Introduction
When the keyboard and mouse are not working on a Windows PC, it can be very confusing and frustrating. Without a keyboard or mouse, even basic troubleshooting becomes difficult.
This problem is common in both desktop computers and laptops. It is usually caused by USB port issues, driver problems, power settings, or Windows software errors. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step solutions to fix keyboard and mouse not working issues in Windows.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Keyboard and Mouse Issues
Step 1: Restart the Computer Properly
Sometimes Windows fails to load USB drivers correctly.
- If possible, restart the PC normally
- If the mouse doesn’t work, use the power button to restart
- Disconnect keyboard and mouse before restart, then reconnect after boot
This simple step often fixes temporary driver glitches.
Step 2: Try Different USB Ports
Faulty USB ports are a very common cause.
- Unplug the keyboard and mouse
- Plug them into different USB ports
- Prefer USB ports at the back of the CPU (desktop users)
Step 3: Test Keyboard and Mouse on Another PC
This helps confirm whether the problem is hardware or software.
- Connect the same keyboard and mouse to another computer
- If they work there → issue is with Windows or USB ports
- If they don’t work → keyboard or mouse may be faulty
Step 4: Perform a Power Reset
Sometimes residual power stored in the system can cause USB devices like the keyboard and mouse to stop working.
How to perform a power reset:
- Shut down the PC completely
- Unplug the power cable
- For laptops, remove the battery (if removable)
- Press and hold the power button for 20–30 seconds
- Reconnect the power and start the PC
- This step resets hardware-level power states and often fixes unresponsive USB devices.
Step 5: Clean and Reseat the RAM
Loose or dirty RAM can cause random hardware issues, including keyboard and mouse not working properly.
What to do:
- Turn off the PC and unplug the power cable
- Open the CPU cabinet
- Remove the RAM carefully
- Clean the RAM contacts using a soft brush or air blower
- Reinsert the RAM firmly until it locks into place
If you have multiple RAM sticks, test the system with one RAM at a time.
Step 6: Check USB Power Management Settings
Windows sometimes turns off USB devices to save power.
- Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, press Enter
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties
- Go to Power Management tab
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device
- Click OK and restart
This step is very effective, especially for laptops.
Step 7: Reinstall Keyboard and Mouse Drivers
Corrupted drivers can stop input devices from working.
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices
- Right-click each device → Uninstall device
- Restart the PC
Step 8: Check BIOS / UEFI Settings
If the keyboard doesn’t work even before Windows loads:
- Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (Del, F2, F10, Esc)
- Check if USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB Support is enabled
- Save changes and exit
If the keyboard doesn’t work in BIOS, the issue is likely hardware-related.
Step 9: Check for Windows Update or System Issues
Sometimes Windows updates cause driver conflicts.
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Check if keyboard and mouse work there
- If yes, uninstall recent updates or run System Restore
For technicians, this confirms a Windows-level issue.
Conclusion
When the keyboard and mouse are not working on a Windows PC, the problem can feel serious, but in most cases it can be fixed with proper troubleshooting. Common causes include USB port issues, driver problems, power management settings, Windows software errors, and even loose hardware connections.
By following the step-by-step solutions in this guide—such as performing a power reset, reinstalling drivers, checking BIOS settings, and cleaning and reseating the RAM—you can identify whether the issue is software-related or hardware-related. These steps help resolve most keyboard and mouse problems without reinstalling Windows.
If the keyboard and mouse still do not work after trying all the steps above, the issue may be with a faulty keyboard or mouse. In such cases, buying a new one is the best option.
You can check a USB Keyboard on Amazon or a USB Mouse on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are my keyboard and mouse not working after Windows starts?
This usually happens due to driver loading issues, USB power management settings, or corrupted system files.
Can a Windows update cause keyboard and mouse problems?
Yes. Some updates may install incompatible drivers. Rolling back the update or using System Restore often fixes the issue.
What if the keyboard and mouse work in BIOS but not in Windows?
This confirms a Windows software or driver problem, not a hardware issue.
Do wireless keyboards and mice cause more problems?
Wireless devices can fail due to low batteries, interference, or USB receiver issues. Always test with a wired keyboard or mouse.
Should I reinstall Windows if keyboard and mouse don’t work?
Reinstalling Windows should be the last option. Most issues can be fixed with driver and power setting adjustments.