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Using Keyboard as Mouse
On windows PC, one can use the keyboard as a mouse using the Mouse Keys feature. By enabling this feature, you can replicate functions of a mouse such as moving the cursor and left or right clicking without the actual mouse device. This feature can be highly beneficial under circumstances where your mouse is damaged or unavailable and can increase accessibility for individuals with motor impairments.
Activating Mouse Keys feature in Settings
To utilize keyboard as a mouse, the Mouse Keys feature needs to be activated first. To do so, you need to navigate to Settings, then click on Ease of Access and then choose Mouse Keys under the option of interaction. You can activate the toggle switch to turn on the Mouse Keys. Once you close the settings, your numeric keypad now functions as a mouse.
Using numeric keypad to control the cursor and perform mouse clicks
With Mouse Keys enabled, you can use the numeric keypad to move the cursor around the screen. The keys 1-9 serve to move the cursor in all directions. The speed of the cursor can be controlled by using the Ctrl key for increasing and Shift key for decreasing the pace. For left click, you can use 5 or + on the numeric keypad. For right clicking, you need to press minus (-) key and then 5 or + for clicking. This replicates all basic mouse functions permitting you to use the keyboard as a mouse.
Alternatives for moving cursor using free software
If you don't have a numerical keypad or for additional features, there are many free software alternatives present over the web. Some of them include NeatMouse, MouseFIGHTER, and Point-N-Click, each with their unique features and functionalities to help with cursor control and clicking functions using the keyboard.
Left-click and Right-click Shortcut Keys
The keyboard on a Windows PC is equipped with a myriad of shortcuts that emulate mouse clicks. These shortcuts include the execution of both left-click and right-click functions without the need for a mouse. Using keyboard shortcuts, you can manage your PC effectively, efficiently, and without any hindrance.
Using Alt and Tab keys for navigation and Window switching
The combination of ALT + TAB keys is one crucial shortcut that allows you to switch between all open programs efficiently, essentially emulating the left-click function of a mouse. Pressing ALT can bring focus to menu options (like File, Edit, View, etc.) in any active program. This shortcut allows you to navigate across your computer seamlessly without a mouse.
Using Arrow keys for selection
Arrow keys present on your keyboard serve significant functions in the absence of a mouse. They can be used for switching between different menus (left to right or vice versa) and facilitates the selection of various items in the menu. Upon selecting an option, pressing Enter on your keyboard initiates the left-click function, hence making a selection without actually needing to click a mouse.
Usage of Document or Menu key and Shift + F10 for right-click
If you need to right-click on a file or an item to view its properties or access more options, the Document key (often appearing as a mouse cursor on a menu) or Shift + F10 combination can be used. These shortcuts can replace the function of a right-click, delivering users the same level of control over their selections as a mouse would provide.
Selection and Navigation with Arrow Keys
Besides traditional mouse usage, another efficient way of selection and navigation in Windows PC is through the arrow keys on your keyboard. You can easily access the desktop, select text, and navigate through files and folders using certain key combinations.
Using Win + D keys to reach the desktop and Arrow keys for file/folder selection
To reach the desktop without using a mouse, you can press the Win + D keys on the keyboard. This action minimizes all running applications and takes you directly to the desktop. Once you're at the desktop, the arrow keys can be used to select files and folders. Pressing Enter will open the selected file or folder, providing an easy and quick way to access and manage your files straight from the keyboard.
Text selection using combination of Ctrl + Shift and left/right arrow keys
With the combination of Ctrl + Shift and the arrow keys (left or right), you can effectively select text without needing a mouse, much like you would with a text cursor. Move the text cursor to the start or end of the text you wish to select. Then, hold down Ctrl + Shift and press the left or right arrow keys to select text word by word.
Navigation among Files and Folders in File Explorer using Win + E
Navigating through files and folders in the File Explorer is simple using the keyboard. You can press the Win + E keys to open the File Explorer. Once inside, use the arrow keys to navigate through files and folders, and press Enter to open the selected file or folder. This allows for seamless navigation within File Explorer without the requirement of a mouse.
Alterations and Double Clicks on Keyboard
Your Windows keyboard leaves room for numerous alterations and customizations to fit your operational requirements. Switching right-click to a left-click in the Mouse settings and using it for selecting and dragging texts or files, or executing double clicks, the keyboard provides numerous options for effective navigation.
Changing right-click to left-click in Mouse settings
In a Windows PC, you can alter the mouse settings to change the right-click to a left-click. Access the mouse settings from the Control Panel or the Windows Settings app and look for the Primary Button option. Here, you can switch the Clicking option from 'Right' to 'Left' as per your preference. This flexibility allows users to tailor their computing experience based on their familiarity or comfort with left or right clicks.
Selecting and dragging texts or files using right-click configured as left-click
Once you have reconfigured your right-click to function as a left-click, the new setting can be used to select and drag files or text easily. Use the 'right-click configured as left-click' to select the text files or folders, and while keeping the right-click held, use the arrow keys to move or 'drag' your selection to the desired location. This negates the need of a mouse for basic functions like moving or rearranging files or text on your Windows PC.
Double-clicking using Ctrl + Shift + the left/right arrow keys
In the absence of a mouse, double-clicking may seem impossible, but with keyboard shortcuts, it can be achieved. You can perform the action of double-clicking by using a combination of Ctrl + Shift + the left or right arrow keys. This combination selects an entire word (mimicrying a double-click) which can be incredibly useful while working with text documents or files.
