Why the Left Mouse Button Acts Like the Right

If your left mouse button unexpectedly starts performing right-click functions, it can make using your computer quite frustrating. This issue can stem from a variety of reasons, from accidental setting changes to hardware malfunctions. Here, we’ll go through the common causes of this problem and how to fix it.

1. Check Your Mouse Settings

Sometimes, mouse settings get changed accidentally or after installing new software. To check your settings:

  • Open Control Panel or Settings in Windows.
  • Navigate to Devices or Mouse.
  • Look for the option to change the primary mouse button and make sure it is set to the left button.

2. Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your mouse to malfunction. To update drivers:

  • Go to Device Manager.
  • Locate the section for Mice and other pointing devices.
  • Right-click on your mouse device and select Update driver.

3. Viruses or Malware

Some viruses can interfere with the functionality of peripheral devices. Run a full antivirus scan to check and remove any suspicious files.

4. Physical Mouse Issues

If the mouse is old or heavily used, it could be experiencing wear and tear. Test it on another computer to see if it functions correctly. If the problem persists on other devices, it might be time to replace your mouse.

5. Reset System Settings

As a last resort, consider resetting your system settings or restoring it to a previous state when the mouse was working correctly. Be sure to back up your data before taking this step.