Mouse, touchpad, and keyboard problems in Windows

Check hardware

Many mouse, touchpad, and keyboard problems are caused by hardware that isn't set up properly. Here's some information about how to check your device, make sure cables are connected properly, make sure the hardware has power, and check the settings.

Make sure cables are connected properly

Check that all cables are plugged in to the correct locations. This can include mouse and keyboard, PS2 and USB cables, and, in some cases, external USB touchpad cables.

  • Disconnect USB cables and wait for a short time for the device driver to be unloaded by Windows, and then plug the device back in and the driver will reload.

  • Try using a different USB port on your PC. For example, move from a port on the front or side of the PC to a port on the back of the PC.

  • If you use a USB hub between the device and the PC, try removing the USB hub and plugging the device directly into a USB port on the PC.

  • If you’re using a USB hub that uses an external power supply, make sure the power supply is plugged into an electrical outlet and is working properly.

  • Make sure that the cables on your device aren't damaged in any way. Damaged cables can cause the device to stop working properly.

Check for and replace worn batteries

Make sure old or worn batteries in your devices are replaced and functioning properly.

Disconnect and then reconnect wireless or Bluetooth receivers

If you’re using a wireless or Bluetooth device, you might need to disconnect the device from your PC and then reconnect it. Look on the bottom of the wireless device for a Reset button. Resetting the device will disconnect and then reconnect the wireless connection. There might also be a Reset button on the USB receiver for your device.

Test the device on another PC

If the device doesn't appear to work at all (for example, no lights appear on the device when it’s plugged in, or the cursor doesn't move or doesn't appear on the screen), connect the device to another PC and make sure the device works on that PC. If the device doesn't work on the other PC, you might need to replace the hardware.

Note

Note

  • Some devices won't work without installing a driver. When testing the device on another PC, make sure that you have the correct driver installed for the device. (See the Update drivers tab for help with installing the device driver.)

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