A mouse is pretty much an essential tool for smooth computer work. But sometimes, it just craps out or gets stuck, and you’re left scrambling to do basic stuff like right-click. Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around that, especially if you’re stuck with a keyboard or trackpad. Here’s what’s actually worked to keep productivity alive during those frustrating moments.

Alternative Methods for Right-Clicking Without a Mouse

If you’re trying to do the second most important mouse function (after clicking on stuff), your keyboard is your friend. It might feel a little clunky at first, but you can get that right-click action done without plugging in a new mouse.

Utilizing Keyboard Shortcuts

So, most keyboards have a dedicated Context Menu key — it’s usually on the right side, near the Alt or Windows key, next to the Spacebar. Pressing this opens up the right-click menu, which is kinda neat if your mouse is dead.

If your keyboard doesn’t have that key, no worries — Shift + F10 does basically the same thing. Weird, but it works on most Windows setups.

Some other quick shortcuts that come in handy:

Hey, on some setups, you might need to hold Alt and a number or letter for certain menu items, especially in legacy apps. Just depends how deep you need to go.

Activating Mouse Keys Feature

The numeric keypad is usually just for numbers, but with Mouse Keys turned on, it becomes a makeshift mouse. Not everyone knows this feature exists, but it’s super handy if your mouse is blown out.

Here’s how to turn it on:

  1. Type Mouse Keys into the Windows Search bar and pick “Turn Mouse Keys on or off”.
  2. Switch the slider to On. Might need to restart or toggle a couple times — Windows can be weird about this.
  3. Make sure Num Lock is active — otherwise, the keypad won’t register as mouse controls.
  4. Once enabled, you control the pointer with the 8, 4, 6, 2 keys for directions — diagonals with combos — and use / for left click, – for right click. The 5 key acts like the click button. You can double-click with +, drag with 0, etc.

Not gonna pretend it’s as quick as a mouse, but on one setup it worked great. On another? Eh, took a bit of messing around—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.

Taking Advantage of the Trackpad

If working on a laptop, the trackpad’s right-click zone is often at the bottom right corner or a dedicated button. You can tap with two fingers or press the right-side button to get a right-click. It’s usually pretty reliable unless you’ve got a sticky finger or the settings got reset.

So, don’t forget — those trackpad gestures or taps are your secret weapon if you’re without an external mouse. Depending on the laptop brand and driver software, these might even be customizable under Settings > Devices > Touchpad.

Either way, these tools can keep you moving when your mouse is out of commission. Sometimes, just knowing these tricks is enough to avoid freaking out and grabbing a backup mouse for the time being.

Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. If that didn’t help, here’s what might