Keyboard or Mouse Not Working? Try These Fixes

Before replacing your keyboard or mouse, try the troubleshooting steps below. Start with the simple checks and work through the list until your device starts responding again.

Check the Keyboard or Mouse Connection

If you are using a wired keyboard or mouse, start by checking the physical connection.

Unplug the device from the computer and reconnect it securely. If it still does not work, try a different USB port.

If the keyboard or mouse is connected through a USB hub, docking station, or adapter, connect it directly to the computer instead. This can help determine whether the hub or adapter is causing the problem.

Also check the cable for visible damage, cuts, or loose sections.

Quick checks for wired devices

• Disconnect and reconnect the device.
• Try another USB port.
• Avoid using a USB hub while testing.
• Check the cable for visible damage.
• If possible, test the device on another computer.

If the keyboard or mouse works on another computer, the issue may be related to the original computer rather than the device itself.

Check the Batteries in a Wireless Keyboard or Mouse

Wireless keyboards and mice can stop responding when their batteries become low or completely depleted.

Replace the batteries with fresh ones and switch the device off and back on.

If your wireless device uses a USB receiver, make sure the receiver is properly connected to the computer.

You can also try moving the receiver to another USB port.

Check these items:

• Replace the batteries.
• Turn the keyboard or mouse off and on.
• Make sure the USB receiver is connected.
• Try another USB port.
• Keep the device close to the computer while testing it.

If the device has an indicator light, check whether it turns on when you press a key or move the mouse.

Check Your Bluetooth Connection

If you use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, the problem may be related to the Bluetooth connection.

First, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.

Then check whether the keyboard or mouse is still connected.

If the device appears in your Bluetooth settings but does not respond, remove it from the list of connected devices and pair it again.

Try these Bluetooth checks:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is switched on.
2. Turn the keyboard or mouse off and back on.
3. Check whether the device appears in Bluetooth settings.
4. Remove the device if necessary.
5. Pair the keyboard or mouse again.
6. Test the device after reconnecting it.

If other Bluetooth devices are also having problems, the issue may be related to the computer’s Bluetooth settings or hardware.

Restart Your Computer

A temporary Windows problem can sometimes prevent a keyboard or mouse from responding correctly.

If you can use the computer with another input device, save your work and restart the system.

After restarting, reconnect the keyboard or mouse and check whether it works.

If the keyboard or mouse stopped working after a Windows update, software installation, or system change, make a note of when the problem started. This information can help identify the cause.

Try a Different USB Port

If your keyboard or mouse is connected through USB, the individual USB port may be the problem.

Disconnect the device and connect it to another USB port.

If you are using a desktop computer, you can try another available USB port on the computer. If you are using a laptop, test another USB port if one is available.

If the device works in one port but not another, the issue may be related to the original port.

Avoid repeatedly forcing a USB connector into a damaged or loose port.

Test Another Keyboard or Mouse

One of the easiest ways to identify the cause is to test another compatible keyboard or mouse.

For example, if your keyboard is not working, connect another keyboard to the computer.

If the second keyboard works normally, the original keyboard may have a hardware or connection problem.

The same approach can be used for a mouse.

This simple test can help determine whether:

• The keyboard or mouse is faulty.
• The USB connection is causing the problem.
• The Bluetooth connection is causing the problem.
• Windows is not detecting the device correctly.
• The computer itself has an input-device problem.

Check Whether Windows Detects the Device

If the keyboard or mouse is connected but isn’t working correctly, check whether Windows recognises it.

You can use Device Manager to look for keyboard, mouse, and related hardware entries.

Look for any warning symbols next to the device.

A warning may indicate a driver or hardware problem that needs further investigation.

If you’re not comfortable changing drivers or hardware settings, avoid uninstalling devices at random. Incorrect changes can create additional problems.

Check for Driver Problems

Keyboard and mouse problems can sometimes be associated with drivers.

If the device worked previously and suddenly stopped after a system change, update, or hardware change, checking the relevant drivers can help.

Depending on the device, Windows may list it under categories such as:

• Keyboards
• Mice and other pointing devices
• Human Interface Devices
• Bluetooth

If you identify a driver problem, use the manufacturer’s recommended driver or Windows’ supported update process where appropriate.

Disconnect Other USB Devices

If your computer has several USB devices connected, temporarily disconnect the ones you don’t need.

Leave only the keyboard or mouse connected and test again.

This can help determine whether another USB device, hub, adapter, or peripheral is contributing to the problem.

Reconnect the other devices one at a time after testing.

Check the Keyboard or Mouse on Another Computer

If you have access to another compatible computer, test the keyboard or mouse there.

This is particularly useful when you suspect the device itself may be faulty.

If it doesn’t work on another computer

The keyboard or mouse may have a hardware problem.

If it works normally on another computer

The issue may be related to your original computer, its USB/Bluetooth connection, drivers, or Windows configuration.

This simple test can save time before purchasing a replacement device.

What If the Keyboard Is Not Working but the Mouse Is?

If your mouse works but the keyboard does not, you can still perform several checks using Windows.

Start by reconnecting the keyboard and trying another USB port.

If it is wireless, replace the batteries and check the wireless receiver or Bluetooth connection.

If another keyboard works on the computer, the original keyboard may be the problem.

If no keyboard works, the issue may be related to the computer, USB ports, drivers, or Windows.

What If the Mouse Is Not Working but the Keyboard Is?

If the keyboard works but the mouse does not, check the mouse connection first.

For a wired mouse, try another USB port.

For a wireless mouse, replace the batteries and check the USB receiver or Bluetooth connection.

If another mouse works correctly on the same computer, your original mouse may need repair or replacement.

What If Both the Keyboard and Mouse Stop Working?

When both devices stop responding at the same time, the problem may be more than a faulty keyboard or mouse.

Check the following:

• Restart the computer.
• Check USB connections.
• Test different USB ports.
• Disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
• Check Bluetooth if both devices are wireless.
• Test another keyboard or mouse if available.
• Look for recent Windows updates or system changes.
• Check for hardware or driver problems.

If both devices remain unusable, professional troubleshooting may be worthwhile rather than replacing both devices immediately.

When Should You Get Professional Computer Support?

If you’ve tried the basic checks and your keyboard or mouse still doesn’t work, the underlying issue may involve the computer’s USB ports, Bluetooth hardware, drivers, Windows configuration, or another hardware problem.

Professional troubleshooting can help determine whether the problem is with the peripheral itself or the computer.

Call IT Mate provides computer support for home users and businesses, including troubleshooting for hardware, software, connectivity and other everyday IT problems.