If your mouse or keyboard is not working on Windows, it can be a very frustrating experience. The good news is that there are a number of potential solutions for this issue. In this article, we’ll discuss some steps you can take to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Check Connections
The first step in troubleshooting your mouse or keyboard issue is to make sure that all of your connections are secure. If you’re using a wired mouse or keyboard, check both the USB port and the cord itself to make sure they’re properly connected. If you’re using a wireless mouse or keyboard, check the battery level and replace the batteries if necessary. Also, try plugging your USB receiver into a different USB port, as this can sometimes resolve the issue.
Check Drivers
Your mouse or keyboard may not be functioning properly due to an outdated or incompatible driver. To check if this is the issue, open the Device Manager window. To do this, type “Device Manager” into the Start menu search box and click on the result.
In the Device Manager window, look for your mouse or keyboard under the category labeled “Mice and other pointing devices” or “Keyboards”, depending on which device isn’t working. Right-click on the device and select “Properties” from the popup menu. In the Properties window, click on the Driver tab and select “Update Driver”. This will search for an updated driver on Windows Update or, if instructed, in Microsoft’s database.
Check Settings
Another possible cause of your mouse or keyboard not working could be a setting in Windows. Specifically, the Filter Keys setting. To check this, open the Control Panel by typing “control panel” in the search box and clicking on the result.
In the Control Panel window, click on the “Ease of Access Center” link and select “Make the Keyboard Easier to Use”. From here, uncheck the box next to “Turn on Filter Keys”. This should resolve any issues related to the Filter Keys setting.
Run A Malware Scan
A virus or other malicious software could be preventing your mouse or keyboard from functioning properly. To check for and remove any malicious software, you should run an antivirus scan. You can use the built-in Windows Defender antivirus program or another third-party antivirus program.
Check Third-Party Software
It’s possible that third-party software is interfering with your mouse or keyboard. To check for this, open the Task Manager window by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys on your keyboard and clicking on the “Start Task Manager” link.
In the Task Manager window, click on the “Processes” tab. Look through the list and look for any process related to third-party software. If you find any, right-click on it and select “End Process”. This will temporarily stop the application from running. Then, restart your computer and see if your mouse or keyboard is working properly.
Reinstall The Mouse Or Keyboard
If none of these solutions have fixed the issue, then you may need to reinstall the mouse or keyboard. To do this, open the Device Manager again and locate the device in the list that you want to reinstall. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall” from the popup menu.
Once the device has been uninstalled, unplug the USB receiver if you’re using a wireless mouse or keyboard. Then, restart your computer and plug the receiver back into the same USB port. This should reinstall the drivers and get the mouse or keyboard working properly again.
Contact Manufacturer
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still having issues with your mouse or keyboard, then it’s time to contact the manufacturer. Head to their website and look for a support page with contact information. From here, you can email or call them and ask for assistance with your issue.
In conclusion, if your mouse or keyboard is not working on Windows, there are a number of potential solutions. Start by checking all of your connections and verifying the driver is up-to-date. Then, check Windows settings, run a malware scan, and look for any third-party software that could be interfering with the device. Finally, if none of these steps have worked, you can try reinstalling the device or contact the manufacturer for assistance.