Surface Pen "right click" not functioning in Word

Question

Hello,

After using the Surface pen to write in Word, I am unable to use the pen to group those written objects for organizational purposes. I was told the pen has a right click function, but this deselects the items I have lasso selected when pressed. I can however re-attach the keyboard, right click and group the objects- so it definitely can be done, just not with the pen?

Why does this little right click button not actually work as a right click in Word?

Thank you

Answer 1

The issue you are experiencing with the Surface Pen's right-click function in Word may be related to how the pen interacts with touch input in Windows applications. The Surface Pen is designed to perform different functions based on the context of its use, and sometimes the right-click functionality may not work as expected in certain applications like Word.

In general, the right-click function on the Surface Pen can be achieved by tapping with two fingers or by pressing the right-click button on the pen. However, if the pen is deselecting items instead of performing a right-click, it could be due to the way the application interprets the input.

To troubleshoot this issue, you might want to ensure that the Surface Pen is properly paired with your device and that its firmware is up to date. Additionally, checking the settings for pen input in Word or adjusting the pressure sensitivity settings might help improve its functionality.

If the right-click function continues to be problematic, using the keyboard as you mentioned is a viable workaround until the issue is resolved.

For more detailed troubleshooting steps regarding the Surface Pen, you can refer to the official Microsoft documentation on troubleshooting the Surface Hub Pen.

---

References:

• Troubleshoot Surface Hub Pen

Answer 2

Hello,

You are running into Word's ink-first behavior. When Word is set to use the pen for inking, a barrel-button press is not treated like a traditional right click on a lasso selection, so touching the page with the tip cancels the selection and nothing happens. Make the pen act like a mouse by default in Word.

In Word, go to File > Options > Advanced > Pen, turn on Use pen to select and interact with content by default, then OK. Now try again. Draw your ink, go to Draw > Lasso Select and select the strokes, then hold the pen's barrel button and tap once on the selection to open the context menu and choose Group. If the selection still drops, hover the pen over the selection, hold the barrel button first, then tap.

Let me know how that goes and I can help fine-tune the pen settings if needed.