Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

To left click on a laptop, press the left button below the trackpad or tap the trackpad surface with one finger. If neither works, you can use the keyboard or an external mouse as a backup. This guide covers each method, then walks through what to check when the left click stops responding.

Left Click With the Trackpad Buttons

Most laptops have two physical buttons at the bottom edge of the trackpad. The left one is your primary click.

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  1. Place your index finger on the trackpad, near the left side of the bottom edge.
  2. Press down firmly on the left button until you feel or hear a click.
  3. Release. The action happens when the button returns to its resting position.

On many modern laptops, the buttons are part of the trackpad surface itself, so there is no visible divider. Press the lower-left portion of the pad to register a left click.

Tap to Click on the Trackpad

If the trackpad has no physical buttons, or you prefer a lighter touch, enable tap-to-click. On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, select Touchpad, and turn on “Tap to click.” On a Mac, open System Settings, choose Trackpad, and enable “Tap to click.” A single tap with one finger then acts as a left click.

Left Click Without the Trackpad

When the trackpad fails, you still have options.

Use the Keyboard

On Windows, you can use Mouse Keys. Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock to turn it on, then press the 5 key on the numeric keypad to click. On laptops without a numeric keypad, Mouse Keys may need to be enabled in Ease of Access settings first. On a Mac, Mouse Keys is under Accessibility, then Pointer Control.

Connect an External Mouse

A USB or Bluetooth mouse works immediately in most cases. Plug in the receiver or pair the mouse, then use its left button. This is also the fastest route when you are troubleshooting a broken trackpad.

Why Your Left Click Stops Working

When the left click fails, check these causes in order:

  • Tap-to-click or trackpad settings: A setting change or a driver update can disable clicks.
  • Debris or moisture: Crumbs under the trackpad can keep the button from registering a press.
  • Driver problems: Update or reinstall the trackpad driver in Device Manager (Windows) or check for macOS updates.
  • Hardware wear: A worn or loose trackpad button may need replacement. If the trackpad itself has popped out of its housing, that is a separate repair.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Pressing the center of the trackpad instead of the bottom-left corner when physical buttons are present.
  • Leaving tap-to-click on while typing, which can cause accidental clicks. Turn on “palm rejection” or disable tap-to-click if this happens.
  • Assuming the mouse is broken when the trackpad is disabled. Check whether a function key (often marked with a trackpad icon) toggles it.
  • Restarting the laptop before checking settings. A restart fixes some driver issues but not all.
  • A compact USB mouse: It gives you a reliable left click while you diagnose a faulty trackpad. View on Amazon
  • A Bluetooth travel mouse: It avoids using a USB port and works well when you are away from a desk. View on Amazon

FAQ

How do you left click on a laptop without a mouse?

Press the left button below the trackpad, or tap the trackpad once if tap-to-click is enabled. If the trackpad does not respond, use Mouse Keys on the keyboard.

Why does my left click not work on my laptop?

The most common causes are disabled trackpad settings, a driver problem, or debris under the button. Check the trackpad settings first, then update or reinstall the driver.

Can I left click using the keyboard?

Yes. On Windows, turn on Mouse Keys, move the pointer with the numeric keypad, and press 5 to click. On a Mac, enable Mouse Keys under Accessibility settings.

Conclusion

For most laptops, a left click is a press on the lower-left trackpad button or a single tap with tap-to-click enabled. When that fails, check the trackpad settings, then use Mouse Keys or an external mouse. If the problem persists after a driver update, the button or trackpad may need a hardware repair.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.