The keyboard on the computer does not work: what to do, reasons. USB keyboard does not work: possible causes and solutions to the problem

You may encounter the fact that the USB keyboard does not work at boot in different situations: this often happens when reinstalling the system or when a menu appears with the choice of safe mode and other Windows boot options.

As a rule, this situation does not occur with a keyboard connected via the PS/2 port (and if it does occur, the problem should be looked for in the keyboard itself, the wire or the motherboard connector), but it may well occur on a laptop, since the built-in keyboard may also have USB interface.

Before continuing reading, check if everything is in order with the connection: is the USB cable or receiver for the wireless keyboard in place, or has someone touched it. Even better, take it out and plug it in again, not in USB 3.0 (blue), but in USB 2.0 (Best in one of the ports on the back of the system unit. By the way, sometimes there is a special USB port with a keyboard and mouse icon).

Is USB keyboard support enabled in BIOS?

Most often, to solve the problem, it is enough to go into the computer’s BIOS and enable the initialization of the USB keyboard (set USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB Support to Enabled) when you turn on the computer. If this option is disabled for you, you may not notice it for a long time (because Windows itself “connects” the keyboard when you boot and everything works for you), until you need to use it when loading the operating system.

It is possible that you cannot enter the BIOS, especially if you have a new computer with UEFI, Windows 8 or 8.1 and fast boot enabled. In this case, you can get into the settings (Change computer settings - Update and recovery - Recovery - Special boot options, then in the additional parameters, select entering UEFI settings). And after that, see what can be changed to make everything work.

On some motherboards, the setup for USB input device support at boot is a little more sophisticated: for example, I have three options in my UEFI settings - disabled initialization during ultra-fast boot, partial initialization, and full initialization (fast boot must be disabled). And the wireless keyboard works at boot only in the latest version.

I hope the article was able to help you. And if not, describe in detail exactly how your problem arose and I will try to come up with something else and give advice in the comments.

Any USB keyboard can suddenly outgrow its functionality - even a regular budget one, or one with an advanced design, backlighting and a bunch of additional buttons. USB keyboards are slightly, but still more vulnerable than keyboards connected via the PS/2 port. The list of possible causes of problems with the PS/2 keyboard is small: as a rule, problems arise either with the keyboard itself, or with the wire, or with the motherboard connector. The range of possible causes of problems with USB keyboards is slightly wider, respectively, due to the USB interface itself. We will discuss the possible causes of a non-working USB keyboard and ways to resolve the situation below.

1. Pulled wire

If the USB keyboard was working successfully, and then at one point stopped responding to input, you should first check whether the wire has been pulled out of the USB port on the computer. Even if the wire is in place, you can temporarily remove it from the USB port and insert it again after a couple of seconds.

2. Another USB port

If the previous method did not give successful results, you need to reconnect the keyboard to another USB port. This will either reveal that one of or eliminate one possible cause of the problem. After a motherboard failure due to a power surge, one or more USB ports may stop working, while others remain operational. If the keyboard does not work with any of the USB ports, you need to check the functionality of the USB ports themselves by connecting any other device to them - a flash drive, mobile device, printer, etc. If all the USB ports on the computer turn out to be inoperative, the problem will then need to be resolved with them.

A keyboard connected to USB 3.0 (port with blue output) may not work during the Windows installation process until the drivers are installed on the motherboard. In this case, the keyboard must be reconnected to USB 2.0 (port with white output).

3. Reinstalling the driver

If reconnecting to another USB port does not produce results, you need to check whether the keyboard works in the BIOS environment. The fact that you successfully enter the BIOS and use the navigation keys to move through its sections will mean that the problem arose at the Windows OS level. In this case, you can try to reinstall the keyboard drivers. You can do this in Windows Device Manager. You can get into it in Windows 7 by calling the “Start” menu and selecting “Control Panel”.

On Windows 8.1 and 10 systems, the path is shorter: Device Manager is available with a direct link in the context menu on the Start button.

Directly in the Device Manager window, open the “Keyboards” section, in the “HID Keyboard” item, call up the context menu and remove the driver.

We confirm the decision.

Reboot the computer.

After rebooting, the keyboard driver will be installed automatically.

For certain models of USB keyboards, manufacturers may provide their own drivers included with such keyboards. This point needs to be clarified, and if this is the case, then the driver must be installed manually by downloading it from the manufacturer’s website or by finding the installation disk included with the keyboard.

4. Enable USB controller keyboard support in BIOS

A malfunction of the motherboard (as a consequence of the same power surge) may cause the USB keyboard support controller to be disabled in the BIOS settings. It’s not common, but it also happens that the USB keyboard support controller at the BIOS level is initially disabled. This nuance will make itself felt only when it becomes necessary to operate the computer in pre-boot mode. Until this point, Windows will use the USB keyboard itself. Of course, in such cases you cannot do without a PS/2 keyboard, and if one is not stored anywhere just in case, you will need to borrow it from someone for a while. An alternative option is to use a USB to PS/2 adapter.

What should you do after entering the BIOS? In the BIOS settings, you need to find the USB keyboard support controller option. These are usually the words “Keyboard Support” or “Legacy USB Support”. The UEFI BIOS may simply have the name "USB Support". Having found it, you need to check that the value opposite is not “Disabled” (turned off), but “Enabled” (enabled). The value “Enabled” should also be in the “USB Controller” parameter. For example, in AMI BIOS version 17.9, USB controllers are configured in the “Integrated Peripherals” section.

5. Faulty keyboard

And finally, the simplest test to check the functionality of the USB keyboard itself is to connect it to another computer device.

Have a great day!

Every PC user sooner or later faces certain problems. Most often they concern connected devices. For example, when the keyboard refuses to work. This phenomenon does not occur too often, but it does occur. Today we will figure out why the computer does not see the keyboard and mouse. What actions need to be taken to restore the functionality of these devices? How dangerous is the problem being studied for PCs? Having answered all these questions, we can say with confidence that the keyboard failure will no longer cause trouble!

Device types

First, you need to understand that today you can find several types of studied devices. Depending on the type of keyboard, the algorithm for solving the problem will change.

Today the following devices are distinguished:

• USB keyboard (wired);
• wireless models;
• with PS/2 socket.

The first two keyboards are universal. They can be connected to any PC and laptop. The latest device is considered outdated. It is usually connected to desktop computers.

Causes of problems

Computer doesn't see keyboard? Why is this happening? There are quite a few reasons for this phenomenon. It is very difficult to predict them.

Nevertheless, among the main reasons for the failure being studied are:

• missing/damaged drivers;
• the need to update the keyboard/mouse driver;
• incompatibility with the OS and other connected devices;
• mechanical damage to connection connectors;
• keyboard malfunction;
• damage to nests;
• PC virus infection.

Driver problems

Let's start with the most common problem - missing, crashed or outdated drivers. It is this software that causes a lot of trouble for users.

You can check the availability of the driver through the device manager. To do this, you need to right-click on the “My Computer” icon, then select “Properties” - “Device Manager”. Now you need to go to the “Keyboards” item and look at the connected devices that appear.

If there are no keyboards in this window, then the PC really does not see them. There are no drivers on the computer. Otherwise, you need to double-click on the line with the connected device and go to the “Drivers” section. To update them, the user will have to click on the appropriate button. To bring your idea to life, you must first connect to the Internet.

Computer doesn't see keyboard? IN in this case(if the device is not displayed in the manager) you will need to go to the device manufacturer’s website, select the keyboard/mouse model there and download the drivers. You should then install them by running the downloaded software package. The problem should go away.

Incompatibility

In some cases, the keyboard due to their incompatibility. Situations like this are rare, but they do occur. It's no secret that all PC devices have their own system requirements. Failure to comply with them leads to malfunctions of the devices. There is a software conflict with the peripheral device and it is not recognized.

The incompatibility cannot be eliminated. The maximum is to change the operating system you are using or replace an incompatible device. This is the only way to get your mouse and keyboard working properly.

Damage

But that is not all! Computer doesn't see keyboard? If the user is sure that the device is compatible with the operating system being used, and there are drivers on the PC, he will have to look for the problem elsewhere. For example, in the device itself.

To prevent damage, the user must:

• check the integrity of the nests;
• make sure that the cable (if any) is intact;
• double-check that the devices are connected correctly.

If any damage is found, you will either have to take the PC and keyboard for repair, or use new connectors, or buy new peripheral devices. Damage occurs quite often in practice, but fixing it is not difficult.

Viruses

Computer doesn't see keyboard? It is possible that there are some viruses in the operating system. No user is safe from them.

What to do? Need to:

1. Scan your PC for viruses. This requires an antivirus program. You can pay attention to Dr. Web or NOD32.
2. Scan your computer for spies. SpyHuter will handle this task.
3. Try to cure everything This operation is performed by clicking on the “Cure” button in antiviruses.
4. Anything that cannot be treated must be removed. For this purpose, antiviruses and spyware detection programs will have separate controls.

Once all of the above steps have been completed, you can restart the PC and observe what is happening. Most likely, the PC will recognize the mouse and keyboard. If this does not happen, it is recommended to reinstall/update the drivers.

About connection

Many people are interested in, In most cases, doing this is easier than it seems. Especially when it comes to wired models.

All actions must be performed with the PC turned off. Next, the user must simply take the wire from the keyboard and connect it to the appropriate connector. For example, a USB keyboard requires connection to a USB socket. It is very comfortable! The same should be done with PS/2 devices.

You will have to act somewhat differently when it comes to wireless devices. In this case, many people think about how to configure the keyboard. Typically, these devices do not require additional configuration; they start working immediately after installing the drivers.

The connection goes like this:

1. Insert the battery(s) into the device.
2. Connect special receivers to the PC. They need to be connected to a USB connector.
3. Move the switch on the keyboard to the "On" position.
4. Turn on the computer. Activate Bluetooth on it.
5. Wait for the devices to synchronize.

That's all. Now it’s clear how it works on a computer with a wireless connection. Everything is much simpler than it seems.

conclusions

We figured out why the computer does not see the keyboard. It is worth noting that there are many options for the development of events. Most of them come down to either buying a new device or reinstalling drivers. Only in some cases, the failure of the keyboard to work is a sign of serious problems.

Any device has its own service life. And it must be taken into account when connecting to a PC. Typically, keyboards wear out during active use 5 years after their purchase.

Mostly users of old operating systems and new devices encounter software incompatibility with the device. Also, a similar problem is now occurring on computers with Windows 10.

Just because you use a USB keyboard doesn't mean it won't fail at some point. No matter how cool and expensive it is, even such a keyboard can fail. By the way, I don't know about you, but I think that PS/2 keyboards are less vulnerable. True, if your keyboard on your laptop is covered, then you either have to choose , or .

There can be quite a lot of problems with USB keyboards failing. For example, damage to the wire, port, drivers and much more. Naturally, we will try to deal with this problem.

• Non-working USB port

If, when connected to one of the ports, the keyboard does not respond at all, then try connecting to another. Although, it happens that the port works when you connect another device. Perhaps this is some kind of glitch. Also, the port may not work due to a large voltage surge on the motherboard.

If, when you connect the keyboard to all USB ports, it does not work, then try connecting other devices to them. If they do not work, then the problem is in the USB ports of the computer.

You can also try connecting the keyboard not to USB 3.0 (indicated in blue), but to USB 2.0. And try installing or updating the drivers for the motherboard.

• Keyboard wire pulled out

Well, I think that we are not so inattentive that we would not notice the pulled out wire. In any case, even if it doesn't come out, pull it out, wait a couple of seconds and put it back in again.

• Installing drivers

After finding out that the keyboard does not work through any port, we try, if everything works fine there, tabs switch smoothly, then the problem is present precisely at the operating system level. It is possible that the problem is in the drivers.

Try it for your keyboard. This can be done through the device manager. You can enter it if you enter it in the search "Device Manager", or press Win+X and select the desired item.

Opening the manager window, look for the section "Keyboards", open it and right-click on the item, then click "Delete".

After this, restart your computer. Next, reinsert the keyboard into any port, the drivers should be installed automatically.

Some manufacturers provide special drivers that can be downloaded from the official website. Keep this in mind. And if there was also a driver disk with the keyboard, then use it.

• USB controller disabled in BIOS

If the motherboard fails, the USB controller may be disabled in the BIOS, which is why the keyboard may not work. In some motherboard models, this function is disabled initially. Then, to work with the BIOS, you will need a PS/2 keyboard in any case.

So, we enter the BIOS and look for the USB controller parameters. On different motherboards this item may be called differently, for example, "Legacy USB Support" or "Keyboard Support". In some versions of the BIOS it may be called "Legacy Support". Now look, if the value is “Disabled”, then change it to “Enabled”. There should be another parameter nearby "USB Controller", it must also be in the Enabled position. After this, exit the BIOS and save the settings.

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• The keyboard is faulty

This point is the very last and this is understandable. If nothing works, the keyboard does not respond to any actions, then most likely it is broken. If it does not work on other computers, then there are definitely no options, then the keyboard is not working.

That's all, I hope that these instructions have helped you in some way. If anything, write in the comments, we’ll sort it out.

The keyboard is the main tool when working on a computer, without which work is almost impossible. Of course, you can enter information using a mouse and on-screen keyboard, but this method is inconvenient and will not work properly.

In this article we will tell you what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work and consider all the possible causes of this malfunction.

The keyboard is a fairly simple device and usually works flawlessly. However, there are times when the keyboard indicator lights up, but nothing is printed.

Why the keyboard doesn't work: reasons

There are two types of reasons why a computer keyboard may not work:

1. Mechanical (cable break, moisture ingress, excessive contamination of the keyboard, violation of the integrity of the connection ports, and so on).
2. Software (software failures, incorrect BIOS settings, incorrect keyboard drivers, and so on).

Let's look at all the main reasons why the keyboard does not work and troubleshooting methods.

Problem with the cable or keyboard port

The first step is to assess the physical condition of the keyboard.

Look at the indication of the Caps Lock and Num Lock buttons. Most likely, if they work, then physically everything should be fine with the keyboard.

Visually inspect the keyboard cable. It may be pinched or cut. For example, many pet owners have pets that chew through cables.

Also, visually check the keyboard connection port to see if there are any fractures or bends in it. There are two types of keyboard connection ports - USB and PS/2.

It often happens that when people try to connect to a computer in a PS/2 port, they break off the tip of the wire and the keyboard does not connect.

If the keyboard's USB cable and connection port look good, then try plugging the keyboard into another USB port on the computer. The port on the computer itself may be damaged. If the keyboard works in another port of the computer, then you have a problem with the USB port. Usually there are several of them on the computer and you can simply leave the keyboard connected to the port that works.

In the case of a keyboard with a PS/2 port, you should check the functionality of the keyboard connection port on another computer, since there is only one such port on the motherboard. To test the functionality of your computer's PS/2 port, you will have to find another such keyboard.

Spilled liquid and dirt on the keyboard

A flooded keyboard is a headache for all IT specialists and a goldmine for all laptop repair service centers. Very often, when working on a computer, people pour tea, coffee, beer and other liquids onto the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard may fail.

As a rule, it is easy to determine visually and by smell that liquid has been spilled on the keyboard. Carefully inspect the keyboard. Remove a couple of keys. If you see that there are traces of spilled liquid or food on the keyboard or under the keys, then you have two options. Either buy a new keyboard, or meticulously disassemble the flooded keyboard, clean it, dry it and put it back together. With a high degree of probability, the keyboard will work.

Previously, we have already talked in detail about how to clean a computer keyboard at home.

Checking USB settings in BIOS

If the computer's power supply fails, the BIOS settings may change, which contains an item about enabling or disabling support for USB keyboards on the computer.

Additionally, in this way you can check the serviceability of the keyboard in principle, since it may not work in Windows, but work in the BIOS. In this case, the failure is caused by software or drivers.

To enter the BIOS and check the settings, do the following:

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Press the DEL button on your keyboard until the BIOS settings window appears.
3. In the BIOS settings, find the USB Keyboard Support or Legacy USB menu.
4. Make sure the setting is in the Enable state. If it says Disable, then switch to Enable.

You can also set the remaining BIOS settings related to USB to Enable. You may be able to get ports on the front panel of your computer case that once stopped working.

Software or driver failure

Keyboards with older PS/2 connectors are more susceptible to software glitches. However, there are still quite a lot of such keyboards in use, although manufacturers have almost stopped producing them.

To solve the problem of the keyboard not working due to software, you need to turn on your computer and log into the desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print, and a password may be set on the account, you will need to use the on-screen keyboard and type the password with the mouse.

Now that you are on the desktop of your computer, you need to get to Device Manager.

In Windows 8 and Windows 10, to do this, right-click on the button Start and select device Manager.

In Windows 7, left-click on the button Start. Next, right-click on the word Computer and select Computer management — device Manager.

Device Manager displays information about all devices on your computer. Expand the Keyboards branch. If there is an orange question mark next to your keyboard, it means the device is not installed correctly on the system.

Right click on your keyboard and select Delete.

After that click Action — Update hardware configuration.

The computer will rescan all devices and install the keyboard correctly.

Factory defect or keyboard has reached the end of its service life

Any technology tends to break down and fail. If the keyboard was purchased relatively recently, then you may have encountered a manufacturing defect. In this case, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer's support service and expect a replacement device.

The fact is that many manufacturers value their reputation and, without entering into long debates with the buyer, immediately send a brand new keyboard by mail.

If you have had the keyboard for more than a year, then most likely it has failed due to service life and you should buy a new one.