Consider the following scenario: You sit down in front of your computer, prepared to work on important projects or play games, only to discover that your keyboard and mouse have abruptly ceased responding. Though it could seem confusing and unpleasant at first, do not worry! We’ll walk you through step-by-step procedures in this detailed troubleshooting guide to help you locate and resolve the problem with your broken mouse and keyboard. Let’s get going!
Table of Contents
- How to fix the mouse and keyboard not working, follow the solutions:
- 1) Check the Physical Connections:
- 2) Reboot Your Computer:
- 3) Use On-Screen Keyboard and Mouse:
- 4) Check Device Manager:
- 5) Update or Roll Back Drivers:
- 6) Safe Mode Check:
- 7) System Restore:
- 8) Test in BIOS/UEFI:
- 9) Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:
- 10) Test in Another User Account:
- 11) Check for Windows Updates:
- Follow the solutions:
- Conclusion
How to fix the mouse and keyboard not working, follow the solutions:
1) Check the Physical Connections:
Ensure that all physical connections are secure as this is the first and simplest step:
a. For USB devices, unplug them from your computer and replug them into different ports.
b. Check the batteries in wireless devices to make sure they are inserted correctly.
c. To rule out any possible hub issues when utilizing a USB hub, try connecting the devices directly to your computer.
2) Reboot Your Computer:
Technical issues can frequently be fixed with a simple restart. Save your work, then restart your computer properly. The input devices may occasionally stop working due to transient software problems.
3) Use On-Screen Keyboard and Mouse:
You can use the on-screen keyboard and mouse accessibility features if your real keyboard and mouse are still not functional.
a. In Windows, select “Settings” > “Ease of Access” > “Keyboard” and enable “On-Screen Keyboard.”
a. Select “Mouse” under the same “Ease of Access” options for the on-screen mouse, then turn on “Mouse Keys.”
4) Check Device Manager:
To identify and fix hardware-related problems, Device Manager is a helpful tool. This is how you can get to it:
a. Right-click the “Start” icon and choose “Device Manager.”
b. Check out the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” categories.
c. Driver issues are shown by a red “X” or a yellow exclamation point next to your keyboard or mouse, respectively.
5) Update or Roll Back Drivers:
Misconfigured input devices can frequently be caused by outdated or corrupt drivers. Try these things:
a. Right-click the malfunctioning device and choose “Update driver.”
b. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and adhere to the prompts.
c. If a driver update doesn’t fix the problem, think about going back to an earlier version of the driver.
6) Safe Mode Check:
To check if any third-party software is interfering with your input devices, start your computer in Safe Mode:
a. Press the Windows key and R, enter “msconfig,” and then press OK.
b. Check the “Safe boot” option under the “Boot” tab and select “Minimal.”
c. Restart your computer and check to see if the keyboard and mouse function in Safe Mode.
7) System Restore:
You can try running a System Restore to return your computer to a prior state if your mouse and keyboard used to function properly:
a. In the Start menu, look for “System Restore” and launch the tool.
b. Use the directions on-screen to reset your computer to a time when the input devices were operational.
8) Test in BIOS/UEFI:
Restart your computer and get to the BIOS/UEFI settings by clicking the proper key during startup (which is generally visible on the screen). Check to see if your keyboard and mouse are working in this environment. If they do, it suggests that the problem is with the operating system or its drivers.
9) Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:
System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) are built-in Windows utilities for scanning and repairing corrupted system files that may be causing input device issues.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the command
sfc /scannowand let it scan for and repair system files. - After that, run the command
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto repair the Windows image using online resources.
10) Test in Another User Account:
Make a new user account on your computer and check to see if the keyboard and mouse work properly. This can assist in determining whether the problem is user-specific or system-wide.
11) Check for Windows Updates:
Check that your operating system is up to date with the most recent Windows updates. Outdated software might cause compatibility issues, including keyboard and mouse issues.
12) Perform a Clean Boot:
Performing a clean boot can help identify if a third-party application or service is causing conflicts that affect your input devices. This process can help isolate the source of the issue.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, navigate to the “Services” tab.
- Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all.”
- Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
- Restart your computer and check if the keyboard and mouse work.
Follow the solutions:
Solution 1:
Make sure the keyboard/mouse is firmly plugged into the back of the computer
Solution 2:
Try unplugging one or both, and then reinserting it into the back of the computer
Solution 3:
Try plugging your USB keyboard/mouse into a different USB socket
Solution 4:
Replace the keyboard/mouse with one that you know works
Solution 5:
If you cannot see any lights on your keyboard when you press the Caps Lock or Num Lock key, it may be a dead keyboard
Solution 6:
Make sure there is no dirt or fluff clogging up either the optical laser or roller ball on the underside of your mouse. It may require a clean
Solution 7:
If you are using a wireless keyboard/mouse, try pressing the reset button on the device or replacing the batteries.
Conclusion
It can be intimidating to deal with problems with your mouse and keyboard not working, but with the aid of this troubleshooting tutorial, you should be able to identify and fix the issue. You can determine whether the problem is caused by hardware, drivers, or software conflicts by following the above-mentioned methods, and then proceed appropriately. In some circumstances, it could be necessary to seek expert help, particularly if the issue continues even after trying all the suggested fixes. To successfully resolve technological problems, keep in mind that patience and systematic troubleshooting are essential. Good fortune!