Laptop Right Click Won't Work

Although not generally used as frequently as the left button, the right button below the touchpad on your laptop helps open menus, save objects and make file name changes. If the functionality of this button suddenly disappears, it can be due to physical or electronic reasons.

Old or Corrupted Driver

1. Your laptop requires the proper drivers for your touchpad to work. If these drivers are out-of-date or become corrupted, your touchpad and buttons may not function properly. The entire pad could stop working, or only one part of the trio could be affected. Windows normally updates these drivers during its regular automatic updates, but the files could become corrupted or install improperly.

Driver Solution

1. Update the touchpad's driver by running Windows Update, or download a more recent version directly from the laptop or touchpad manufacturer's website. Download the latest driver for your operating system and save it on your computer. Open Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound, then click Devices and Printers. Select Device Manager and find the touchpad listing. Click and hold the device's name or icon to select Update Driver Software, which will open a wizard that will walk you through the rest of the installation, step-by-step. Once everything is installed, restart to ensure the changes are accepted.

Dirty or Worn Button

1. Because of the touchpad's placement, it's possible the button is simply dirty and sticking. Oils, dirt and other residue from your hands and wrists could transfer to the button as you use your laptop, seeping down around the edges and causing it to stick. Years of use can also cause the button or contact beneath to wear, meaning it won't register the clicks properly. In this case, the only way to correct it is to dismantle your laptop and thoroughly clean under and around the touchpad keys and visually inspect the connections beneath them. This can be tricky, so it may be better left to an experienced technician.

Workaround Fix

1. The most obvious workaround for a non-functioning touchpad button is to use an external mouse instead. Available in various sizes and designs, and using USB or wireless connectors, you're likely to find one you like to carry with your laptop. Aside from that, you can change the functionality of the buttons and touchpad to work around the non-functioning right-click by heading under the Control Panel and opening the Mouse Properties window. Make alterations as necessary to find a configuration that works for you.