How to fix
The context menu not working: how to fix mouse right-click
on Windows

I encounter a problem with my mouse. The right-click is not giving me a context menu as usual. I use Windows 10, and when I right-click, nothing happens. Sometimes when I reboot, the function works, but later on, it fails again. I cannot do so many things. Do you know why this is annoying me and how to solve the problem?

The context menu not working is the problem with the mouse right-click command when the context menu doesn't appear. It is quite common and understandably frustrating for users[ref en-1] who want to create new items, view particular icons, functions and explore options. If the function fails in a specific application, using the program becomes impossible. The issue can occur on various OS versions and in different instances.

When the mouse right-click function is not working, corrupted drivers or affected system files might be blamed. First of all, as with any issue related to an external device, you should check if the mouse is working with other devices, see if the problem is not related to the faulty piece. If everything is okay and right-click is not broken/ working on another computer, you may need to look into system and software problems.[ref en-2]

The troubleshooting process can answer what the root cause for the context menu not working problem is. However, when troubleshooting is needed, checking various parts of the machine can be crucial. If the context menu does not show up on particular programs like web browsers or does not work in Excel, you might need to update those particular apps to ensure that all processes run properly. 

Often to fix such problems with common system functions, users need to upgrade their operating system since that is the trigger for various issues especially when it comes to Windows 10 recent updates.[ref en-3] The context menu not working mouse right-click issue can also get fixed by repair system files that got corrupted without your knowledge.

That can happen during some failed installation or upgrades or even due to malware infections. You can run [d1] and check for any altered pieces, fix damaged files and move on to the methods below if that is not enough. Some of the things that lead to this issue may require a more in-depth fix, so rely on the guide below and make sure to check a few methods at least.

#1 Update mouse drivers

• Search for Device Manager.
• Once the window opens up, find Mice and other pointing devices.
  

  

  
  
• Click to expand the section.
• Double-click the mouse driver and open Properties. 
• Choose the Driver tab and choose Update.
  

  

  
  
• Select the Search automatically for updated driver software option from there.

Updating drivers can be a bit easier process with automatic tools like [rev id="DriverFix"] that can keep the system away from damage by downloading and installing needed driver versions. You can install the tool and let it scan the machine, so outdated, broken, missing drivers get located. The tool will update and fix any driver issues for you, so errors should stop.

#2 Check the mouse

• Search for Hardware and Devices in search.
  

  

• Choose Find and fix problems with devices.
• Click Next to scan the machine.
• Troubleshooter should find problems and fix issues automatically. 

#3 Restart Windows File explorer

• Open Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del combination.
• Click the Processes tab in Task Manager.
  

  

  
  
• Windows Explorer is listed under Windows processes.
• Select it and press its Restart button at the bottom.

#4 Check Group policies

• Press Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run box.
  

  

• Type gpedit.msc and  hit Enter.
• Open Local Group Policy Editor.
• Click User Configuration.
• Then Administrative Templates.
• Find Windows Components and File Explorer on the left.
• Double-click the Remove Windows Explorer’s default context menu option.
• If the option is enabled, click the Disabled button.
• Press Apply and OK to close the window.
• Reboot the machine.

#5 Run System File Checker

• Search for Cmd and open Command Prompt with administrative rights.
• Then input sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• The scan will indicate and possibly fix issues.
• Restart Windows.

#6 Use System Restore

• Enter System restore in the search box.
• Choose to Create a restore point to open the System Properties window.
  

  

• Choose System Restore and click Next to see the list of restore points.
• Click the Show more restore points options to open a full list of restore points.
  

  

• Select a date to restore Windows to and click Next.
• Now press the Finish button to restore Windows.