Troubleshooting Your Mouse and Keyboard Stopping Work on Your PC: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your mouse and keyboard, crucial for any PC operation, suddenly stop working? This problem can be particularly frustrating when it happens sporadically and without any predictable pattern. This article will guide you through various steps to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

What Causes Mouse and Keyboard Issues?

Mouse and keyboard problems can arise from a variety of sources:

USB port issues Incompatible power management settings Driver conflicts or outdated drivers

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve the Issue

1. Check Your Hardware

Before delving into software solutions, ensure that your hardware is functioning properly:

Verify USB Cables: Check for any visible damage to the USB cables and ensure they are securely connected. Direct USB Connection: If you are using a USB hub, try connecting your mouse and keyboard directly to a USB port on your PC. Battery-Powered Devices: Replace or charge the batteries in your mouse and keyboard to ensure they are not the cause of the problem.

2. Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If your keyboard stops working, particularly at the login screen, you can use the On-Screen Keyboard:

Click the Ease of Access icon on the bottom left of your screen and select On-Screen Keyboard.

3. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool designed to detect and resolve common keyboard issues:

Click the Windows icon on the bottom left corner and search for 'Troubleshoot.' Select Keyboard Troubleshooter to run the tool.

4. Update Your Keyboard Driver

Outdated or faulty drivers can lead to keyboard issues. Here are the steps to update your drivers:

Manual Update: Visit the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver. Software Update: Use a tool like Driver Easy to automatically detect and update your drivers.

5. Adjust Power Management Settings

Sometimes, power-saving settings can cause your keyboard to turn off. Check the Power Management settings to ensure the device is not being turned off to save power:

Head to Device Manager ('Keyboard Pointing Devices') Your keyboard Properties Power Management tab. Uncheck the box next to 'Allow this device to turn off to save power.'

6. Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates often address bugs that could cause hardware issues:

Click the Windows icon and search for 'Update Security.' Open 'Windows Update' and check for available updates.

7. Reconnect Your Keyboard

If your machine is a desktop, follow these steps:

Turn off your computer. Unplug the USB cable from your keyboard and reconnect it. Alternatively, try plugging the keyboard into another USB port.

For wireless keyboards, follow these steps:

Turn off your computer. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. Reconnect the USB receiver and power on your computer.

Conclusion

If none of the above solutions work, it might be beneficial to consider reaching out to technical support for further assistance. Remember, these troubleshooting steps can save you time and effort in resolving common issues with your mouse and keyboard.

Further Reading

Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows - Microsoft Support [SOLVED] Keyboard Randomly Stops Working 2024 - Driver Easy How to Fix USB Mouse and Keyboard Stop Working Issue