Why your mouse and keyboard are not working? You probably already know that it’s not unusual for keyboards and mice to cease functioning, but just because they start to malfunction doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve broken. You may not be aware of it, but there are many reasons why a PC running the Windows 10 operating system’s keyboard and mouse won’t function. You’re in great luck that you found this site since I’ve tried and tested practically every possible troubleshooting method.
In this post, I’ll cover the methods that are really useful for looking for potential causes of problems that don’t get fixed and fixing those that do so that you may use the computer regularly once again. Or if the hardware itself is to blame for the issue, a repair or replacement is required. Keep reading to learn more!
The Mouse and Keyboard
The keyboard and the mouse are the two most frequent input methods for interacting with computers and other electronic devices.
Use a mouse, a portable pointing device, to move the cursor or pointer around a computer screen. The common design is a palm-sized gadget with one or more buttons and a scrolling wheel. The pointer on the screen moves when the mouse is moved over a flat surface, such as a desk or mouse pad. Users may do a number of activities by clicking the buttons, including choosing things, opening files, or running commands.
A keyboard is a row of keys that resemble those on a typewriter and are used to enter characters, numbers, and instructions into computers and other electronic devices. It has many rows of keys, including function keys, letters, numbers, and symbols. Depending on the area and language, numerous keyboard layouts are available, including QWERTY (the most prevalent), AZERTY, and QWERTZ. By pressing the keys, users may enter text or carry out particular tasks, including selecting items from menus, using keyboard shortcuts, or managing the playing of multimedia files.
The mouse and keyboard are both essential components of a personal computer’s user interface and are used for a variety of activities, such as web surfing, document creation, gameplay, media editing, and navigating program interfaces.
Reasons Why Mouse and Keyboard Not Working
There may be some causes for a mouse and keyboard not to function. Here are some typical problems that may be the root of this issue:
Connectivity Problems
Verify that the keyboard and mouse are securely connected to the computer. Make sure the wires are properly connected to the designated ports for wired devices. Ensure your wireless devices are linked properly and the batteries are not low before use.
USB Port Problems
If you use USB devices, the USB ports may be the root of the problem. Try connecting the mouse and keyboard to various USB ports to rule out a bad port. Check if other USB devices are also connected to the same port function.
Driver Issues
The mouse and keyboard may only operate properly if the drivers are updated or compatible. By visiting the manufacturer’s website or making use of your operating system’s automatic driver update feature. You may update the drivers for the input devices.
Software or Settings Issues
The keyboard and mouse may not work properly due to software or system settings. For instance, accessibility features like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys may result in input lag or other problems. Check your system settings to turn off any functions that can impact input devices.
Hardware Failure
If none of the suggestions above work, the keyboard or mouse could have a hardware issue. To test whether the peripherals function, try using them with a different computer. If you need help, you may have to change or fix the hardware.
Physical Damage
Check the keyboard and mouse for any physical damage, such as frayed or loose wires, leaks, or general wear and tear. Such damage may make the gadgets unable to operate properly.
Malware or Virus
In rare instances, input device functionality may be hampered by a virus or malware infestation. Complete a system scan using a dependable antivirus product to check for harmful apps.
Contacting technical support or a computer repair expert may be beneficial if you have attempted these troubleshooting techniques but need help fixing the problem.
How to Fix Mouse and Keyboard Not Working
Aside from the keyboard and mouse, a few ways to interact with a PC exist. Working on the computer becomes practically hard when these two components fail. The ports and connections in the case of wired devices. The wireless connection, and the batteries in the case of wireless devices are often the source of the issue with these devices needing to be recognized.
But sometimes, it’s possible that the mouse and keyboard only work in certain circumstances, such as during boot or while not in BIOS, which may be quite frustrating. So, regardless of the problem, we have put the remedies for your keyboard and mouse in this guide to get them back in working order.
Restart the Computer
Problems that might go unnoticed may be resolved by restarting your computer. Because it appears apparent, many individuals often ignore it and choose other solutions to their problems. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight because this issue occurs more frequently than we’d like to acknowledge. As a result of clearing out all data from memory and starting again with everything—including the Kernel—any issues with the computer’s main and secondary memory should be resolved.
Check whether you can move the mouse cursor and text in Notepad after a restart. When the mouse and keyboard suddenly cease functioning The cause is often a simple system error that may be fixed with a reboot or a full shutdown.
Safe Mode Boot
You may start your computer in safe mode as an alternative. In this mode, Windows loads drivers and basic apps signed digitally by Microsoft when your machine starts up. Doing so lets you determine if the problem is due to a malicious application, a third-party driver, or some other software problem that makes the device unresponsive.
Difficulties with the keyboard and mouse don’t get fixed immediately, and you have trouble using these devices. Then you may start using built-in accessibility features that come standard with the Windows 10 operating system. This approach, however, will only operate if just one component—the keyboard or computer mouse—is broken and the other is usable and completely operational.
Activate MouseKeys
You may change to MouseKeys if your conventional membrane keyboard works, but your mouse doesn’t. The numerical keys on the keyboard may be used to shift the mouse pointer thanks to this accessibility feature.
Navigate to Windows settings and turn it on. You must do a right click on the Start menu, choose “Settings,” “Ease of Access,” then “Mouse,” and last, move the slider to the “On” position. The MouseKeys will then be enabled.
Therefore, move the various cursors by using the number keys. For instance, number eight will advance the course; number 2 will advance the course backward, and so on.
Activate On-Screen Keyboard
Likewise, if your keyboard functions well, but your mouse doesn’t. Utilize the on-screen keyboard function. As a temporary fix, another helpful accessibility feature needs a functional computer mouse or touch-enabled screen. Right-click on an empty area of the Taskbar to bring up a context menu, and then choose the “Show touch keyboard button” option to use the on-screen keyboard quickly.
By choosing this option, the Taskbar’s notification area will show a schematic keyboard icon, which you can click to bring up an on-screen keyboard on the bottom side instantly. The required on-screen keyboard may also be launched instantaneously by pressing “Windows + Ctrl + O” without creating and using extra icons. When not in use, click the “X” button in the pop-up panel’s top right corner to dismiss the keyboard and quickly remove it from the screen.
Activate System Troubleshooting
On occasion, Windows 10’s keyboard and mouse won’t function. Thankfully, Microsoft includes an integrated troubleshooter that you may use to resolve the issue. Run a troubleshooter to look for and fix any problems related to this hardware configuration.
Open Settings > Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Pick the keyboard, perform the troubleshooting, and anything that has to be changed or fixed will be shown.
Examine the Windows 10 Update
Installing the most recent versions of everything is the best way to identify and fix issues with Windows. Any faults could be addressed before you notice them since the most recent Update may contain bug fixes or a crucial patch that corrects a problem that stops your keyboard and mouse from responding appropriately.
It is strongly advised to ensure the operating system has the most recent updates and versions installed. To check, go to settings, choose Update and Security, run a quick scan to find any available updates, and then download and install them if required.
Verify in The BIOS that the Keyboard & Mouse are Turned On
A deactivated USB port in the main board BIOS is one of the potential reasons for the issue if the keyboard & mouse aren’t responding. You must access the BIOS upon computer POST to activate the USB.
For this, shut down your laptop or computer as normal and restart it. Then, during the first startup process, just before the system welcome window shows, immediately hit the key designated by the manufacturer to access the BIOS, which may be F10, F12, F2, F1, and DELETE.
Now, search for the item that includes the abbreviation USB by flipping between tabs. The name may be USB Keyboard, Legacy USB, or something similar. Utilizing the arrow keys & Enter, go to this item and change it to Enabled.
By clicking the F10 key & confirming that you want to leave the BIOS, you may fix the changes made to how the ports function. The laptop and computer will resume independently; after a little delay, you may check whether the keyboard and mouse are functional.
Enable USB Registry Editor
Use Registry Editor to allow USB if you can’t access the BIOS. The Registry Editor is the first to search on the top bar. Go to Computer > HKEY LOCAL MACHINE > SYSTEM > Current Control Set > Services > USBSTOR after that. To activate your USB, enter the number “3,” and to turn it off, write “4” since you must open type 3 & hit “OK” to preserve the changes in USBSTOR.
Drivers for The Keyboard and Mouse Must Reinstalled
The drivers for your optical or laser mouse and mechanical or membrane keyboard are handled automatically by the Windows operating system. However, forcibly reinstalling these drivers may often fix the issue. Additionally, if the procedure is strange, you may force the reinstallation.
If you right-click Windows Start, you may reinstall the drivers. It would help if you then chose the “Device Manager” option. The device manager displays a list of every connected device to your computer. Your keyboard will be mentioned under “Keyboards” on the list. The mouse will also appear under “Mice and other pointing devices” simultaneously.
Right-click on the desired device now, and then choose “Uninstall device” from the menu that appears. It could be preferable to replace your mouse driver first, followed by your keyboard driver. This is because until you’ve restarted your PC, you will not be able to utilize the device.
In a notification confirmation dialogue, you must click the “Uninstall” option to confirm your want to remove the device. As I previously said, certain input devices may cease functioning after the installation process has started until you restart your computer.
Press the power button once more to initiate the shutdown and reboot procedure. When turned on. The Windows system service automatically identifies and prepares to restore any missing drivers to the connected mouse and keyboard. The keyboard and mouse should function normally after the PC restarts and the drivers are restored.
While Windows 10 does not need any software to be loaded to use a wireless mouse or keyboard (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), you may need to install software or a driver if you use an older model.
Gaming Mouse & Keyboard
Just be sure to obtain the most recent versions for controlling software & drivers from manufacturer websites like (Logitech, Razer, Corsair, etc.) for gaming and customized devices like membrane keyboards so that, when they are installed, any difficulties linked to your gaming gear may be rectified.
Change the USB Port Power Settings or Disable Hybrid Shutdown
The next issue that sometimes causes both keyboard & mouse problems is how a power-saving feature is configured. It may be enabled in several ways, including temporarily deactivating unused USB ports. Although this method is advantageous, the laptop may need to be restarted numerous times after being ignored.
You must change the power-saving settings to solve this. Given this: Go to Control Panel from the Start Menu. Entering the name of this system tool in the search field can help you discover it more quickly. Look for and choose the Power Options option in this Control Panel box.
You may deactivate the functionality by navigating to Change Plan Settings > Change Advance Plan Settings > USB Setting > USB Selective Suspend Settings. You may enable this option again if you want to operate the computer on battery power.
Check for Potential Malware
Even after performing the aforementioned methods, your keyboard & mouse may still not function due to malicious software like malware. Malware infection may cause computers to malfunction and even forcefully disable equipment like the mouse and keyboard. Limiting how much a user can use their computer.
If the suspicions are confirmed, you must do a virus check using Windows Defender or the installed antivirus program for this purpose. Use “Settings > Security and Updates > Windows Security > Protection from viruses & threats > Scan Settings > Quick Scan” to access that.
Next, you have to choose “Scan Now,” and everything will start & wait until it is finished. Any malware on your machine should be automatically erased when the scanning is finished. It is time to move on to the physical test if all of the steps above have failed and your keyboard & mouse continue to be unresponsive.
Verify Your Peripherals’ USB Connections
It’s time to confirm if the hardware is indeed malfunctioning before proceeding to the last stage. To do this, thoroughly inspect the USB connections for any physical damage and broken components. Even a little failure in the contact might cause the keyboard & mouse to get stuck.
In these circumstances, it is typically interesting to rule out the possibility of another hardware piece failing, such as a connection. To be sure that a single broken individual port does not cause the issue, it is a good idea to connect to other USBs over the ethernet ports since you have over one USB port.
I advise attaching an alternative keyboard and mouse to the computer to test if it will function. Your keyboard or mouse may be broken if the new ones function well. However, if the brand-new peripherals don’t function, Windows or the machine may be at fault rather than your equipment.
Testing the keyboard and mouse on a different computer than the one that doesn’t function is preferable. By doing so, you may more readily segregate issues and identify their precise causes.
Reset the BIOS Settings
A full BIOS reset is the last piece of advice I’ll provide in this guide on resuming mouse and keyboard functionality. It cannot be carried out using software; instead, you must dismantle the system unit (or remove the laptop panel that covers the motherboard) and briefly turn off the CMOS module.
In this case, you must reset the system time, create a password, and carry out other basic steps before you may return the BIOS settings to their default positions. You may fix the issue of the keyboard & mouse suddenly becoming unresponsive by carefully following the instructions. Remember to save your changes in the BIOS, and ensure all your devices are plugged into the computer before you begin.
Tips to Maintain Mouse and Keyboard in Good Condition
You can keep your computer’s mouse and keyboard in excellent working order by following these maintenance tips:
It Is Important to Keep Them Clean
Dust, filth, and other particles should be removed from your mouse and keyboard regularly by cleaning them. When cleaning in the spaces between the keys and around the mouse buttons, use either compressed air or a soft brush. For more thorough cleaning, use a moist cloth or cotton swabs soaked in isopropyl alcohol. However, before using any of these methods again, unplug them and let them dry fully.
Avoid Eating and Drinking Near the Peripherals
Your mouse and keyboard can be harmed if food particles or liquid spills land on them. To reduce the likelihood of an accident, it is in your best interest to keep them away from the area where you eat and drink.
Protect from Excessive Heat and Moisture
Keeping your mouse and keyboard away from liquids and humid conditions is important since moisture may harm the electronics inside them. Because prolonged exposure to high temperatures may also impair their effectiveness, you should keep them out of direct sunshine and try to keep them away from any heat sources.
Use a Mouse Pad
Your mouse will have a much easier time moving on a mouse pad, and the feet of your mouse will last longer without becoming worn out. Additionally, it prevents the surface of your desk or table from being scratched due to the movement of the mouse.
Make Use of Keyboard Covers
Your keyboard may be protected from dirt, liquid spills, and other pollutants by using a keyboard cover. If you operate in an area prone to dust or if you have the habit of eating snacks close to your workplace, they will come in handy for you. Make sure that the keyboard covers are designed to fit the model of your keyboard.
Maintain Accurate Space
Place your computer’s mouse and keyboard in an area that is both clean and dry while they are not in use. Avoid keeping them in a manner that could do them bodily harm, such as by stacking heavy things on top of them or putting them in direct sunlight.
Update the Firmware and Software
Regularly check the manufacturer’s website for changes to the drivers or firmware for your keyboard and mouse. Updated software may boost performance and fix any problems that have been reported.
Check for Indications
Check your keyboard and mouse for wear indicators, such as loose wires or worn-out key labels. Any problems should be resolved right away to avoid future harm.
By using these suggestions, you should keep your mouse and keyboard in excellent working order, guaranteeing their life and optimum performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my keyboard and mouse not function after updating?
Restart the computer, clean boot the computer, try a new USB port or cable, update Mouse & Keyboard drivers, manually install your keyboard, launch the Keyboard Troubleshooter, or remove the most recent Windows Update to fix the “Keyboard and Mouse Not Working after Upgrade” problem.
Why does the light function, but my mouse doesn’t?
If the mouse is turned on but not functioning, try replacing the batteries and check that the wireless receiver is within range and unobstructed by any objects. If it still fails, try unplugging the USB adaptor and re-plugging it. Driver conflict could exist if the mouse is operating in Safe mode.
Why did my mouse stop working?
The most prevalent are power problems. Try charging the mouse, changing the batteries, changing the charger, connecting the mouse to a different USB port, or turning off and back on your Bluetooth connection to solve mouse-related problems. An unresponsive mouse might also be brought on by outdated system software and driver issue.
Why can’t I use the keyboard?
If you’re using a laptop, it’s highly likely that you accidentally struck a key combination that sent your keyboard into hibernation. Alternatively, your keyboard could not be properly linked to your system. If you’re utilizing a wireless keyboard, there can be a connectivity issue.
How can I lock my keyboard?
Press Ctrl + Alt + L to lock your keyboard. When the keyboard is locked, the Keyboard Locker symbol changes to reflect this. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the Windows and Mac keyboard locking and unlocking procedure; it’s fairly easy.
Final Thoughts
Since they are necessary for daily computer usage, the keyboard, and mouse are essential and fundamental components of every computer. Thus, it is no surprise that this equipment has a rapid tendency to break or become useless. You could have to cope with unresponsive gadgets or even defective wireless versions. To avoid wasting money on replacing this peripheral equipment that ends up not functioning and could even be damaged from being thrown about when they stop working, I have also provided practical solutions for you to remedy your problems above. I hope it will help you.
