Fix Windows 10 Mouse Keyboard Not Working

If your mouse and keyboard stop working on Windows 10, the fix usually involves restarting the device, checking connections, or using built-in troubleshooting tools. This guide covers the most common causes—driver issues, USB port problems, and system glitches—and walks you through step-by-step solutions to get your input devices back in action.

Why Do Mouse and Keyboard Stop Working?

Both devices can fail simultaneously for several reasons. The most frequent culprits are:

• USB port or cable issues – a loose connection, a faulty port, or a damaged cable can cut power or data.
• Driver corruption or outdated drivers – Windows updates or software conflicts can break the driver that communicates with your devices.
• Power management settings – Windows may put USB ports to sleep to save power, and they sometimes don’t wake up correctly.
• System or BIOS-level problems – a recent update, a glitch, or a hardware conflict can cause both devices to fail.
• Wireless interference or low battery – for Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless devices, interference or a dead battery is common.

If both devices are wired and plugged into the same USB hub, the hub itself may be the problem. Try connecting them directly to the computer’s rear ports.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, try these simple steps:

1. Restart your computer – use the power button if you can’t use the mouse or keyboard. Hold it for 5-10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on.
2. Check physical connections – unplug and replug the devices, try a different USB port, and inspect cables for damage.
3. Replace batteries – for wireless devices, fresh batteries often solve the problem.
4. Try a different device – if you have a spare mouse or keyboard, plug it in to see if the issue is with the original hardware.
5. Disconnect other USB devices – too many devices can draw too much power, especially from a hub.

If these don’t work, move on to the more detailed fixes below.

Use Windows 10’s Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows 10 includes automated troubleshooters that can detect and fix common hardware problems. Even if your mouse and keyboard aren’t working, you can often navigate with the Tab key, arrow keys, and Enter.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Use Tab and arrows to select Update & Security and press Enter.
3. Choose Troubleshoot from the left menu.
4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
5. Look for Keyboard and Hardware and Devices (or Bluetooth if wireless). Run each one and follow the instructions.

These tools will scan for issues and may automatically apply fixes, like resetting drivers or changing power settings.

Update or Reinstall the Drivers

Driver problems are a leading cause. To fix them, you’ll need to access Device Manager:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager (or search for it using the Start menu).
2. Expand Mice and other pointing devices and Keyboards.
3. Right-click each device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. If that doesn’t help, right-click and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer – Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

If you have a laptop with a built-in keyboard, the driver is usually listed under Keyboards as “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” or similar. For external devices, you might see the brand name.

Adjust USB Power Management Settings

Windows can disable USB ports to save power, which sometimes leaves them unresponsive. To prevent this:

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click each USB Root Hub (and any Host Controller) and select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Click OK and repeat for all USB hubs.

This is especially helpful for desktop users with multiple USB devices. If you’re using a laptop, also check the power plan settings: go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings, then look for USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.

Boot into Safe Mode and Check for System Issues

If the problem started after a Windows update or a new driver, booting into Safe Mode can help you diagnose and fix it. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, so if your mouse and keyboard work there, the issue is likely a third-party driver or software conflict.

1. Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly (or use Shift + Restart from the login screen) to get to the recovery menu.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
3. Press 4 or 5 to boot into Safe Mode (with or without networking).
4. If the devices work in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed software or drivers, or use System Restore to go back to a point before the problem started.

To run System Restore: search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu, click System Restore, and follow the wizard.

Check BIOS and Hardware Connections

If your mouse and keyboard don’t work even in BIOS (the screen that appears before Windows loads), the problem is likely hardware-related. Common causes include:

• Dead CMOS battery – this small battery on the motherboard can cause boot issues, but it rarely affects input devices.
• Loose internal connections – for desktops, check that the front-panel USB headers are properly connected to the motherboard.
• Faulty motherboard ports – try a different port, especially the ones directly on the motherboard at the back.

If you’re comfortable, you can also reset the BIOS to defaults (usually by pressing Del or F2 during boot and selecting “Load Optimized Defaults”). This can fix settings that might be interfering with USB devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my mouse and keyboard not working after a Windows update?

Windows updates can occasionally install incompatible drivers or change power settings. Try rolling back the driver (Device Manager > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver) or uninstalling the update (Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates). If that doesn’t work, boot into Safe Mode and run System Restore.

How do I fix a wireless mouse and keyboard that stopped working?

First, replace the batteries. If using Bluetooth, try re-pairing the devices: go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, remove the device, and add it again. For 2.4GHz wireless, ensure the USB receiver is plugged in directly (not behind a hub) and try a different port.

Can I use an on-screen keyboard if my physical one is dead?

Yes. Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and turn on On-Screen Keyboard. You can also press Windows + Ctrl + O to toggle it. This lets you type and navigate while you troubleshoot the physical keyboard.

What should I do if my mouse and keyboard work in BIOS but not in Windows?

This suggests the hardware is fine, but Windows drivers or settings are the problem. Boot into Safe Mode (which uses basic drivers) and if they work there, uninstall recently installed drivers or software. You can also run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter from the Settings app.

Will a system restore delete my files?

No, System Restore only removes recently installed programs, drivers, and system changes. Your personal files (documents, photos, etc.) remain untouched. It’s a safe option to revert to a previous working state.

Is there a way to prevent this from happening again?

Keep your drivers updated, avoid using cheap USB hubs, and adjust the USB power management settings as described above. Also, consider using a wired backup device if you rely heavily on wireless peripherals.

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