How to Right-Click with Keyboard in Windows 11?

Mouse has left, right and an optional middle button or wheel. You can use the right button on your mouse for right-clicking and opening context menu. This so called right-click context menu contains super useful options. Without the mouse, you will lose the quick functionalities available with right-click context menu. In this article, we will explain how to right-click using keyboard in Windows 11 to make use of the context menu items without a mouse.

Right-Click Context Menu

The right-click menu changes based on the application as well as show different items on Windows 11 desktop. Below is how the menu will look like in Windows 11 and you can customize it show back like old Windows 10 interface.

Similarly, you can get so many useful functions when right-clicking in Office apps like Microsoft Excel. The list is so big that you have a search box on the top to easily find menu items.

There could be lot of reasons you are missing the right-click option on your desktop or laptop.

• Your mouse or trackpad is not working due to hardware fault. Sometimes, only right-click will not work while you can continue to use the mouse left button.
• You may have accessibility problems for moving the mouse and comfortable in using keyboard.
• You like to use keyboard shortcuts to get the results quickly.

Right-Click Using Keyboard

Fortunately, there are multiple options available in Windows 11 PC and you can choose a solution that works for you based on your need.

1. Right-Click with Keyboard Shortcut

The first option is to use the default keyboard shortcut. Press “Shift + F10” keys to open right-click context menu in Windows PC.

• This should work on Windows 11, 10 and older versions as well.
• On some keyboard layouts, you may need to additionally hold Fn key to use function keys. In such a case, you should use “Control + Fn + F10” to reveal right-click menu.
• Make sure to place the cursor in correct position and app as the menu item will vary depending on these.

2. Using Context Menu Key On the Keyboard

Most of the standard QWERT English keyboard layouts come with a key called “Menu” or “Context menu” key. This key will be available on the right side of the spacebar between Alt/Win and Control keys. Simply press the context menu key to open right-click menu based on your cursor’s position.

3. Setup Mouse Keys to Use Number Pad as Mouse from Control Panel

If you have a longer keyboard with separate number pad, then the best option is to enable Mouse Keys in Windows. This will replace the mouse with your number pad on the keyboard.

• Use Windows Search and open Control Panel app in your computer.

• Click the “View By” option in Control Panel to arrange the items by “Category” and click on the “Ease of Access” heading.

•  On the next screen, click on “Change how your mouse works” link showing under “Ease of Access Center” heading.

• Enable the option “Turn on Mouse Keys” and click “Set up Mouse Keys” link.

• On the setup section, you can configure the mouse pointer speed and enable toggling Mouse Keys with a keyboard shortcut.

• Click “Apply” to save the changes and enable Mouse Keys on your computer.

Now that the default number pad will be disabled and you can use the arrow keys in the number pad for moving mouse pointer. The minus key on the number pad will work as a right mouse button. So, you can press the minus (-) key to open right-click context menu whenever you need. Similarly, / and * keys on the number pad will work as left and middle mouse buttons respectively.

4. Enable Mouse Keys from Windows Settings App

Since Microsoft is moving all Control Panel options to Windows Settings app, there is also a way to enable Mouse Keys from Settings app.

• Use Windows Search to open Settings app or press “Win + I” keys to open the app.
• Go to “Accessibility” section from the sidebar and then click on the “Mouse” option showing under “Interaction” heading on the right pane.

• On the next screen, enable “Mouse keys” option and configure the settings if required.

• After setup Mouse Keys from Settings app, you can use minus (-) key from the number pad to open right-click context menu.

Final Words

Out of all the options, keyboard shortcut is the most simple and easy way to right-click using keyboard Windows PC. However, if you completely want to replace the mouse with keyboard keys, then use the Mouse Keys setup. This can help to overcome your accessibility problems without the need of moving the mouse.