How to use the computer without a mouse?

Whether your mouse has stopped working or you simply prefer using your keyboard, it’s possible to control your computer without a mouse. This guide explains how to use keyboard navigation, mouse keys, and accessibility features to move the pointer, click, and complete everyday tasks using only your keyboard.

Essential Tools for Keyboard-Only Navigation

• Use Alt + Tab to switch between open windows quickly and efficiently.
• Mouse Keys allow you to move the pointer using the numeric keypad.
• The Tab key helps you jump between buttons, fields, and menu items.
• Press Shift + F10 to open the context menu without a mouse.
• Enable Sticky Keys in accessibility settings to ease multi-key shortcuts.
• Use arrow keys to scroll, select, and navigate around the screen.
• Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V still let you copy and paste like a pro.

Basic Keyboard Navigation Tips

Using your keyboard instead of a mouse might seem daunting, but once you learn a few clever shortcuts, it becomes second nature. The key to navigate around the screen lies in mastering the Tab key, the arrow keys, and handy combinations like Alt + Tab to switch between windows. It’s all about rhythm—tap, tap, done.

Keyboard shortcuts are especially useful for everyday tasks like opening File Explorer (Windows key + E), refreshing a browser tab (Ctrl + R), or launching the Start menu. Using the arrow keys, you can move the cursor or highlight items, while pressing Enter confirms a selection. Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V still work like a charm for copying and pasting text.

The advantages of keyboard use go beyond speed. You’ll find it’s more ergonomic and less reliant on one hand. If your computer mouse has disappeared , the keyboard is your best ally in staying productive without missing a beat.

Shortcut	Function	Importance
Alt + Tab	Switch between open windows	High
Windows + E	Open File Explorer	High
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V	Copy and paste selected items	High
Tab / Shift + Tab	Navigate between selectable items	High
Shift + Arrow Keys	Select text or files	Medium
Shift + F10	Open right-click context menu	Medium
Alt + Down Arrow	Open dropdown menus	Medium
Ctrl + R	Refresh current browser tab	Low

Turn On Mouse Keys Feature

Mouse keys let you move the pointer using your keyboard’s numeric keypad—a lifesaver when your actual mouse goes rogue. To activate it on Windows 10, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Mouse and toggle “Turn on Mouse Keys.” On macOS, visit System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control.

Once enabled, you can move the pointer with the numeric keys (2 for down, 4 for left, 6 for right, 8 for up). Pressing 5 acts like a left-click mouse button. To right-click, tap the minus (-) key first, then 5. It takes a little getting used to, but it works well once you’ve found your rhythm.

Remember to keep Num Lock on, or your arrow keys won’t play nice. If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad, you may need to use an external one. For more gear, see our mouse and input device selection. Once set up, you can point and click your way around like it’s 1995—just without the mouse.

Accessibility and Pointer Using Options

Accessibility features help users interact with their computer without a mouse. Sticky Keys, for instance, let you use multiple keyboard shortcuts without pressing everything at once. The onscreen keyboard is another option, useful for clicking with a pointer using only a touchscreen or alternative device.

For better pointer using control, check out high-contrast themes, screen magnifiers, or voice commands. Windows and macOS both support these through the Accessibility menu. These tools can help you move the cursor, read text aloud, or trigger commands that normally require a click or drag.

If you rely heavily on the keyboard, these features work beautifully in tandem with mouse keys. Whether you’re navigating the desktop, clicking through menus, or jumping between browser tabs, accessibility settings give you more control. It’s not just about ease—it’s about giving every user a fair shot at using their device efficiently.

Use Keyboard for Precise Selection

One gap in most guides? They rarely show how to select things precisely without a mouse. Let’s fix that. Start with the Tab key—it jumps between items, whether on the desktop, in a form, or inside File Explorer. Once you’ve highlighted what you want, hit Enter or the context menu key to act.

Want to select text? Use Shift plus the arrow keys to highlight it, then Ctrl + C to copy. In drop-down menus, use Alt + down arrow to open them, then arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select. Need to press a button on a form? Use Tab to focus and Space to press it.

On Windows, pressing Shift + F10 opens the right-click context menu for a selected item—no mouse button required. Learning how to use your keyboard like this is especially helpful if you’re stuck with a broken mouse pointer or want to become a true power user. The cursor never looked so obedient.

Conclusion

Learning to use your computer without a mouse isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a practical way to boost productivity and accessibility. With keyboard shortcuts, mouse keys, and system features, you can keep things running smoothly even when the mouse takes a break.

At Viking, we’re passionate about workplace solutions that make your everyday tasks easier. Whether you’re seeking ergonomic accessories or exploring ways to work more efficiently, we’re here to support you with tools and advice that help create a workspace that truly works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I move the pointer without a mouse?

You can move the pointer using mouse keys, which are controlled by the numeric keypad. Once you turn on mouse keys in Windows 10 or macOS settings, use keys 2, 4, 6, and 8 to direct the mouse pointer. It’s a helpful alternative when the physical mouse isn’t available.

What keyboard shortcuts replace mouse clicks?

You can use Enter to select, Space to activate buttons, and Shift + F10 to simulate a right-click. To navigate menus or the desktop, use the Tab key, arrow keys, and keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab to switch windows or Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V for copy-paste actions.

How do I open apps without using a mouse?

Use the Windows key to open the Start menu, then use the arrow keys or type the app’s name. Press Enter to launch it. Alternatively, use keyboard shortcuts like Windows key + R to open the Run box and type the app name. This works well even without a mouse.

Can I control a browser without a mouse?

Yes, you can use your keyboard to navigate a browser. Press Tab to move around the screen, Shift + Tab to go back, and Enter to select. Use Ctrl + T to open a new tab, Ctrl + W to close one, and Alt + Left Arrow to go back a page.