How to right-click on a laptop

Right-clicking is one of the most essential gestures on any computer. It opens the context menu allowing you not only to open the file but making different actions with it. In most cases, it’s a user-friendly action where you just need to take a mouse and click on the right button.

But on a MacBook or some Windows trackpads, it can be tricky. That’s why we’ve gathered all guidelines on how to right-click on a laptop with alternative options. Stick to our instructions, and you’ll be able to use your device in full force.

Use the dedicated button or button under the trackpad

Many Windows laptops have a dedicated key for this task. In some laptops, it could be mounted into the trackpad.

Sometimes the touchpad right-click is not working due to a clogged separate button. Clean it with a dry brush or microfiber cloth. Don’t use any wet subjects. It can lead to short circuits.

Try tapping with 2 or 3 Fingers at once

If you own a MacBook, your trackpad right-click looks easy. Simply tap the 2 fingers on the trackpad. You can also change the access gesture on Settings. Here is how you can do it:

1. Launch the Settings → Trackpad.
2. Look for the Secondary click and pick the gesture. It can be 2 finger tap, bottom left or right tap. The last option mimics the traditional right-click on the laptop.

Inspect the touchpad settings on the laptop

Examine your touchpad settings. Maybe you accidentally turned it off. Use this instruction to enable the alternative right-click on the touchpad on Windows:

1. Write Touchpad on the search bar in the Windows icon.
2. Open it to launch touchpad settings.
3. Set a new gesture that will act the same way as right-click.

MacOS computers have slightly different instructions. Use those guidelines to right-click with the trackpad:

1. Launch Settings → Trackpad.
2. Choose Secondary Click and pick the gesture for it.

You can choose between different types of taps. Pick the one which suits your preferences.

Using the keyboard

Try the keyboard to right-click on the laptop. On MacOS you can do this with ease. Hold the Control physical button and tap on the trackpad like in a traditional left click. That’s all. As you see, right-clicking on the touchpad it’s not as hard as many described it.

On Windows laptops, you need to use another shortcut. But it can be too tricky for many people. Place the cursor near the item you need to right-click and press Shift + F10. If you need to right-click, but your computer doesn’t respond to this combination, press the Fn button.

Some laptops have inactivated function keys which you need to activate while using. That’s usually how you right-click on HP laptops, Lenovo, and other manufacturers who try to make their keyboards multifunctional. Some laptops also have a Menu button that works the same way as Control on Mac.