How to Fix USB Mouse and Keyboard Stop Working Issue

Sue Wayne

Nov 11, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Sometimes your mouse or keyboard may stop working all of a sudden without any sign of visible damage and in most cases, it is not really your fault but an error that may have been caused by an outdated driver or a broken component. In this article, you will be provided with 8 helpful ways to fix the problem

Overview of Error

Microsoft frequently releases new versions of its Windows OS series with built-in functionalities and features. Updating your system is the only way to enjoy the new features and while this can be a good thing sometimes it develops complications of different kinds. A recent update may affect the performance of your mouse or keyboard due to the nonperformance of USB devices. If you are currently facing this challenge, try removing the cable and re-plugging it but if it still doesn't work, are any of these steps highlighted below.

Solution 1: Checking PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard
Solution 2: Turning off Fast Startup
Solution 3: How to Uninstall Drivers for Mouse/Keyboard
Solution 4: How to Change the Power Management Settings
Solution 5: How to Change Ease of Access Settings
Solution 6: How to Run ChkDsk
Solution 7: How to Change BIOS Settings
Solution 8: How to Restore your Windows

Solution 1: Checking PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard

Try checking the PS/2 port of the Mouse or Keyboard. This port is what is used to connect your mouse or Keyboard to your PC. Shut down your PC and restart it again to see if your PC can detect it. Should it fail to detect it move on to the next solution?

Solution 2: Turning off Fast Startup

A fast boot is recommended for a shutdown and a system hibernate. When you fast boot your PC, it closes applications and remains in a state just like when you've recently rebooted. When the system comeback on it may not reload some drivers and this may lead to a keyboard and mouse not working issue. Follow this process to fix it

Press the Windows + R key to launch the Run application. Type control panel in the dialogue column and press Enter
Click Power Option in the system control panel

Once the Power option opens up select "Choose the action of the power button"

You will notice an option requiring administrative privileges "Change Settings that are not available" Make sure you click on it

Scroll down to the screen bottom to untick the box "Switch on fast startup". Save your changes then exit

You may have to restart the PC to see if the issue has been resolved.

Solution 3: How to Uninstall Drivers for Mouse/Keyboard

If the previous solution did not work try uninstalling device drivers for the mouse and keyboard and reinstalling them again. By restarting your PC, Windows will detect the connected mouse and keyboard hardware and install drivers should it find none. Here are the steps

Open Windows search box. Type "Device Manager".
Expand the Keyboard and Mice categories and right-click the device driver and pick Uninstall device

Confirm your action before the process continues then select "Uninstall" again to continue

Restart your PC then re-plugged your Mouse or Keyboard and see if Windows will detect it automatically

If it does not install the needed drivers visit the manufacturer's website to download drivers manually. After downloading the drivers follow the steps from the beginning but choose "Select drivers manually" then scroll to the path of the file download driver.

Solution 4: How to Change the Power Management Settings

Every device comes with its own power feature and features may cause hardware troubles sometimes. To make sure that the power setting is not the case of your mouse or Keyboard not working, change the settings.

Open the Windows search bar. Type in "Device manager"
Expand the Mouse categories and other devices like the keyboard. Right-click it and pick "Properties"
Uncheck "Allow to wake up the computer"

Uncheck same for other keyboard and mice

Still, in device manager, navigate downwards to expand "Universal Serial Bus Controllers". After you've done that right-click the "USB Root Hub" to choose Properties
Go to the Power Management tab to uncheck this setting "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power". Click Apply to save changes then exit from Properties

Do note that if there is more than one USB Root Hub you will have to apply changes to every single one of them.

Reboot your PC to check if your Mouse and Keyboard are now working

Note: If you see any USB ports disabled or having an exclamation mark in front of their name, either enable them or update their drivers properly. This is a sign that the port/device isn't working because of a driver issue.

Solution 5: How to Change Ease of Access Settings

In all Windows computers, there is a setting meant to help users get a better experience of using their PC's. In some cases, this setting may affect your Mouse or Keyboard. You can disable this setting this way

In the search bar type "Ease of System Access" to reveal the application.
Select "Make mouse easy to use"

Untick "Turn on the Mouse" and apply changes by saving it

If the issue with the mouse had been persistent before now endeavor to restart the computer. If the issues lie with the keyboard change the access settings too.

Head to Access center just like before and click "Make keyboard easy to use"

Uncheck all these (Turn on the Mouse key, Turn on the Sticky Key, Turn on the Toggle Key and Turn on the Filter Key

Tap on Apply to enable you to save changes then exit. To disable filters hold down " Shift" for ten seconds

Restart your PC then check if your devices are functioning

Solution 6: How to Run ChkDsk

In case of corruption, you can locate the corrupted driver using the Run administrator.

Open the Windows box then type in "Command Prompt" then right-click the application from the result that pops up on your screen. Click "Run as the Administrator"
Execute this command in the prompt

"E" represents the name of your driver
It will take some time but when it is done input this code

For all discrepancies, Windows will notify you. If there are discrepancies, endeavor to clean up, and restore health.

When all this is done restart your PC to check your devices

Solution 7: How to Change BIOS Settings

If none of the above steps work considers changing the BIOS setting. Open the BIOS to disable USB2 Support. After disabling it check your keyboard and Mouse to see if they work. If they don't reset the BIOS to an Optimized Default. This will require a password prompt for entry. The BIOS will refresh with this action.

Solution 8: How to Restore your Windows

The last option you can take may be to restore your Windows to a restore point

Open the search bar and "type" restore then select program.

In the restore settings tap the System restore under the System protection category

A wizard will navigate you through the necessary steps required. Click next for more instructions

Select the points provided. If they are several, select them all

Windows will now confirm your action one more time then restart your PC. Make sure you save and backup your files before you proceed to prevent data loss

Fixed: Prolific USB to Serial Driver not Working on Windows 10