Is the mouse button on your right broken? Windows enables you to operate your computer without it
As computer professionals, we may experience mouse malfunctions or incorrect configurations at any time in our lives. We might have to live without it until we purchase a replacement. However, that doesn't mean we should stop using our PCs for the time being or that it's the end of the world. Windows has a number of tricks up its sleeve to "protect" us from this issue.
Understanding how to do this will enable you to use your keyboard to escape multiple challenging situations at once. We'll use Windows' accessibility features or, in the event that they aren't available, specific keyboard key combinations to accomplish this. Come on, let's get there.
Options for combining the keyboard and mouse
- Shift + F10
This is a simple, universal shortcut to open the context menu for any file or folder you hover over. This combination mimics a right-click, so if you ever need it, don't forget it.
- Use the menu key (if your keyboard has one)
Many keyboards also include this particular key, which is a rectangle with lines on it and is always located near the right Ctrl key. Pressing it is the equivalent of right-clicking. It's a very practical and straightforward way to get out of this predicament. Don't worry if your keyboard doesn't have this feature, as there are more options that we'll continue to explain.
- Activate mouse buttons using the numeric keypad
Windows also allows us to use the numeric keypad to move the cursor and click anywhere. If you want to activate it:
You'll need to press the following keyboard combination: Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock. A pop-up window will appear asking you to enable the mouse buttons.
From that point on, you can use several commands to move the cursor:
* Using keys 2, 4, 6, and 8, we can move the cursor around the screen as if it were a remote control.
* To simulate the left-click function, just press the 5 key.
* As for right-clicking, first press the "-/" combination within the numeric keypad itself to activate it, then press number 5, and this will replace left-clicking with right-clicking.
If your laptop keyboard isn't working, and your touchpad isn't working either, you can always try another option.
You can go to "Settings," then "Accessibility," and finally, go to the "Keyboard" section. From there, simply enable the "On-Screen Keyboard" option. You can now use the virtual touchpad that will open on the screen to perform any click.