If your mouse or keyboard stops working all of a sudden, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the problem.
First, make sure that both the mouse and keyboard are plugged in properly. Check the back of the computer for the plugs, and make sure that they are firmly secured in their ports. If they are loose, they may need to be pushed more securely into their slots before they will work properly. If you are using a USB mouse or keyboard, make sure that the cable is connected to the proper port.
Next, check the batteries in your wireless mouse or keyboard if applicable. Replace any dead batteries with fresh ones, or plug in your receivers if you are using an RF model. If your wireless devices are still not connecting, try moving them closer to the receiver. Radiation from electronic equipment can sometimes interfere with the signal, and moving away from such devices may help improve it. Be sure to give the device a few moments to connect after the relocation.
If your mouse or keyboard did not come with any software, then you should check your computer’s Device Manager to see if there are any problems with the hardware. You can access the Device Manager through the Control Panel, or by typing “Device Manager” into the Start menu search bar. Once open, navigate down to the list of Human Interface Devices, which should contain your mouse and keyboard. If you see any yellow exclamation marks next to either device, then this indicates a possible issue with either the device’s drivers or its hardware.
If you have a driver problem, then you can attempt to update your device’s drivers. To do this, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of your mouse or keyboard’s drivers. Once you have downloaded the file, simply double-click it to install the new drivers. After installation, restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem still persists after you have installed the new driver, then there may be an issue with the device itself. In this case, you may need to get a replacement device. Many keyboards and mice come with a one-year warranty, so you may be able to get a free replacement from the manufacturer if your device is within the warranty period. If not, you may want to consider purchasing a new mouse or keyboard from the same manufacturer, as compatibility issues may arise if you switch to a different brand.
If you would rather not buy a new mouse or keyboard, then you could try cleaning the device. Dust and dirt can build up on the keys over time and cause them to become unresponsive, so remove any debris with a cloth or vacuum cleaner (making sure not to get anything wet). This may help to improve the responsiveness of the device.
Finally, if the above steps do not help, you may want to reinstall the operating system. This will reset the device drivers and rule out any software issues that may be causing the problem. Be sure to back up any important data before proceeding with a reinstallation.
In conclusion, if your mouse or keyboard suddenly stops working, there are quite a few troubleshooting steps you can take to attempt to fix the issue. These include checking the device is properly plugged in, ensuring the batteries are working, updating the drivers, replacing the device, cleaning the device and finally a reinstallation of the operating system.