How to Fix Your Mouse Right Click When It’s Not Working Properly

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A simple guide to fixing mouse issues
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Is the right-click button on your mouse not working on your Windows or Mac computer? Although this is an issue mostly seen within Windows 10/11, it can't be ruled out on Mac especially if the mouse features a right-click button. Read on to learn more about fixing this issue whether it's hardware or software causing the problem.

Solve a Right-Click Not Working Issue

First rule out a hardware vs software issue. Change the batteries or charge the mouse, then use a different USB port, and try the mouse with different computers. For software fixes, eliminate glitches by turning off your PC, unplugging everything, turning your PC on, and plugging everything back in after it starts. Temporarily fix your mouse by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del and then Esc .

Section 1 of 4:

Hardware vs Software

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  1. Is the mouse acting funny due to settings, firmware, drivers, etc., or is the issue stemming from a broken spring, a bad USB port, or old batteries?
    • First, replace the batteries if your mouse has batteries. Mice will start to malfunction as they get lower in power.
    • Whether your mouse is wired or wireless, it probably has a USB cable or dongle. Many Bluetooth-enabled mice use a USB dongle to connect to the computer. Move it to another port on your computer to see if the issue is your USB port, cable, or dongle. Avoid using a USB hub and plug it directly into your computer. If the port on your computer isn't good, then you'll notice that your mouse behavior has improved.
    • Try the mouse with another computer if you can. If it's a hardware issue, you'll continue to experience the right-clicking issue no matter what computer you're using.
  2. Clean your mouse if you suspect a hardware issue. Use a small tool like a toothpick to remove gunk and debris from small crevices; if your mouse has a trackball, remove it and clean each of the sensors gently. You can use a can of air or blow under the area that you click – there might be a wad of dust or a chip remnant stuck there that's preventing your mouse from clicking properly.
    • Some users [1] have reported success by turning their mouse upside down and lightly tapping on the bottom to dislodge debris that was causing the right-click button to stick.
    • If you have used the same mouse for a long time, the spring might have worn out; you'll need to repair it, but it's most likely easier to buy a new one.
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Section 2 of 4:

Best Temporary Software Fix (Windows)

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  1. This is a temporary fix so you can use your mouse to troubleshoot. [2] It forces Windows to refresh and shows you options, like Task Manager. In the process, it may temporarily allow your mouse to work if there's a software issue, like a glitch or an outdated driver.
    • This won't work, however, if you have a physically broken mouse.
    • This method also won't work on a Mac.
Section 3 of 4:

Top Software Fixes

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  1. If there's a software glitch, this simple solution may do the trick. Unplug your mouse or disconnect it in your computer's Bluetooth settings. If your mouse has a power switch, turn it off. Wait a few moments, then turn your mouse back on and reconnect it.
  2. Your computer might glitch as it starts up and the mouse won't work. To fix the mouse not right-clicking problem:
    • Turn off your PC and unplug everything from it, including your USB mouse. (If you're on a Windows PC and can't use the mouse at all currently, try using the temporary fix to get your mouse working for now, or press Ctrl + Alt + Del and press Tab until the Power button is highlighted, then press Enter .)
    • On a Mac or PC, you can also force a shutdown by holding the power button until your computer turns off.
    • Turn on your computer again.
    • After the computer turns on, plug everything in.
  3. All mice need updated drivers to function properly. However, not all mice come with a firmware suite that keeps you updated (like Logi Options+). Older mice with fewer features most likely don't have to worry about firmware updates, but users with fancy mice should check their mouse's software or the manufacturer's website for those.
    • Everyone, regardless of how fancy or not fancy your mouse is, must keep their drivers up-to-date . There are a few different ways that you can do this:
      • Automatically for Windows and Mac: Most operating systems will automatically update drivers with a security update. For Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security (Win 10 only) > Windows Update > Check for updates . For Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update . [3]
      • Manually using Device Manager in Windows: Open Device Manager and double-click to expand "Mice and other pointing devices". Click your mouse's name and select Update Driver .
  4. You might have accidentally changed your mouse settings. This can even be the case if you let someone else on your computer and they changed these settings . Here's how to find this menu and adjust them:
    • Windows 11: Press Win + I to open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices > Mouse . Make sure everything is set normally including "Primary mouse button." Click Additional mouse settings to open the "Mouse properties" window with more configuration settings including "ClickLock."
    • Windows 10: Open Settings and go to Devices > Mouse . Make sure everything is set normally including "Primary mouse button." Click Additional mouse settings to open the "Mouse properties" window with more configuration settings including "ClickLock."
    • Mac: Go to System Settings > Mouse and check the entry under "Secondary click." [4]
  5. Your saved keybinds can be corrupted and cause the entire mouse to malfunction. If you have specific software, like Logi Options+ for some Logitech mice, open it and remove any keybindings you have set up.
    • You might need to try disabling some buttons, too. For some users, disabling the middle mouse button fixed the clicking issue. [5] Others with more mouse buttons needed to disable the M4 button.
  6. Your computer can stop using a USB port to conserve battery power. However, you can easily change this so the USB doesn't stop working while you're using it.
    • Press Win + R and type in devmgmt.msc .
    • Expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" menu.
    • Double-click "USB Root Hub" and uncheck the box next to "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
    • Click OK to save your changes and close the window.
    • Repeat this process for each entry called "USB Root Hub."
  7. Tablet mode in some laptops disables the mouse. To turn this off, press Win + I to open Settings, then go to System > Tablet mode and select "Use desktop mode" under "When I sign in."
  8. Corrupted files will prevent your mouse from working properly. To fix this, run Command Prompt as an administrator, then type in sfc /scannow and press Enter .
    • You can close the window when you see a "Verification 100% completed" message.
  9. This tool acts similarly to the SFC scan but is more thorough. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then:
    • Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter .
    • Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter .
    • Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter .
      • Restart your computer to finish the process.
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Section 4 of 4:

Right-Click Alternatives

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  1. Hold Ctrl while clicking.
  2. Press ⇧ Shift + F10 .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/11htipd/mouse_right_click_is_not_holding_properly_and/
      2. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/16f2lh3/mouse_suddenly_cant_click_on_any_apps_or_the/
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108382
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mouse-settings-mh29222/mac
      5. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/16f2lh3/mouse_suddenly_cant_click_on_any_apps_or_the/

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