How to Change Pen Button for Right-Click in Windows 11
You can change your Windows 11 pen button to function as a right-click, mimicking mouse behavior for enhanced usability.
This customization allows you to assign the secondary click function, traditionally handled by the right mouse button, to your pen’s physical button.
This makes tasks like opening context menus or accessing shortcut options quicker when using your stylus.
In Windows 11, you can reconfigure your pen’s button in the settings under Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink.
To make your pen button act like a right-click in Windows 11, go to Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and select Pen & Windows Ink. Under Additional pen settings, check the box for “Use the pen button as a right-click equivalent.
Before You Start: Pair Your Pen with 🪟 Windows 11
First, make sure your pen is connected to your device using Bluetooth. If you need help pairing your pen, check out this simple guide: How to Pair a Pen with Windows 11.
What Does the Pen Button Do by Default?
Why would you want to change this? By default, pressing and holding the pen tip acts like right-clicking with a mouse. But you can change what the pen button does. This helps you work the way you want.
How to Make the Pen Button Act Like Right-Click
- Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Or press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard. - In Settings, click on Bluetooth & devices on the left side menu.
windows 11 bluetooth and device icon in settings app - Find and click on the Pen & Windows Ink tile on the right side.
Windows pen and windows ink tile - Click to open Additional pen settings inside the Pen & Windows Ink section.
- Look for the option “Use the pen button as a right-click equivalent” and check the box to turn it on.
- If you want to turn this off later, just uncheck the box .
Use the top of pen as right-click equivalent option - When done, close the Settings app. Your pen button will now work like a right-click!
Advanced: Turn On/Off Pen Button Right-Click Using Windows Registry (Optional)
What happens if you want more control? Advanced users can change this setting using the Windows Registry Editor. This method takes a few more steps.
- [ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED] Open the Registry Editor. Press
Windows key + R, typeregedit, and press Enter. - Go to this folder path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Wisp\Pen\SysEventParameters - If you don’t see the SysEventParameters folder, right-click on Pen, choose New > Key, and name it SysEventParameters.
Windows 11 Registry Editor showing SysEventParameters key - Right-click on the right side of the SysEventParameters key. Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it RightMaskEnable.
- Double-click RightMaskEnable. Set the Base to Decimal. Then enter one of these values:
1to enable the pen button right-click0to disable it
Toggle pen button right-click using Registry Editor - Save your changes and restart your computer to make it work.
Summary
Why do this? Using your pen button as a right-click makes working on Windows 11 easier and faster.
What happens when done? You can easily turn this on or off in the Settings app without any technical skills. For advanced users, the Registry Editor offers another way to control this feature.
Customize your pen to fit your style and boost your productivity!
Need more info? Check Microsoft’s official guide on changing pen settings: Microsoft.com
How to right click with a Pen?
On the Surface Pen. And then tapping on the screen. And that also activates the right click menu. And there you go it is that easy to do all the different right clicks with your Surface.
How do I change the right click option in 🪟 Windows 11?
You can display the Legacy Right-Click Context menu by clicking "Show more options" at the end of the list or pressing Shift+F10. If you want it to be the default, you need to add a registry entry below so that every time you right-click a File or Folder, it shows the Legacy Context menu by default.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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