Fix USB Mouse and Keyboard Not Working

If your USB mouse and keyboard suddenly stop working, the fix is usually a simple driver reset, a different USB port, or a quick Windows troubleshooting step. This guide walks you through the most common causes and the exact steps to restore them, whether you are using a desktop or laptop.

Why USB Peripherals Stop Working

USB devices rely on a stable connection between the hardware, the USB controller, and the operating system’s drivers. When any link in that chain fails, the device stops responding. Common triggers include:

Power management: Windows may put USB ports to sleep to save power, and sometimes they don’t wake up properly.
Driver corruption: A recent update or a crash can leave the USB driver in a bad state.
Hardware conflict: Another newly installed device may be using the same IRQ or power allocation.
Physical issues: A loose cable, damaged port, or a failing device itself.
BIOS/UEFI settings: Legacy USB support can be disabled, preventing the keyboard and mouse from working before Windows loads.

Quick First-Aid: What to Try in the First 2 Minutes

Before diving into driver settings, try these fast checks that solve a surprising number of cases:

Unplug and replug the USB connector. Wait 10 seconds, then plug it into a different port. Prefer a port directly on the motherboard (back of the tower) over a front-panel or hub port.
Power cycle the computer. Shut down completely, unplug the power cord (or hold the power button on a laptop for 15 seconds), wait 30 seconds, then restart. This clears residual power that can keep the USB controller in a bad state.
Check the cable and connector for bent pins, fraying, or debris. A damaged cable can cause intermittent failures.
Test the device on another computer. If it works there, the problem is your system; if not, the device itself is likely dead.

Use a PS/2 Port or On-Screen Keyboard as a Fallback

If you are on a desktop and the USB keyboard and mouse are both unresponsive, you may still have a working PS/2 port (the round, green/purple connector). Many older motherboards still include one. Plugging a PS/2 keyboard or mouse in often bypasses the USB driver entirely and lets you log in and fix the USB settings.

On a laptop, you can use the built-in keyboard and trackpad. If those also don’t work, you can enable the Windows on-screen keyboard by clicking the Ease of Access icon on the login screen (bottom-right corner) and selecting “On-Screen Keyboard.” That gives you a mouse pointer and typing ability without any physical keyboard.

Step-by-Step: Reset USB Drivers in Windows

If the quick fixes didn’t help, the most reliable method is to reset the USB controllers in Device Manager. This forces Windows to reload the drivers and re-enumerate all USB devices.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager. (If you have no keyboard, right-click the Start button with the mouse, or use the on-screen keyboard.)
Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers category.
Right-click the first item that says “USB Root Hub” (or “Host Controller”) and choose Uninstall device. Do NOT check “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Repeat for every “USB Root Hub” and “Host Controller” in the list. It’s safe to uninstall them all.
Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers on boot, and your keyboard and mouse should start working again.

Disable USB Power Saving

Windows has a feature that selectively suspends USB devices to save power. Sometimes it fails to wake them up, leaving you with dead peripherals. To turn it off:

Open Control Panel > Power Options.
Click Change plan settings next to your active plan, then Change advanced power settings.
Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
Set it to Disabled for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” (if on a laptop).
Click Apply and restart.

This is a common culprit on laptops, especially after a sleep/wake cycle.

Check Device Manager for Errors

If the devices are listed but still not working, look for a yellow exclamation mark next to the keyboard or mouse entry. Right-click the device and select Properties. The “Device status” box will often show an error code like “Code 28” (no drivers installed) or “Code 43” (Windows has stopped the device because it reported a problem).

Code 28: Right-click the device, choose Update driver > Search automatically. If that fails, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver.
Code 43: This often indicates a hardware failure or a corrupted driver. Try uninstalling the device and restarting, or test the device on another computer.

Sometimes a simple “Scan for hardware changes” (the monitor icon in the Device Manager toolbar) will re-detect the device and fix the issue.

BIOS/UEFI Settings for USB

If the keyboard and mouse don’t work even before Windows loads (e.g., you can’t get into the BIOS), the problem may be in the firmware settings. Most motherboards have a “Legacy USB Support” or “XHCI Hand-off” option. If Legacy USB is disabled, USB devices won’t work in the BIOS or during boot. To change it, you need a working keyboard, so try a PS/2 keyboard or clear the CMOS (check your motherboard manual for the jumper or button). Once in the BIOS, look under Advanced > USB Configuration and enable “Legacy USB Support.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my mouse and keyboard stop working after Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes install a generic driver that conflicts with your device’s specific driver, or the update itself may have a bug. The uninstall-and-restart method in Device Manager usually resolves this. If not, roll back the driver (Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver) or check for a newer driver from the manufacturer.

Can a dead USB port cause this?

Yes. A single port can fail due to physical damage, a short circuit, or a bent pin. Always try a different port, ideally on the opposite side of the computer. If all ports fail, the USB controller on the motherboard may be faulty, which is a hardware repair.

What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for keyboards and mice?

For standard keyboards and mice, there is no practical difference. Both are low-bandwidth devices that work on any USB port. However, some wireless receivers are picky and may work better on a USB 2.0 port (black) than a USB 3.0 port (blue) due to interference, so it’s worth trying both.

My wireless USB mouse stops working but the keyboard is fine. Why?

This often points to the mouse’s battery, a poor connection between the receiver and the mouse (try moving the receiver closer), or a driver issue specific to the mouse. It can also be a hardware failure in the mouse itself. Re-pair the mouse with the receiver if possible, or test it on another computer.

Is there a way to fix this without restarting?

Yes. You can try disabling and re-enabling the USB controller in Device Manager without a full restart, but it usually requires a restart to take effect. Another trick is to unplug the device, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in while the computer is running — this often works for a single device that has stopped responding.

Could a virus cause my keyboard and mouse to stop working?

It’s extremely rare, but some malware can disable input devices or interfere with drivers. If you’ve tried all the steps above and the problem persists, run a full antivirus scan from a bootable rescue disk or another computer. More often, the cause is a driver or power management issue, not malware.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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