Computers have devices that assist in the input and output processes. Today, we will discuss two input devices that aid computer operations; the keyboard and mouse. Like many devices, you may notice that your mouse and keyboard are not working on your Windows 11 PC.
Here are the best solutions.
What do I do if my mouse and keyboard are not working on a Windows 11 device?
1. Unplug and re-plug USB cable
- Firstly, unplug the USB cables of the mouse/keyboard.
- Then, wait a while so that Windows will unload the device driver.
- Finally, re-plug the device back into the system.
2. Use another port
- Firstly, unplug the USB cables of the mouse/keyboard.
- Then locate another port on your computer (there are usually more than one USB port per computer).
- Then, plug the mouse/keyboard into the other USB port.
3. Check USB Hub
- Firstly, check that your hub has power.
- Once you check and it’s still not working, remove the USB hub and plug the device directly into one of the USB ports on the computer.
4. Check other hardware
To fix the mouse and keyboard not working on your Windows 11, you may need to check several other hardware on your PC. You must ensure that your mouse/keyboard cables aren’t damaged.
Also, you should check any battery-powered devices (if your mouse or keyboard uses one) to see if they are fully charged or have fresh batteries. Make sure the battery is functioning optimally. Also, ensure that no dirt or debris blocks the keys or sensors.
5. Update device drivers
5.1. Updating mouse drivers
- Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Link menu.
- Then, click on Device Manager or press the M key.
- Find Mice and other pointing devices and expand it.
- Then, right-click on the HID-compliant mouse option and select Update driver.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.
5.2. How to update the Keyboard driver
- Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Link menu.
- Then, click on Device Manager or press the M key.
- Find Keyboards and expand it.
- Then, right-click on the expanded keyboard option and select Update driver.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.
6. Uninstall and reinstall driver
- Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Link menu.
- Then, click on Device Manager or press the M key.
- For the keyboard, find Keyboards and expand it.
- Then, right-click on your driver and select Uninstall device.
- Once a small popup menu opens, click Uninstall to confirm the process.
- Finally, restart your PC, and the system will reinstall the latest mouse driver on your computer.
- Repeat this step for the mouse drivers.
7. Use Windows update
- Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
- Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
- Now Windows will search for new Windows updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Finally, restart your computer.
8. Scan for Virus
- In the search box, search for Windows Security.
- Click on the relevant search result to open the application.
- Now click Virus & threat protection.
- Next, click on the Scan options to view all available scans.
- Choose the Full scan option and click the Scan now button to do a deep scan on your PC for viruses or malware.
9. Update drivers with system settings
- Firstly, press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings or open by clicking the Windows icon on the Taskbar.
- Then click the Windows Update option and the Check for updates button to find new updates.
- Now click on Advanced Options.
- Then click on the Optional updates section.
- Finally, select the Driver Updates section and Download and Install all the available updates.
- Restart your PC.
Why is my mouse and keyboard not working?
There may be several reasons responsible for your mouse and keyboard not working on Windows 11. Some of the reasons may include:
- Faulty port: The USB ports on the computer may not be working properly. USB ports may lead to mouse and keyboard not working on Windows 11.
- Low power: The USB ports may not be receiving enough power.
- Virus or malware: When infected by a malicious software, the system may cause a lot of problems. One is the keyboard and mouse not working on your Windows 11 computer.
- Compatibility: The mouse or keyboard may not be compatible with the computer.
- Damaged cable: The mouse or keyboard cable may be damaged.
- Defect: The mouse or keyboard may be defective.
- OS Issue: The computer’s operating system may not be compatible with the mouse or keyboard.
- Driver installation issue: The mouse or keyboard drivers may not have been installed correctly.
- Hardware problem: The mouse or keyboard may have a hardware issue.
In the final analysis, computers function best when you use the devices with caution and care. Poor usages are usually responsible for the problems the devices face. When the problems become inevitable, these solutions we have identified in this guide will help you solve it in no time.
