Right-Click Unintentionally Occurs Using Touchpad on an XPS

Summary: Learn what to do when experiencing unintended right-clicking while using an XPS 14 9440 or XPS 16 9640 laptop touchpad.

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Symptoms

The right-click function may be caused accidentally during use of the touchpad of a Dell XPS 14 9440 or XPS 16 9640. The touchpad has a larger coverage area on these XPS laptops than normal. Resting the side of your palm on the touchpad coverage area may cause right-click actions to occur.
Example of a palm pressing on the touchpad coverage area

Affected Platforms:

  • XPS 14 9440
  • XPS 16 9640

Cause

This is the expected behavior from the touchpad. The touchpad is working as designed.

Resolution

Follow these steps to turn off the Windows default right-click function area. This prevents the palm from accidentally right-clicking. You can still use two-finger tap gestures to initiate the right-click function.

  1. Open the Windows Start menu.
    Windows Start button
  2. Click Settings.
    Selecting Settings
  3. Click Bluetooth & devices.
    Selecting Bluetooth & devices
  4. Select Touchpad.
    Selecting Touchpad
  5. Select Taps.
    Selecting Taps
  6. Clear the check in the box for Press the lower right corner of the touchpad to right-click.
    Clearing the check for Press the lower right corner of the touchpad to right-click
  7. Close the Settings window.
    Closing Settings

Affected Products

XPS 14 9440, XPS 16 9640
Article Properties
Article Number: 000222813
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 17 Nov 2025
Version:  6
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