Intro: When Mice and Keyboards Go on Strike
Oh no, you’re in the middle of an important task on your computer, and suddenly your mouse and keyboard have decided to stage a mutiny. It’s like they’ve come together and said, “That’s it, we’re down with this whole ‘being useful’ thing. Time for a break!” And now you’re left helplessly staring at the screen, wondering how you’ll ever get anything done.
Well, my friends, fear not! I’ve been there, and I’m here to share my hard-earned wisdom on how to tame these rebellious input devices and get them back to work. Whether your mouse and keyboard are being stubborn, glitchy, or just plain mysterious, I’ve got the inside scoop on what to do. So buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of troubleshooting these pesky peripherals.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check the Connections
The first thing to do when your mouse and keyboard stop working is to take a good, hard look at the connections. Are the USB cables securely plugged into your computer? [1] If you’re using wireless devices, are the batteries fresh or the devices charged? [2] Sometimes, a simple loose connection or low battery can be the culprit behind your input device woes.
Go ahead and try unplugging and re-plugging the cables, or swapping the devices to different USB ports. [3] If you’re using a USB hub, try connecting the devices directly to the computer instead. [4] And for wireless devices, make sure the Bluetooth or wireless receiver is properly paired and connected. [5]
Update Drivers and Firmware
If the connection checks out, it’s time to look at the software side of things. Outdated or corrupted drivers can be a common cause of mouse and keyboard malfunctions. [3] Head to the Device Manager, find the problem device, and try updating the driver. [3]
You can also check for any firmware updates for your devices. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs or improve performance, so it’s worth a quick search to see if there are any new versions available. [6]
Check for Hardware Issues
Sometimes, the problem may not be with the software at all, but with the hardware itself. Inspect your mouse and keyboard for any physical damage, like broken or stuck buttons, frayed cables, or gunk buildup. [7] If you suspect a hardware issue, try testing the devices on another computer to see if the problem follows them.
If the devices don’t work on the other computer either, it’s likely time to consider a replacement. [3] But before you go that route, try a few more troubleshooting steps, just to be sure.
Perform a System Reset
If you’ve checked the connections, updated the drivers, and inspected the hardware, and your mouse and keyboard still aren’t cooperating, it might be time to hit the reset button. [4] A system reset can help resolve any underlying software issues that may be causing the problem.
Be warned, though – a system reset will erase all your personal files, so make sure to back up anything important before you proceed. [8] Once you’ve taken care of that, go ahead and reset your system, and then try reconnecting your mouse and keyboard.
Wrap-up: Keeping Your Inputs in Check
And there you have it, folks – a comprehensive guide to getting your mouse and keyboard back in working order. Remember, troubleshooting these pesky peripherals can be a bit of a process, but with a little patience and persistence, you’ll have those input devices dancing to your tune in no time.
So, the next time your mouse and keyboard decide to stage a mutiny, don’t panic. Grab a cup of coffee, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. Before you know it, you’ll be back to typing and clicking away, and your computer will be running like a well-oiled machine.
Happy troubleshooting!
[1] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/computer-mouse-and-keyboard-not-working/c8971831-b64e-4782-a264-fa8ceae38f30
[2] https://www.quora.com/My-mouse-and-keyboard-suddenly-stopped-working-I-cant-do-anything-and-I-must-force-shut-down-my-PC-This-happens-occasionally-and-it-is-completely-random-What-should-I-do
[3] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mouse-and-keyboard-problems-in-windows-94b4ca7b-4f2f-077e-4eb4-f7b4ecdf4f61
[4] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/keyboard-and-mouse-are-not-working-after-resetting/e1bc562b-4833-43f0-8331-28bd10e89c91
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Fallout/comments/3s8ukf/psa_fix_for_if_your_mousekeyboard_arent_working/
[6] https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/new-cpu-no-display-keyboard-and-mouse-arent-working.3788913/
[7] https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-10/is-your-keyboard-mouse-not-working-heres-how-to-fix-them/
[8] https://forum.kaspersky.com/topic/2022-found-myself-without-a-keyboard-or-mouse-after-install-25456/
