The right-click function on Windows is important; it opens a context menu with multiple options. This plays a significant role in enhancing the user experience on a computer. However, some users have complained that the right-click function is not working on their Windows machines.
Well, fret not. This guide will walk you through some of the most efficient troubleshooting options to resolve the problem. So, let’s get right to it.
- 1 1. Unplug All Peripheral Devices
- 2 2. Restart the Computer
- 3 3. Check for Mouse Faults
- 4 4. Update or Reinstall the Touchpad and Mouse Drivers
- 5 5. Restart Windows Explorer
- 6 6. Disable Power Management Settings for USB Ports
- 7 7. Run the SFC Utility
- 8 8. Enable the Context Menu
- 9 Getting Back the Right-Click Functionality
1. Unplug All Peripheral Devices
When the right-click function does not work, unplugging all connected peripheral devices can fix the issue. This is because it isolates possible software interference and hardware conflicts that may trigger the problem.
If you have an external hard drive, a flash drive, a keyboard, a controller, or other connected devices, detach them for a few seconds and retry the right-click function. If you use an external mouse, you may also disconnect the cable for a few seconds and then retry using it. If this does not work, try the solutions prefaced below.
2. Restart the Computer
When you reboot your computer, it forces all running processes to shut down. This method can be effective in fixing the right-click function on Windows when it’s caused by a problematic process or minor bug.
Restart the computer, and if the problem persists on start-up, you may proceed to a different solution.
3. Check for Mouse Faults
If you use an external mouse, the right-click function may not work when it has faults. These faults may be due to the natural wear and tear from extended use or if you drop the mouse and it hits a hard surface.
Start with a physical examination for broken buttons, frayed cables, or loose screws, then check batteries and make sure there is no debris or dust stuck within your mouse. You may even try using the right-click function on a different computer to rule out mouse faults.
4. Update or Reinstall the Touchpad and Mouse Drivers
Drivers are vital for maintaining hardware and software synergy on the Windows operating system. When the right-click option is not working on Windows, it may be a sign of driver corruption or an outdated driver for the mouse or touchpad. You may follow the steps below to update these drivers.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
Step 2: Expand the ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ section and double-click your mouse. Alternatively, if the problem is on your Touchpad, expand the Human Interface Devices category, and double-click your touchpad driver.
Step 3: Click the Driver tab, then click the Update Driver button.
Step 4: Click ‘Search automatically for updates.’
Alternatively, you may open the Device Managers and reinstall the driver following the steps below.
Step 1: Expand the ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ section and double-click your mouse. Alternatively, if the problem is on your Touchpad, expand the Human Interface Devices category and double-click your touchpad driver.
Step 2: Click the Driver tab, click Uninstall Device, and confirm your choice.
Step 3: Restart your computer, reopen the Device Manager, and click the ‘Scan for hardware changes’ icon.
5. Restart Windows Explorer
When you restart Windows Explorer, you will refresh file management, which can kill minor bugs that may cause the right-click function not to work. A restart will also resolve file association conflicts and will reset third-party shell extensions that may add custom options to the right-click menu.
Step 1: Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Click Windows Explorer and click the Restart task option.
6. Disable Power Management Settings for USB Ports
Disabling the Power Management settings can be an effective fix when the right-click option is not working. It will prevent USB port interruptions, resolve potential conflicts between the settings and the mouse, and fix power issues that may make it malfunction.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
Step 2: Expand the ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’ category, and double-click your mouse driver.
Step 3: Click the Power Management tab and uncheck the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ value, then click OK.
7. Run the SFC Utility
The SFC utility is a tool on Windows that scans the computer for corrupt system files, which it can then repair or replace. This is a valid fix because system file corruption is why certain functions like right-click may not work on Windows 11.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, then type cmd in the text file and press the Ctlr+ Shift + Enter keys to open the Command Prompt.
Step 2: Type the command below and hit Enter, then follow any prompts on the terminal to complete the process.
sfc /scannow
8. Enable the Context Menu
While this is not the most common reason, you may have accidentally disabled the context menu. You may re-enable it from the Registry editor. It is recommended to create a backup of the registry before proceeding with any changes in the Registry Editor.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the path below.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PrecisionTouchPad\Status
Step 3: Double-click the Enabled option on the right pane, change the value data to 1, and click OK.
Step 4: Restart the computer.
Getting Back the Right-Click Functionality
On Windows, it is easy to regain the right-click functionality when it stops working. The problem may stem from the computer, driver issues, or hardware. Whatever the case is, you should be able to resolve it with the fixes in this guide.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
