If your mouse and keyboard are not working on Windows, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and correct the issue.
First step: Plug and Unplug your Mouse and Keyboard
One of the simplest solutions when your mouse and keyboard are not working on Windows is to plug and unplug the devices. Start by unplugging both the keyboard and mouse from their respective USB ports and replugging them into different ports. At this point you should also make sure your keyboard and mouse are securely plugged in. Once done, try to use the mouse buttons or press a key on the keyboard to see if they are now working.
Second Step: Check Connections and Check for Hardware Damages
In many cases, the issue with the mouse and keyboard might be caused by a loose connection. This can occur due to repeated plugging and unplugging of the device, damage to the USB port, or simply an old cable. To check the connection, start by examining the cords for any visible signs of damage. If there are none, then try unplugging and replugging the mouse and keyboard into other USB ports. If the mouse and keyboard are still not working, then it might be necessary to replace the cables.
Third Step: Check Device Manager
The next step is to check that the device drivers are installed and working properly in the Device Manager. To do this, press the Windows key + R on the keyboard and type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter. In the device manager window, expand the “Mice and Other Pointing Devices” and “Keyboards” sections to see any connected mice and keyboards. If the mouse or keyboard are listed but have a yellow exclamation mark on them, then it means the drivers for the device are not installed or are outdated/corrupted. Right-click the listed device and select “Update Driver”. Follow the instructions to update the driver for the device.
Fourth Step: Check for Power Issues
When dealing with wireless mice and keyboards, it is possible that the issue could be caused by a power issue. Wireless mice and keyboards usually use batteries to operate, so it’s important to check that these are not dead or need to be replaced. Similarly, if using a wired mouse and keyboard, make sure the USB ports you are plugging them into are providing enough power.
Fifth Step: Reset Your PC
If none of the above steps have solved the problem, then you may need to reset your PC. This will restore your computer to the original factory settings, so it’s always best to do it as a last resort. To reset your PC, go to the “Settings” app in Windows and select “Update & Security”. Under the “Recovery” section select “Reset this PC” and follow the instructions provided.
These are the general steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix an issue with your mouse and keyboard not working on Windows. If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the issue persists, then you may need to contact a professional for assistance or get a replacement mouse and keyboard.