Mouse and Keyboard Become Unresponsive: How to Fix It Fast

Here’s a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing an unresponsive mouse and keyboard:

1. Check the Basics

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Start by ensuring that:

• All cables are securely connected: For wired peripherals, make sure that the mouse and keyboard cables are properly plugged into their respective USB ports. For wireless devices, check that the batteries are not dead and that the wireless receiver is properly connected to the computer.
• No physical damage: Inspect the cables and connectors for any signs of wear or damage. A frayed or broken cable could be the culprit.

2. Restart Your Computer

A reboot can resolve many temporary issues. Restart your computer and see if the problem persists. This simple action can often clear temporary glitches that might be causing the peripherals to stop working.

3. Check for Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause peripheral devices to become unresponsive. To check and update drivers:

• Windows: Go to Device Manager (right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager), find your mouse and keyboard under "Keyboards" and "Mice and other pointing devices," right-click on each device, and select "Update driver." Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install any available updates.
• Mac: macOS typically handles drivers automatically. However, ensure that your system is up-to-date by going to System Preferences > Software Update.

4. Test Peripherals on Another Computer

If possible, connect your mouse and keyboard to another computer. This helps determine if the issue is with the peripherals themselves or the original computer. If they work on the second computer, the problem likely lies with the original system.

5. Check for Interference (for Wireless Devices)

Wireless mice and keyboards can suffer from interference. Ensure that:

• There are no physical obstructions between the wireless receiver and the devices.
• Other wireless devices in the vicinity are not causing interference.

6. Try Different USB Ports

Sometimes, the issue might be with a specific USB port. Try connecting your mouse and keyboard to different USB ports on your computer to see if this resolves the problem.

7. Run Hardware Troubleshooter (Windows)

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix hardware issues:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Select "Additional troubleshooters" and then "Keyboard" or "Hardware and Devices," depending on the issue.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

8. Check for Software Conflicts

Software conflicts can sometimes cause peripherals to stop functioning. To identify and resolve software conflicts:

• Boot into Safe Mode: This starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If the peripherals work in Safe Mode, a software conflict might be causing the issue.
• Uninstall recently installed software: If you recently installed new software or updates, try uninstalling them to see if that resolves the issue.

9. Check for System Updates

Make sure your operating system is up-to-date. Sometimes, system updates include fixes for hardware compatibility issues.

10. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, resetting your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings to default can resolve peripheral issues:

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup).
• Look for an option to "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Default."
• Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

11. Seek Professional Help

If none of the above steps work, it might be time to seek professional help. A technician can perform a more thorough diagnostic and identify underlying issues that might not be apparent through basic troubleshooting.

Remember: An unresponsive mouse and keyboard can be frustrating, but many times the problem can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. By following this guide, you can quickly identify and fix the issue, getting back to your work without the added stress of technical difficulties.