How to Fix ‘Right-Click Not Working’ Issue in Windows

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If you’re facing issues with the right-click function not working in Windows, there are several methods you can try to resolve the issue.

1. Check for Hardware Issues

Before delving into software solutions, it’s important to rule out any hardware-related problems with your mouse.

• Wireless Mouse Issues:
  • Replace old batteries with new ones, as low battery levels can cause erratic signals and malfunctions​.
  • Re-plug the wireless receiver into the USB port of your computer, ensuring a secure connection​​.
• Soft Reset Your Mouse:
  • Unplug the mouse from your PC.
  • Press and hold both the left and right mouse buttons.
  • While holding the buttons, reinsert the mouse cable into the USB port of your computer.
  • Continue holding the buttons for 5-10 seconds, then release and check if the issue is resolved​​.
• Hardware Connection Issues:If the above steps do not resolve the issue, there might be a hardware problem with the mouse itself. This could be due to a loose cable connection or a malfunctioning right-click switch.
  • Consider disassembling your mouse and checking the internal cable connections.
  • If comfortable with hardware, re-solder the right-click switch if it appears detached.
  • If under warranty, consider getting a replacement for your mouse​.

2. Enable Context Menu From Local Group Policy Editor

If the hardware checks out, the issue might be due to software settings, such as the context menu being disabled in Windows.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
3. Find and double-click the option that disables the context menu.
4. Select ‘Disabled’ and click ‘OK’ to enable the context menu.
5. Restart your computer and check if the right-click functionality is restored​​.

3. Check Mouse Button Remapping

Issues with right-click functionality can also arise from incorrect button remapping, especially when using specific applications or third-party remapping tools.

• In-App Remapping:Check the settings within applications where the right-click issue occurs, as some applications allow custom button assignments that might override default settings.
• Third-Party Remapping Tools:If you use tools for customizing mouse button functions (like Logitech G HUB), ensure that the right-click button hasn’t been reassigned or disabled.
  • Open the remapping software and check the button assignments.
  • Restore the default settings or reassign the right-click function as needed.
  • If issues persist, consider uninstalling the remapping software and then checking the right-click functionality​.

4. Update or Reinstall Mouse Driver

Outdated or corrupt mouse drivers can cause right-click issues. Updating or reinstalling your mouse driver might resolve the problem.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ and double-click on your mouse.
3. Go to the Driver tab and select ‘Update Driver’ to check for updates.
4. If updating doesn’t help, click ‘Uninstall Device’, and then scan for hardware changes to reinstall the driver.
5. Alternatively, use a driver update tool like Bit Driver Updater to automatically find and install updates​.

5. Disable Tablet Mode

Tablet mode in Windows can disable certain right-click functionalities. Disabling it may restore normal operation.

1. Click on the Action Center (dialog icon) at the bottom right of the screen.
2. If the ‘Tablet Mode’ icon is not grayed out, click it to disable Tablet Mode​.

6. Restart File Explorer

Restarting File Explorer can fix temporary glitches affecting the right-click function.

1. Press Win + X and choose Task Manager.
2. Select ‘More details’ to expand Task Manager if necessary.
3. Find and click on ‘Windows Explorer’ in the list of processes.
4. Click ‘Restart’ at the bottom of the window. This will relaunch Windows Explorer, potentially fixing right-click issues​​.

7. Check Your Computer for Corruption and Misconfigurations

Corrupted or misconfigured files in Windows can cause right-click issues. Using the DISM tool and System File Checker can help resolve these problems.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
3. After the process completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and then restart your computer to apply any fixes​​.

8. Swap Mouse Buttons

If you suspect the issue is specifically with the right-click button, swapping the mouse buttons can be a quick test.

1. Open Settings and go to Devices > Mouse.
2. Change the ‘Select your primary button’ setting to swap the left and right buttons.
3. Test to see if the issue persists with the newly assigned right-click function​.

9. Identify and Disable Problematic Third-Party Shell Extensions

Third-party shell extensions can interfere with the right-click context menu. Identifying and disabling these extensions can resolve the issue.

1. Use tools like ShellExView or CCleaner to view and manage shell extensions.
2. In ShellExView, third-party extensions are highlighted. Disable these extensions one by one to identify the culprit.
3. In CCleaner, navigate to Tools > Startup > Context Menu to manage shell extensions.
4. After disabling an extension, check if the right-click functionality is restored​.

10. Perform a Clean Boot

A Clean Boot can help diagnose if third-party software is interfering with the right-click functionality.

1. Type ‘msconfig’ in the Windows search bar and select System Configuration.
2. Go to the Services tab, check ‘Hide all Microsoft services’, and then click ‘Disable all’.
3. Switch to the Startup tab and open Task Manager to disable all startup items.
4. Restart your computer and check if the right-click issue is resolved​.

11. Repair Corrupt Files

Repairing corrupt system and registry files in Windows can resolve various issues, including right-click malfunctions.

1. Use Command Prompt with administrative privileges to run system file checks.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to initiate the scan.
3. After the scan, consider also running a registry scan to fix any corrupt registry files.
4. Restart your computer after the scans to apply the changes​​.

12. Turn Off Tablet Mode in Windows 10

Turning off Tablet Mode in Windows 10 can restore right-click functionality that may be disabled in this mode.

1. Press Win + A to open the Action Center.
2. Find the Tablet Mode button and click it to turn off this feature.
3. If the Tablet Mode button is hidden, click on ‘Expand’ to view more options in the Action Center​​.

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