If your mouse and keyboard aren’t working, the first thing to do is make sure that they’re securely connected to the computer, and that the appropriate drivers are installed. If this doesn’t fix the issue, it’s time to troubleshoot.
1. Check for Windows Updates:
Before you take any further steps, make sure that you have the latest version of Windows installed. Sometimes problems can be caused by out-of-date drivers which can be easily fixed with a quick update. To check for updates, open up the Windows Control Panel, go to System and Security > Windows Update and then click “check for updates”.
2. Check the Device Manager:
If the hardware appears in the Device Manager, but isn’t working properly, then the issue probably isn’t directly related to the mouse or keyboard. Open up the device manager, select “Mice and Other Pointing Devices” or “Keyboards”, right click the device you want to troubleshoot, and select “Update Driver Software”. The device may need to be unplugged and plugged back in before it can be updated.
3. Diagnose the Hardware:
If the above steps didn’t work, it’s time to diagnose the actual hardware. Try plugging the mouse and keyboard into a different USB port, as this may resolve the issue. You can also try unplugging the devices and using different cables, as faulty cords can cause issues.
If the devices work on a different computer, then the problem is most likely related to the computer itself. The most likely culprit is a software issue – try uninstalling any programs which conflict with the mouse and keyboard, such as gaming software or input mapping programs.
However, if the devices don’t work on another computer, then the issue is most likely related to the hardware. In this case, it’s best to contact the retailer or manufacturer of the device.
4. Replace the Mouse/Keyboard:
If all else fails, the final option is to purchase a new mouse or keyboard. If the mouse or keyboard is particularly old, it may not be worth troubleshooting and a new device may be the most cost-effective solution.
It may also be worth investing in a gaming mouse or mechanical keyboard – these devices tend to have better build quality, more features, and a longer lifespan than standard mice and keyboards.
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In summary, if your mouse and keyboard aren’t working then the first step is to check for Windows updates. If this doesn’t help, then you should check the Device Manager, try plugging the devices into a different USB port, use a different cable, or try the devices on a different computer. If none of these things work, then the issue may be hardware related and you may need to contact the retailer or manufacturer of the device. As a final resort, you can purchase a new mouse or keyboard.