Keyboard Or Mouse Not Working

This guide covers the most common causes of keyboard and mouse failures on Windows laptops and desktops.
These steps apply to wired, wireless, Bluetooth, and USB devices. All instructions are safe and reversible.

Symptoms

  • Keyboard or mouse not responding
  • Cursor frozen or not moving
  • Keys typing incorrectly or not registering
  • Intermittent connection or random disconnects
  • Device not detected in Windows
  • Bluetooth keyboard or mouse not pairing

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

Loose or faulty cables are the most common cause of non‑working devices.

  1. Ensure the USB plug is fully inserted.
  2. Try a different USB port.
  3. Avoid USB hubs — plug directly into the computer.
  4. Check for damaged or bent connectors.

If the device works after reconnecting, the issue is resolved.

Step 2: Check Power (Wireless Devices)

Wireless keyboards and mice may stop working due to low battery or power issues.

  1. Replace the batteries with new ones.
  2. Ensure the power switch is turned on.
  3. Verify the USB receiver is plugged in.
  4. Move the device closer to the receiver.

Step 3: Restart Windows

A restart reloads drivers and resets USB controllers.

  1. Restart the computer normally.
  2. If the mouse is not working, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → use arrow keys to restart.

Step 4: Test Another Device

This helps determine whether the issue is with the device or the computer.

  1. Try a different keyboard or mouse.
  2. If the second device works, the original device may be faulty.

Step 5: Check Device Manager

Windows may show errors for malfunctioning devices.

  1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.
  2. Expand Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices.
  3. Look for yellow warning icons.

If a warning icon appears:

  1. Right‑click the device.
  2. Select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically.

If the device is missing entirely:

  • Unplug and reconnect the device.
  • Restart the computer.

Step 6: Reinstall the Driver

Reinstalling forces Windows to reload the correct driver.

  1. Right‑click the device in Device Manager.
  2. Select Uninstall device.
  3. Restart the computer.

Step 7: Check USB Power Management

Windows may disable USB ports to save power.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  3. Right‑click each USB Root Hub → Properties.
  4. Open the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Step 8: Fix Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse Issues

Bluetooth devices may disconnect or fail to pair.

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Turn Bluetooth off, then on again.
  3. Remove the device and re‑pair it.
  4. Ensure no other device is paired to the same keyboard/mouse.

Tip: Low battery is the #1 cause of Bluetooth input lag and disconnects.

Step 9: Check for Interference (Wireless Devices)

Wireless keyboards and mice can be affected by interference.

  • Move the receiver away from USB 3.0 ports.
  • Remove nearby wireless devices (headsets, controllers).
  • Use a USB extension cable to reposition the receiver.

Step 10: Test in BIOS/UEFI

If the keyboard or mouse does not work in BIOS, the issue is hardware‑related.

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Press the BIOS key (F2, Delete, Esc, etc.).

If the device works in BIOS: Windows driver issue.

If it does not work in BIOS: Hardware failure is likely.

Verification Steps

After applying fixes:

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Test typing in Notepad.
  3. Move the mouse and test left/right clicks.
  4. Verify Bluetooth or USB devices reconnect automatically.

If the Issue Persists

Persistent failures may indicate hardware problems.

  • Faulty keyboard or mouse
  • Damaged USB port
  • Motherboard USB controller failure
  • Battery failure in wireless devices

Next steps:

  • Try a different USB port or receiver
  • Replace the keyboard or mouse
  • Use a wired device to confirm hardware functionality
  • Seek repair if multiple USB ports fail
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