Keyboard and Mouse Not Working in Windows 10? Fix

If your keyboard and mouse have stopped responding in Windows 10, the fix usually involves checking the wireless receiver or USB port, restarting the device, or updating the driver from Safe Mode. This article walks through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions, from simple physical checks to advanced driver recovery, so you can get back to work quickly.

Why Do Keyboard and Mouse Stop Working?

Hardware failures, driver corruption, power management settings, or Windows updates are the typical culprits. A sudden freeze of both input devices often points to a USB controller issue or a driver that Windows replaced during an update. Less common but possible causes include a drained battery (wireless), a damaged port, or a system-level conflict after installing new software.

Before diving into software fixes, always test the devices on another computer. If they work there, the problem is with your Windows setup. If they don’t, the hardware itself is faulty and needs replacement.

Quick Physical Checks

Start with the simplest possibilities. Many “not working” cases are just loose connections or dead batteries.

• Unplug the USB receiver and plug it into a different port (preferably a USB 2.0 port directly on the motherboard, not a hub).
• For wireless devices, replace the batteries or recharge them, then power-cycle the device (turn off and on).
• If using Bluetooth, remove the device from Windows’ Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
• Check the USB port with a known-good device (like a phone charger cable) to confirm the port supplies power.
• For wired keyboards/mice, inspect the cable for cuts or kinks and try a different cable if possible.

If the devices work in the BIOS (press Del or F2 during startup), then the hardware is fine and the issue is within Windows.

Restart and Use On-Screen Keyboard

If both devices are dead, you can still restart Windows using the power button. Press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches in the USB driver stack.

If you need to log in but have no keyboard, use the On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Click the Ease of Access icon (the clock icon) on the sign-in screen.
2. Select “On-Screen Keyboard” from the menu.
3. Use the mouse (if it works) or the on-screen keys to type your password.

If the mouse also fails, use the Tab and arrow keys (if the keyboard works) to navigate. If neither works, proceed to Safe Mode.

Boot into Safe Mode to Fix Drivers

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, so if your keyboard and mouse work there, a third-party driver or service is the problem. To enter Safe Mode without a working keyboard/mouse:

1. Force shutdown three times: hold the power button until the PC turns off, then turn it on and immediately hold the power button again when the Windows logo appears. Repeat this cycle three times.
2. On the fourth boot, Windows will enter the Recovery Environment.
3. Choose “Troubleshoot” → “Advanced options” → “Startup Settings” → “Restart”.
4. Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking).

Once in Safe Mode, open Device Manager (right-click the Start button) and expand “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices”. Right-click each device and choose “Uninstall device”. Then restart normally – Windows will reinstall the default drivers.

Update or Roll Back Drivers

Driver corruption is a leading cause. In Safe Mode or with a working keyboard/mouse, follow these steps:

• Open Device Manager, right-click the keyboard or mouse, and select “Update driver” → “Search automatically for drivers”.
• If Windows finds nothing, go to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Logitech, Microsoft, Razer) and download the latest driver for your model and Windows 10 version.
• If the problem started after a recent Windows update, try “Roll Back Driver” in the Driver tab (if available).
• Alternatively, use System Restore to revert to a point before the issue began.

Also check for pending Windows updates: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Sometimes a half-installed update leaves drivers in a broken state.

Disable USB Power Saving

Windows can suspend USB ports to save power, which sometimes causes devices to stop responding. To disable this:

1. Open Device Manager, expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
2. Right-click each “USB Root Hub” (there may be several) and select “Properties”.
3. Go to the “Power Management” tab and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
4. Repeat for all USB Root Hubs, then restart.

This is especially relevant for laptops and desktops with aggressive power plans.

Check for Interference and Bluetooth Issues

Wireless keyboards and mice can suffer from interference from other 2.4 GHz devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cordless phones). Move the receiver closer to the device, or use a USB extension cable to position it away from the PC case. Also, keep metal objects away from the receiver.

For Bluetooth devices, ensure the Bluetooth radio is enabled in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices. Try removing the device and re-pairing. If the device connects but doesn’t respond, update the Bluetooth driver from the manufacturer’s website.

When All Else Fails: Registry and System Restore

If none of the above works, the issue may be a corrupted system file. Use the Command Prompt from Safe Mode (or the Recovery Environment) to run:

• sfc /scannow – scans and repairs system files.
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth – repairs the Windows image.

These commands take several minutes and require an internet connection (for DISM). After running them, restart and check if the problem is resolved.

If the problem persists, a System Restore to a point before the issue started is the next step. If that fails, you may need to reset Windows (Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC), which reinstall the OS while keeping your files.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Windows updates sometimes replace generic drivers with incompatible ones. The quickest fix is to boot into Safe Mode, uninstall the keyboard and mouse devices in Device Manager, and restart so Windows reinstalls the default drivers. If that fails, roll back the update via Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history.

Can a virus cause keyboard and mouse to stop working?

Yes, certain malware can disable input devices or corrupt drivers. Run a full scan with Windows Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus from Safe Mode. If you can’t use your keyboard/mouse, use the on-screen keyboard or boot into Safe Mode with Networking to download a scanner.

How do I restart my PC if my keyboard and mouse are dead?

Press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds until the PC shuts down. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it on. This is safe for the hardware and clears most temporary glitches.

Why does my keyboard work but not my mouse (or vice versa)?

This usually indicates a hardware issue with the specific device, a dead battery, or a driver problem for that device only. Try the device on another PC. If it works there, uninstall and reinstall the driver in Device Manager. If it doesn’t, the device itself is faulty.

Is there a way to use my PC without a keyboard or mouse?

Yes. Windows has an On-Screen Keyboard (under Ease of Access) and you can enable Mouse Keys (Num Pad) in Settings → Ease of Access → Mouse. For temporary use, you can also connect a USB keyboard/mouse or use a remote desktop app from another device.

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