Can't Click Anything on Windows 10? Easy Fixes Inside!

Are you having trouble clicking anything on your Windows 10 computer? Don't worry! Here are some easy fixes to help you get your system back to normal.

How to Fix: Unable to Click on Anything in Windows 10​

1. Use the Task Manager to Reset Desktop State​

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Find "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes.
• Right-click "Windows Explorer" and select "Restart".

This action restarts the Windows Explorer process, often resolving temporary glitches affecting the desktop and taskbar responsiveness.

2. Use Ctrl + Alt + Delete to Reset Mouse Input​

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to bring up the security options screen.
• Click "Cancel" or press the "Escape" key to return to the desktop.

This can reset the mouse input, temporarily resolving the issue and allowing you to click again.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM​

• Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
• Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish.

These commands check for and repair corrupted system files, which may be causing the issue.

4. Check for Malware​

• Download and install a reputable anti-malware program (e.g., Malwarebytes).
• Run a full system scan to check for and remove any malware.

Malware can cause various issues, including preventing you from clicking on desktop items. Removing malware can restore normal functionality.

5. Use Process Explorer to Identify Issues​

• Download Process Explorer from the Microsoft website: Process Explorer Download.
• Launch Process Explorer and observe the processes.
• Identify any suspicious processes that appear or change when the issue occurs.

Process Explorer helps monitor and identify processes that might be interfering with mouse and keyboard interactions.

6. Use Task Scheduler to Identify Triggers​

• Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
• Look for tasks that run just before the issue starts.
• Disable suspicious tasks by right-clicking and selecting "Disable".

Identifying and disabling problematic scheduled tasks can prevent recurring issues related to mouse and keyboard responsiveness.

7. Restart the explorer.exe process​

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, press Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete, navigate to the Task Manager using the Tab key, then press Enter.
  
  
• Press the Tab key until one of the processes is selected.
• Use the Down Arrow key on your keyboard to select Windows Explorer.
  
  
  
  
  
• Since the right-click is not working, we will use Shift + F10 (shortcut for right-click) to bring up the context menu.
• Use the Down Arrow key and select End task, then click Enter.
  
  
• Once the explorer.exe process is killed, you may see a black screen for a short time.
• Press the Windows key + R, type explorer.exe, and hit Enter.
  
  
  
  
  
• This will relaunch your Windows Explorer. Next, try using the mouse to click anything to see if the issue is resolved.

​

8. Check for Hardware Issues​

• Try a different mouse and keyboard to see if the issue persists.
• Connect your current mouse and keyboard to another computer to check if they work properly.

Testing with different hardware helps determine if the issue is with your peripherals or the computer itself.

9. Clean Dust and Check Connections​

• Power down and unplug your computer.
• Open the case and use compressed air to clean dust and debris.
• Check all internal connections to ensure they are secure.

Dust and loose connections can cause various hardware issues. Cleaning and securing connections can resolve these problems.

10. Check for Windows Updates​

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to "Update & Security" and click "Check for updates".
• Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Installing the latest updates can fix bugs and improve system stability, potentially resolving the issue.

11. Boot into Safe Mode​

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the "Boot" tab and check "Safe boot".
• Select "Network" under Safe boot options and click "OK".
• Restart your computer to boot into Safe Mode.

Safe Mode can help determine if the issue is caused by third-party software or drivers. If the problem doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it may be due to installed software or drivers. Always back up important data before making significant changes to your system.