Fix Keyboard or Mouse Not Working After Restart in Windows 11/10

Key Notes

  • Disconnecting and reconnecting USB devices can often resolve the issue.
  • Safe Mode can help determine if the issue is driver-related.
  • System Restore can revert your computer to a state without issues.

Understanding Why Your Keyboard or Mouse May Fail

Experiencing keyboard or mouse issues after restarting your Windows 11 or 10 computer is often an unexpected frustration. Such problems can derail your workflow, particularly when you’ve just installed new software or applied critical updates. This guide provides systematic solutions to tackle the keyboard not working or mouse not responding challenges post-reboot. Whether through troubleshooting settings, managing drivers, or seeking System Restore points, our actionable steps will get you back on track.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve the Issue

Follow these comprehensive steps to fix the issue with your keyboard or mouse:

Step 1: Adjust Power Management Settings

Modifying the Power Management settings for USB ports can play a crucial role in resolving your issue. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.
  3. Right-click on the device and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Confirm with OK.

Pro Tip: Ensure to repeat this configuration for the USB eXtensible Host Controller as well.

Step 2: Disable USB Selective Suspend

Selective Suspend allows USB ports to save power but can cause functionality issues. Here is how to disable it:

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound.
  2. Go to Power Options.
  3. Select Change plan settings next to your selected plan.
  4. Click on Change advanced power settings.
  5. Locate USB settings and disable USB selective suspend setting.

Step 3: Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows diagnostics to be performed without interference from other drivers. To start your computer in Safe Mode:

  1. Restart your computer and continuously press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
  2. Select Safe Mode from the boot options.
  3. Test your keyboard and mouse functionality.

Pro Tip: If they work in Safe Mode, consider updating your drivers.

Step 4: Reinstall Keyboard and Mouse Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers could be the main culprit. To fix this:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand both Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices.
  3. Right-click on each device and select Uninstall Device.
  4. Restart your machine, triggering automatic driver reinstallation.

Step 5: Reinstall USB Controller Driver

Issues may stem from the USB controller driver. Here’s how to update it:

  1. Open Device Manager and navigate to Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
  2. Right-click on both USB eXtensible Host Controller and USB Root Hub.
  3. Select Uninstall Device.
  4. Restart your computer for reinstallation of drivers.

Step 6: Roll Back Recent Windows Updates

If the issue arose after a Windows update, consider uninstalling it:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Select Windows Update and click on View update history.
  3. Choose Uninstall updates and remove the latest update.

Pro Tip: Always note the updates removed in case the issue persists.

Step 7: Restore Your System to an Earlier Point

If the problem continues, restore your system to a previous date:

  1. Open Control Panel and select System and Security.
  2. Click System > System Protection.
  3. Select System Restore and choose an earlier restore point.

Step 8: Reset BIOS to Default Settings

Resetting your BIOS can resolve deeper system issues:

  1. Restart your computer and access BIOS setup by pressing the assigned key (often F2 or Del ).
  2. Locate the option to restore default settings. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Additional Tips

  • Test your devices on another computer to rule out hardware failure.
  • Make sure the USB ports are clean and free of debris.
  • Regularly update Windows to mitigate recurring issues.

Summary

Facing a keyboard or mouse issue after restarting your Windows 11 or 10 can be a frustrating experience. By systematically following these troubleshooting steps, including adjusting power settings, updating drivers, and restoring your system, you should be able to regain functionality. Don’t forget that understanding your device management settings is key to resolving such problems swiftly.

Conclusion

Dealing with non-responsive input devices post-restart is not uncommon, but the solutions provided within this guide are designed to swiftly restore your equipment’s functionality. Implement the steps provided, and never hesitate to explore further help if the issues persist.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I fix my Mouse and Keyboard not working in Windows after a reset?

Restart your computer and try different USB ports. Perform a hard reset if necessary, and if issues continue, consider running Startup Repair.

Why is my mouse and keyboard not working on Windows 11?

Possible reasons include driver issues, hardware malfunctions, or even the accumulation of dust in the devices. Performing regular maintenance can help mitigate this.