Trackpad Right-Click (Two-Finger Tap) Support in Linux Guests – macOS Virtualization Framework

Question

rbmanian75 OP

Created 4w

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Participants 2

Hello,

I'm developing a macOS application that uses the Virtualization framework to run Linux virtual machines (specifically Ubuntu and Fedora) on Apple Silicon Macs.

I've noticed that while the macOS host properly supports all trackpad gestures, the two-finger tap gesture for right-click does not work within the Linux guest. Only the primary click is recognized. This behavior is consistent across different Linux distributions and desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, etc.).

I would like to confirm:

Is the macOS Virtualization framework expected to support trackpad gestures such as two-finger tap for right-click within Linux guest VMs?

If not currently supported, is there a known workaround to enable right-click functionality for the trackpad in Linux guests? (e.g., configuration changes in the VM, Linux kernel input modules, or framework-level adjustments.)

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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Answer 1

Engineer OP

Apple

3w

Is the macOS Virtualization framework expected to support trackpad gestures such as two-finger tap for right-click within Linux guest VMs?

It doesn't.

If not currently supported, is there a known workaround to enable right-click functionality for the trackpad in Linux guests? (e.g., configuration changes in the VM, Linux kernel input modules, or framework-level adjustments.)

With Virtualization framework, the Mac uses the system gestures and pass the semantic to the guest Linux. For example, if configured as such, the two-fingers tap on the Mac would become a right-mouse click in Linux.

If your use case requires different support, can you please open a feature request with the Feedback Assistant?

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Answer 2

rbmanian75 OP

3w

With Virtualization framework, the Mac uses the system gestures and pass the semantic to the guest Linux. For example, if configured as such, the two-fingers tap on the Mac would become a right-mouse click in Linux.

Thank you for the reply. This does not work. I have the two finger tap enabled in the host but in linux guest it is not working. even ctrl + click is also not working for right click. I have tested this in debian and ubuntu. Not sure how to get right click work on linux guests

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