Try this: (define-key mode-line-buffer-identification-keymap [mode-line mouse-3] 'list-buffers) That does not show buffers whose names begin with a space. If you really want to show *all* buffers, then try this instead: (define-key mode-line-buffer-identification-keymap [mode-line mouse-3] (lambda () (interactive) (display-buffer (list-buffers-noselect nil (buffer-list))))) (However, I agree with those who commented that this is a very useful thing to do.)