How to Fix the Right-Click Mouse Button Not Working on Windows 11

If you are experiencing an issue where the right mouse button is not responding, there is no need to worry. Several simple solutions can help you resolve this common problem. In most cases, adjusting the power management settings for USB ports, restarting Windows 11 Explorer, or checking for hardware malfunctions can fix the issue. If these methods do not work, follow along to discover three effective solutions to resolve this problem.

How to Fix the Right Mouse Button Not Working in Windows 11

Here are some initial solutions to fix the right mouse button issue:

1. Disconnect Peripheral Devices: Sometimes, connected devices can interfere with the mouse's functionality, causing issues like the right-click button not working. Try disconnecting all peripheral devices, such as external storage drives or wireless keyboards, then check if the issue is resolved.

2. Restart the Computer: A minor system error might be causing the issue. Restarting the computer can help reload all processes and programs, potentially fixing the problem.

3. Check the Mouse for Hardware Issues: If you're using an external mouse, ensure it is functioning correctly. Prolonged use or accidental drops may damage the buttons, leading to right-click malfunctions.

4. Restart Windows Explorer: Restarting Windows Explorer can help resolve system-related issues affecting the right-click menu. This step is particularly useful for Windows 11 users:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • Locate Windows Explorer in the list.
  • Right-click on it and select Restart.

Method 1: Adjust Power Management Settings for USB Ports

Power-saving settings may disable some USB-connected devices, leading to mouse issues. Follow these steps to adjust the settings:

  • Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Double-click on one of the USB ports, then go to the Power Management tab.
  • Uncheck the option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  • Click OK and restart the device.

Second Method: Update or Reinstall Mouse and Touchpad Drivers

The issue may be caused by corrupted mouse or touchpad drivers. To fix this:

  1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices, then double-click on the mouse (or if the issue is with the touchpad, select “Human Interface Devices” and double-click on the touchpad).
  3. Click on Update Driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updates.
  5. If the issue persists, you can uninstall the driver and restart the computer to reinstall it automatically.

Third Method: Use SFC and DISM Tools to Repair System Files

If the issue is caused by corrupted system files, you can use the built-in Windows tools to repair them:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  3. After the scan completes, run the following commands in order (press Enter after each one):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your device.
Summary: While the issue of the right mouse button not working can be frustrating, it is usually easy to fix. In this article, we explored several solutions, from simple steps like restarting the computer to more advanced methods such as updating drivers or repairing system files. If any of these methods worked for you, feel free to share your experience in the comments!
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