3 Fixes for Right Click Not Working on Windows 11

Key Takeaways 

• In most cases, the problem is fixed if you disable power management settings for USB ports.
• Easy solutions like restarting the Windows Explorer or double-checking for hardware damage also come in handy.

Basic Fixes:

• Unplug peripheral devices: This will work because it isolates possible software interference and hardware conflicts that may trigger the problem.
• Restart the computer: When you reboot your computer, all running processes are forced to shut down. This method is effective when a problematic process or minor bug causes the problem.
• Check for mouse faults: If you use an external mouse, the right-click function may not work when it has faults. These faults may be due to the natural wear and tear from extended use or if you drop the mouse and it hits a hard surface.
• Restart Windows Explorer: When you restart Windows Explorer, you will refresh file management, which can kill minor bugs that may cause the right-click function to not work. A restart will also resolve file association conflicts and reset third-party shell extensions that may add custom options to the right-click menu.

Fix 1: Disable Power Management Settings for USB Ports

Disabling the Power Management settings can be an effective fix when the right-click option is not working. It will prevent USB port interruptions, resolve potential conflicts between the settings and the mouse, and fix power issues that may make it malfunction.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.

Step 2: Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers category, and double-click your mouse driver.

Step 3: Click the Power Management tab and uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power value, then click OK.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall the Touchpad and Mouse Drivers

Drivers are vital for maintaining hardware and software synergy on the Windows operating system. When the right-click option does not work on Windows, it may be a sign of driver corruption or an outdated driver for the mouse or touchpad. You can follow the steps below to update these drivers.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.

Step 2: Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section and double-click your mouse. Alternatively, if the problem is on your Touchpad, expand the Human Interface Devices category, and double-click your touchpad driver.

Step 3: Click the Driver tab, then click the Update Driver button.

Step 4: Click Search automatically for updates.

Alternatively, you may open the Device Managers and reinstall the driver following the steps below.

Step 1: Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section and double-click your mouse. Alternatively, if the problem is on your Touchpad, expand the Human Interface Devices category and double-click your touchpad driver.

Step 2: Click the Driver tab, click Uninstall Device, and confirm your choice.

Step 3: Restart your computer, reopen the Device Manager, and click the Scan for hardware changes icon.

Now, any issues with the touchpad not working should be resolved.

Fix 3: Run the SFC and DISM Utility

The SFC utility is a tool on Windows that scans the computer for corrupt system files, which it can then repair or replace. This is a valid fix because system file corruption is why certain functions like right-click may not work on Windows 11.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, then type cmd in the text file and press the Ctrl+ Shift + Enter keys to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type the command below and hit Enter, then follow any prompts on the terminal to complete the process.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Type the commands below and hit Enter after each one.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once fixed, you may even go ahead and customize the right-click menu.