Frequently Asked Question

Overview: This guide helps you troubleshoot when your keyboard or mouse stops responding. Whether wired or wireless, these basic steps will help you quickly identify and fix the issue.

Problem: You’ve powered on your system, but your keyboard or mouse:

• Isn’t responding
• Cursor is frozen
• Keys don’t register

Could be due to faulty ports, dead batteries, driver issues, or wireless signal problems.

Section 1: Basic Checks

Step 1: Try a Different USB Port

• Unplug the keyboard/mouse and try a different USB port (preferably a rear port for desktops).
• Avoid using USB hubs while testing.

Step 2: Restart the Computer

• A simple reboot often resets stuck drivers.
• Try unplugging the device before restarting, then plug it in after booting.

Section 2: Wired Devices

Step 1: Check the Cable

• Inspect the cable for visible cuts or bends.
• If it’s a PS/2 keyboard or mouse, ensure it's plugged in before booting (they don’t hot-plug).

Step 2: Test on Another Computer

• Plug the device into another system to confirm whether the issue is with the device or the computer.

Step 3: Check Device Manager

• Right-click Start > Device Manager > Keyboards / Mice.
• If you see a yellow triangle or “Unknown device,” right-click and uninstall it.
• Restart the computer to reinstall the driver.

Section 3: Wireless Devices

Step 1: Replace Batteries

• Weak or dead batteries are a common culprit.
• Replace with fresh batteries and power-cycle the device.

Step 2: Reconnect or Pair Again

• For Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices, and remove + re-pair the device.
• For wireless dongles: Remove the USB receiver and reinsert it in a different port.

Step 3: Try a Different USB Receiver

• Some wireless keyboards/mice allow you to re-sync with another dongle (e.g., Logitech Unifying Receiver).

Section 4: Special Cases

Case 1: Keyboard works in BIOS but not in Windows

• Likely a driver issue. Boot into Safe Mode and reinstall the drivers.

Case 2: Mouse cursor freezes but buttons work

• Could be a surface issue—try a mousepad or change the surface.

Case 3: Laptop Keyboard Not Working

• Try plugging in an external USB keyboard.
• If external works, the issue may be with the built-in keyboard hardware.

Section 5: When to Escalate

• If both keyboard and mouse stop working and none of the ports respond, it may be a motherboard or USB controller issue.
• For laptops, internal keyboard failure could require hardware replacement.

Next Step: Report to IT support or visit the service center for professional diagnostics.

Final Notes: Always test with a known-good device before assuming the port or system is faulty. Keep spare batteries handy for wireless devices.

Keywords: keyboard not working, mouse frozen, wireless mouse issue, USB port not detecting, input device problem