Troubleshooting Your External Keyboard and Mouse Not Working on Your Laptop
It can be frustrating when your external keyboard and mouse stop working on your laptop. Numerous factors can cause this issue, and there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify and fix the problem.
1. Check Physical Connections
Ensure that your external keyboard and mouse are securely plugged into the USB ports. Sometimes, a simple reconnection can solve the issue. Try plugging them into different ports to rule out a faulty port.
2. Restart Your Laptop
A simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues. Shut down your laptop completely and turn it back on to refresh the system.
3. Check Device Power
Make sure that the keyboard and mouse are powered on if they have a power switch. For wireless devices, ensure that the USB receiver is properly connected and that the devices have fresh batteries.
4. Update Drivers
Visit Device Manager in the Start menu. Look for your keyboard and mouse under Keyboards and Mice other pointing devices. Right-click on the devices and select Update driver. This might help if there are any available updates.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers
In Device Manager, right-click on the keyboard and mouse devices and choose Uninstall device. Restart your laptop and Windows should automatically reinstall the drivers.
6. Check for Windows Updates
Ensure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates can include important driver updates. You can check for updates through Settings Update Security Windows Update.
7. Check for Hardware Issues
If the problem persists, test the keyboard and mouse on another computer to see if they work there. If they don’t, the issue might be with the devices themselves or your laptop’s USB ports. In that case, consider contacting technical support or a professional technician for further assistance.
8. Check Settings
Go to Settings Devices Bluetooth other devices to ensure that the devices are recognized and enabled.
9. Check Power Management Settings
In Device Manager, right-click on the USB Root Hub under Properties and check the Power Management tab. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power if it is checked.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most issues with your external keyboard and mouse not working on your laptop. However, if the problem still persists, it may be time to seek professional help to diagnose and fix any deeper hardware issues.
Conclusion
When your external keyboard and mouse are not working properly, there are several things you can try to resolve the issue. From simple physical checks to updating drivers or seeking professional assistance, these steps should help you get your devices functioning again. Stay patient, and you’ll likely find a solution to your connectivity problems.