Keyboard or Mouse Not Working (Windows 11)

Category: Hardware & Peripherals · Audience: Customers & Technicians · Est. time: 5–15 min

Summary

A dead keyboard or mouse is usually power (battery), the receiver/connection, or a port. Quick checks get you moving.

Wired USB keyboard/mouse

1. Try another USB port — ideally one directly on the PC, not a hub/dock.
2. Reboot the PC (if the mouse works, use Start → Power → Restart; keyboard‑only: Ctrl+Alt+Del → power icon).
3. Test the device on another PC to confirm it's not faulty.

Wireless (USB dongle) keyboard/mouse

1. Replace/charge the batteries — flat batteries are the #1 cause. Check the power switch is On.
2. Re‑seat the USB receiver (the little dongle) — move it to a different/front USB port, away from USB‑3 ports and metal that cause interference.
3. Re‑pair if the model supports it (a connect button on the dongle and device).

Bluetooth keyboard/mouse

1. Charge/replace batteries and confirm it's on.
2. See *Bluetooth Not Working* — remove and re‑pair the device in Settings → Bluetooth & devices.

Still nothing?

1. Get in with the other device. If the mouse works, use it (and vice‑versa) to reach settings. On‑screen keyboard: Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → On‑screen keyboard.
2. Update/reinstall drivers (Technician). Device Manager → Keyboards / Mice → right‑click → Update driver, or Uninstall device → reboot to reinstall.
3. Laptop built‑in keyboard dead: try an external USB keyboard — if that works, the built‑in one/driver is the issue.

If that doesn't work

• Test on another PC and with new batteries to confirm hardware vs computer.
• Escalate to BBN Support with the device type (wired/wireless/Bluetooth) and make/model.

Prevention

• Keep spare batteries; plug wireless receivers into a front/unobstructed USB port.