Step

2

Precision Touchpad Settings

Type ‘precision touchpad’ into the search bar and select it.

Step

3

Set right click

Set the right click action how you wish in the settings.

How to right click on a laptop with a keyboard shortcut

In some Windows laptops, the keyboards have a key on them you may not be aware of. Usually located just to the left of the right Ctrl key, this button, known as the ‘context menu key’ or ‘menu key’ (a rectangle with horizontal lines inside that may also have a cursor icon) acts just like a right mouse button key wherever your cursor happens to be at the time.

If you do not have one of these keys however, worry not, for there’s a shortcut which performs exactly the same function: simply hold the Shift + F10 keys on your keyboard.

Do be aware though that this keyboard shortcut does not necessarily function in every program or application.

How to right click on a laptop with the keyboard numpad

Assuming the keyboard of your laptop has a numpad, there‘s another way of controlling your cursor with it that includes the ability to right click.

Known as ‘Mouse Keys’, you can access this feature through the following steps in Windows 10.

Step

1

Open the Control Panel

Go to the Windows Start Menu in the bottom left corner of your desktop, search for Control Panel, and then open the Control Panel menu.

Step

2

Ease of Access

Open Ease of Access.

Step

3

Change how your mouse works

Click Change how your mouse works.

Step

4

Set up mouse keys

 

Click on Set up mouse keys.

Step

5

Turn Mouse Keys on

Make sure the slider to Turn Mouse Keys on or off is set to on, and modify any other settings you wish. You should now be able to move the cursor using the numbered keypad buttons. “/”, “*” and “-” act as the mouse buttons. Click “-” to press the right mouse button.

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How to right click on a laptop : Final Word

This has been our in depth guide on how to right click on a laptop. We hope you have found it an illuminating experience. Do be sure you check out our other how to guides on the subject of laptops and other laptop articles generally under www.wepc.com/laptop/ or have a look at our gaming laptop pieces under www.wepc.com/gaming-laptop/.