USB keyboard does not work. What to do? USB keyboard does not work: possible causes and solutions to the problem

Any USB keyboard can suddenly outgrow its functionality - even a regular budget one, or one with an advanced design, backlighting, and a bunch of other stuff. 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. 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 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.

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

3. Reinstalling the driver

If reconnecting to another USB port does not produce results, you need to check whether the keyboard works in 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 the manager Windows devices. 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 individual models Manufacturers of USB keyboards 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 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 moment Windows system will use the USB keyboard using its own means. 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. Alternative option- usage USB adapter- PS/2.

What should you do after entering the BIOS? In the BIOS settings you need to find USB parameter-keyboard support controller. 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!

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 full-fledged work will not work.

In this article we will tell you what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work and consider everything possible reasons 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, wrong drivers to the keyboard 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 evaluate physical state keyboards.

Look at the indication Caps buttons Lock and Num Lock. 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 external USB cable of the keyboard and the connection port look good, then try plugging the keyboard into a different port Computer USB. The port on the computer itself may be damaged. If the keyboard works in another port on the computer, then you have a problem with USB port ohm 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 Goldmine for all service centers laptop repair. 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. Or buy 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

In the event of a computer power failure, the BIOS settings may change, which contains an item about enabling and disabling USB support keyboards on a 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 on the keyboard DEL button 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 with the keyboard not working due to software you need to turn on your computer and log into your desktop. Since the keyboard has stopped working and does not print, but account a password may be set, you will need to use 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, click right click mouse on 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 managementdevice 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 ActionUpdate 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.

Just because you use a USB-connected keyboard doesn't mean it can'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 can either 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 level operating system. It is possible that the problem is with 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, which 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. On some motherboard models this function 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 BIOS versions 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 this instruction at least helped you somehow. If anything, write in the comments, we’ll sort it out.

The keyboard is the main tool for entering information, without which working on a computer is impossible. Most often, to this device worked flawlessly, you just need to connect it to your computer and that’s it necessary drivers it will install automatically. This happens in most cases, but not always. There are situations when, when you connect a keyboard to a USB or PS/2 connector, it is not detected on the computer and does not show any signs of operation - the indicators do not light up and the buttons do not work. In this article, we offer instructions on what to do if the keyboard on your computer does not work.

We recommend reading:

Connecting the keyboard to the computer is as simple as possible - just insert its wire into the corresponding connector on the motherboard, and after that the device will start working. There are wireless keyboards, the radio receiver of which is inserted into a USB connector, after which the device works if the distance between the transmitter and the device is maintained.

Due to the simplicity of the process of connecting a computer, we can conclude that there are only 2 reasons why the keyboard does not work on the computer:

  • Mechanical. There may be problems with the keyboard itself or the wire that connects it to the motherboard. The cause of the malfunction may also be a broken connector on the motherboard.
  • Software. Keyboard drivers are installed automatically, but the installation process for any software may fail and this situation not an exception. In addition, problems may occur not at the operating system level, but in the BIOS, where the appropriate settings for the keyboard are disabled.

Depending on which connector the keyboard is connected to the computer, we offer different variants solutions to emerging problems.

What to do if the keyboard does not work on the computer via USB protocol

The most common interface for connecting a keyboard to a computer is USB. Information transfer rates from peripheral device the computer is enough, as through USB protocol 2.0 and via USB 3.0, so there is no difference in which connector the keyboard is connected to.

If the USB keyboard does not work when you turn on the computer, you need to do the following:


It is worth noting that users whose keyboard is connected to the motherboard via USB may have problems entering the BIOS on the computer boot screen if using old version basic software. In this case, you need to find a keyboard with a PS/2 connector or use the appropriate adapter.

What to do if the keyboard does not work on your computer using the PS/2 protocol

Keyboard manufacturers are trying to move away from the PS/2 connector, abandoning it in favor of USB. It is very difficult to find a keyboard with a PS/2 connector on sale, but if you come across such a peripheral and it does not work with booting Windows, most likely the problem is related to the drivers. To make the keyboard work, you need to do the following:


It is worth noting that similar problem with keyboards connected via the PS/2 protocol, most often occurs due to an error when installing the i8042prt.sys or kbdclass.sys driver.

You may encounter the problem that the USB keyboard does not work at boot: different situations: This often happens when reinstalling the system or when a menu appears with a choice 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 ok with the connection: is it in place? USB cable or wireless keyboard receiver, whether someone touched it. Even better, take it out and plug it in again, not USB 3.0 (blue), but USB 2.0 (Best in one of the ports on the back 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, you may not notice it. for a long time(because Windows itself “connects” the keyboard when loading 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 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 options downloads, then in additional parameters select entry into UEFI settings). And after that, see what can be changed to make everything work.

On some motherboards, setting up support USB devices input on boot is a little more sophisticated: for example, in my UEFI settings There are three options - disabled initialization during ultra-fast boot, partial initialization and full initialization (at the same time fast loading must be disabled). AND wireless keyboard Works when loading only in the last 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.