What should I do if my mouse and keyboard stop responding?

If your mouse and keyboard stop responding, it is important to diagnose the cause of the problem before attempting to fix it. Here are some steps you can take to help identify and address the issue:

1. Check the USB ports: Ensure that your mouse and keyboard are connected to the appropriate type of USB port and are securely connected. Try swapping them to different ports to see if they start working again. Some mice and keyboards require the use of a PS/2 adapter to connect to certain ports.

2. Test the device on another computer: If the mouse and keyboard are not functioning on one computer but work on another, then the problem likely lies with the first computer and not with the devices.

3. Check the drivers: Outdated or corrupt mouse and keyboard drivers can cause problems with connectivity. To update the device drivers, open the Device Manager, select the appropriate device, right-click and select “Update Driver.”
Make sure the device driver is compatible with your operating system and that you install the correct driver for the hardware.

4. Adjust the settings: Adjusting settings associated with your mouse and keyboard can also help solve any issues. For example, you can adjust the power settings in Control Panel to prevent the device from turning off. Additionally, adjusting the settings associated with the mouse and keyboard in BIOS may also help with better performance.

5. Troubleshoot the problem with Windows: You can try running the Windows Troubleshooter to resolve any conflicts with the mouse and keyboard. To launch the troubleshooter, open the Control Panel, select “Find and Fix Problems,” and select the “Hardware and Sound” tab.

6. Reset the computer: If none of the above steps have worked, it is likely that the problem lies with the computer itself. Attempting to reset the computer can solve many problems associated with the mouse and keyboard. To reset the computer, open the Settings menu, select “Reset this PC,” and then follow the onscreen instructions.

7. Replace the hardware: If all of the above steps fail to work, it is possible that the mouse and keyboard are damaged and need to be replaced. You can purchase a compatible replacement device from a retail store or online.

Following these steps should help you identify and address any issues with your mouse and keyboard. It is important to remember that if the issue is with the computer itself, then you should contact a technician for assistance.