Can’t Click Anything On Desktop Windows 10 is Fixed (10 solutions)

March 23, 2023 / Sed Galope

Clicking errors on computers can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes include hardware issues, such as defective buttons or keyboards, software conflicts, and incorrect user settings. Hardware issues can occur when the physical components of a computer have been damaged or worn out over time.

This could mean that the buttons on a keyboard are not functioning properly or the entire device is malfunctioning. Software conflicts can occur when incompatible programs run on the same machine or when incorrect settings have been applied.

Restart Windows Explorer

If you’ve ever experienced a situation where the mouse moves but can’t click on anything in the Windows operating system, you may consider restarting Windows Explorer. The Windows Explorer.exe process is responsible for various tasks, including providing the graphical user interface, navigating and managing files and folders, and allowing users to interact with the operating system.

When the process is corrupted or not functioning correctly, it can lead to various issues, including the inability to click on any items in Windows. Fortunately, restarting the Windows Explorer.exe process can often fix the issue and get your system back in working order.

Step 1: Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the Processes tab.

Step 3: Pressthe Tab key repeatedly until it highlights the Windows explorer process.

Step 4: Press the SHIFT + F10 keyboard keys to open the context menu.

Step 5: Use the Down arrow key, select End task, and press Enter.

Step 6: When the explorer.exe process is ended, you may have a black screen for a short time.

Step 7: Press Win + R, type in explorer.exe, and press Enter.

This will relaunch your Windows Explorer, then try using your mouse to click on anything to see if the issue is resolved.

Check Your Keyboard for Issues.

If you’re having a problem with your computer where you can’t click anything on Windows, it’s possible that the issue could be related to your faulty keyboard keys. By checking your keyboard for any faulty keys, you may be able to resolve the problem without resorting to more drastic measures.

Damaged keyboard keys can cause the mouse from performing the right-click and left-click actions. Check if your keyboard has any broken keys, hardware failure, or if any keys remain pressed due to extended holding without your awareness because it will make your mouse clicking unresponsive.

For Example, the Spacebar key might get stuck in your keyboard. So make sure to check it and the other keyboard keys.

Check Your Mouse and Third-party Software

If you’re experiencing an issue where you can’t click anything on desktop Windows, it could be caused by a faulty mouse or third-party software. Fortunately, troubleshooting both of these items can be relatively simple and can often restore your ability to click on items in Windows.

Use a secondary mouse or try your mouse on another PC

Step 1: Disconnect your mouse from your computer, connect the spare mouse, and check if it’s working. If it is, the problem is with your mouse.

Step 2: If not, try plugging it into another device port.

Step 3: If both mice are not working, there is a possibility that your computer might have caused the issue.

Check for Third-party software

Step 1: Close third-party software such as Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, or other customization software from the Task Manager.

Step 2: Unplug and reconnect the mouse to the computer.

Check for Pending Windows Updates

Windows updates can contain important security patches and bug fixes to help your system run more smoothly. Keeping your system up to date can help keep it running optimally and can help to address many common problems.

Step 1: Press Windows Key and type windows. Use the Arrow keys to scroll,then press Enter.

Step 2: Press the Tab key to navigate the Windows Update tab.

Step 3: Select the Check for updates button and press Enter.

Wait for the windows to check for the latest updates and select Download and install.

Step 4: Wait for the installation process to finish and restart your PC.

Use Restore Point

Restore Point is a powerful and effective feature built into the Windows 10 operating system. During system issues, users can roll back their computers to a previous date and time. This can be a lifesaver if you’re having trouble with Windows and can’t click on anything, and it’s a fast and easy way to fix problems without resorting to full system reinstallation.

Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Windows menu,type restore, select Create a restore point, and press enter to open system properties.

Step 2: Press the Tab key to select the System Restore button.

Step 3: Press Enter to select the Next button.

Step 4: Press the Tab key to select a restore point, Next button, and Enter.

Windows will revert your system to a previous state before the chosen date. However, this process can take a while, so waiting until the computer restarts and displays a success message is recommended.

Enable Mouse Keys

By enabling the mouse key, you can use the keyboard to control the mouse cursor and click on things on the screen. This can be especially useful if your mouse isn’t working or using a laptop without a mouse. With the mouse key enabled, you can quickly and easily navigate Windows and select items on the screen.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the run dialog box.

Step 2: Type Control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.

Step 3: Press the Tab key to navigate and select Ease of Access Center.

Step 4: Use the Arrow Key to select Make the mouse easier to use and press Enter.

Step 5: Use the Arrow keys to select the Turn on Mouse Keys box and press the Spacebar to check the box.

Step 5: Go to Setup Mouse Keys to change the settings. Use the Tab key for navigation and Spacebar to check/uncheck the options. Then, select Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

You can press Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock to enable and disable Mouse Keys. Use the 4,6,2,8 keys in the Num pad to control the pointer and 5 to click.

Check Pointing Device

If you are using a Laptop, checking the pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackpad, could help to fix the issue. Ensuring the device is connected properly and the necessary drivers are installed is important. It is also important to ensure that the pointing device is not malfunctioning.

Some laptops have shortcuts to disable the touchpad on the keyboard. You can press the key again to check if your touchpad works and check and enable it in its settings.

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.

Step 2: Press the Tab and Right arrow keys to select Devices.

Step 3: Use the Arrow keys to navigate, select Touchpad, and press Enter.

Step 4: In the Touchpad tab, use the Spacebar to toggle on the Touchpad.

Troubleshoot Hardware and Devices

If you are having difficulty with your computer not responding when you click on something, then troubleshooting the hardware and devices on your computer could be the solution. Hardware and device issues can cause various problems, including the inability to click on items in Windows. You can identify and repair any issues causing the problem by troubleshooting the hardware and devices.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Windows Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type in msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.

Step 3: Use the Tab key to select the Next button and press Enter to run the troubleshooter.

Repair System Files

You may need to repair the system files if you have trouble clicking on anything in your Windows system. This common computer error can be easily resolved by restoring the system files to their original settings. By repairing the system files, you can restore the functionality of your Windows system and get back to using it without any further issues.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type cmd, then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to run the elevated command prompt.

Step 2: Type in the following commands and press Enter after each command:

sfc /scannow

dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if you can click on your computer desktop.

Update Drivers

Device drivers are software components that control the hardware components of your computer, such as your sound card, video card, and other peripherals. When these drivers become outdated or corrupt, they can cause various problems, including the inability to click on anything in Windows. Thankfully, updating your device drivers is a relatively simple process that can often resolve the issue and get you back up and running quickly

Step 1: Press Win + X, use the up arrow key to select Device Manager, and press Enter.