A non-working keyboard is usually caused by driver corruption, wrong drivers, power or USB settings, or hardware/firmware conflicts. If your Keyboard driver doesn’t work in Windows 10, this article explains the most common causes and gives step-by-step fixes so you can restore input quickly.
You’ll learn ten likely reasons the keyboard driver fails, precise Windows 10 steps to diagnose and fix each cause, preventive tips, and extra recovery options.
Key Takeaway
If a keyboard stops working in Windows 10, start with simple checks (cables, batteries, ports), then update or reinstall drivers via Device Manager; if that fails, use system tools (Safe Mode, SFC/DISM, BIOS settings, Windows Update) to repair deeper software or firmware problems.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Loose or damaged connection / dead batteries | Check cable, try another USB port or replace batteries/dongle. |
| Corrupt or outdated keyboard driver | Update or reinstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager. |
| Windows Update installed an incompatible driver | Roll back driver or check Windows Update for fixes. |
| Power management turning off USB devices | Disable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power for USB hubs. |
| Accessibility settings (Filter Keys) blocking repeats | Turn off Filter Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. |
| Fast Startup interfering with device initialization | Disable Fast Startup in Control Panel > Power Options. |
| Conflicting software or drivers | Perform a Clean Boot and uninstall recent apps or antivirus temporarily. |
| Wrong driver selected (OEM vs. HID) | Replace with the generic HID Keyboard Device driver manually. |
| BIOS/UEFI USB or keyboard settings disabled | Enable USB Legacy/Keyboard support in BIOS/UEFI settings. |
| Corrupt system files (SFC/DISM needed) | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in admin Command Prompt. |
Detailed Fixes for “Keyboard driver doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Loose connection, damaged cable, dead batteries, or faulty dongle
Why this causes the problem:
- Physical connection issues or dead batteries prevent signals from reaching the PC, and the OS cannot load or use the driver properly because the hardware is not present or recognized.
Step-by-step solution:
- If wired: unplug the keyboard and try a different USB port (front and back ports; for desktops prefer back motherboard ports).
- If wireless: replace batteries and re-pair the Bluetooth or USB receiver per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Try a different known-good keyboard on the same ports to confirm the port works.
- If the keyboard works on another PC, the issue is software/driver-related on your PC; proceed with software steps below.
Notes:
- For USB hubs, connect directly to the PC. Faulty hubs can mask keyboard presence.
2. Corrupt or outdated keyboard driver
Why this causes the problem:
- Drivers mediate communication between Windows and the keyboard. Corrupt drivers can break input entirely.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your device, and choose Update driver → Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If no update helps, right-click → Uninstall device. Check Delete the driver software for this device if shown.
- After uninstall, in Device Manager use Action > Scan for hardware changes to let Windows reinstall a driver automatically.
- If you prefer the manufacturer driver, download it from the vendor site (model-specific) and install per their instructions.
Tips:
- Keep the installation file from the manufacturer handy before uninstalling if you need a specific driver.
3. Windows Update installed an incompatible driver
Why this causes the problem:
- Occasionally a Windows Update pushes a driver version incompatible with your keyboard.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager, right-click your keyboard → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver (if available).
- If Roll Back is not available, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history and uninstall recent driver updates or updates that coincide with the issue.
- Use System Restore to a point before the update if the above fails: Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
Notes:
- After rollback, hide the problematic update using the Microsoft “Show or hide updates” troubleshooter pack to prevent reinstallation.
4. Power management settings turn off USB devices
Why this causes the problem:
- Windows may turn off USB root hubs to save power, disconnecting USB keyboards intermittently.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- For each USB Root Hub and Generic USB Hub, right-click → Properties → Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Restart the PC.
Tip:
- Also disable USB selective suspend in Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting → Disabled.
5. Accessibility setting Filter Keys or Sticky Keys interfering
Why this causes the problem:
- Filter Keys can ignore repeated keystrokes or slow keyboard response, appearing as if the keyboard driver isn’t working.
Step-by-step solution:
- Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Turn off Filter Keys, Sticky Keys, and Toggle Keys.
- Test keyboard operation after each change.
Tip:
- Shortcuts like pressing the right Shift key for 8 seconds may toggle Filter Keys; disabling these shortcuts prevents accidental activation.
6. Fast Startup prevents device initialization
Why this causes the problem:
- Fast Startup combines hibernation with shutdown and can leave devices in inconsistent state across reboots.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) → Save changes.
- Fully shut down and start the PC again.
Note:
- Disabling Fast Startup may increase boot time slightly but fixes some hardware initialization issues.
7. Conflicting software or antivirus drivers
Why this causes the problem:
- Third-party programs (macro software, custom keyboard managers, antivirus) can conflict with the native driver or filter input.
Step-by-step solution:
- Perform a Clean Boot: press Win + R, type msconfig, open System Configuration.
- Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Under Startup click Open Task Manager and disable startup items, then restart.
- If the keyboard works after clean boot, re-enable services/startup items one-by-one to find the culprit.
Tip:
- Uninstall or update any keyboard utilities (Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, Corsair iCUE) to the latest version.
8. Wrong driver selected (OEM vs. generic HID)
Why this causes the problem:
- OEM drivers might be incompatible; sometimes the generic HID Keyboard Device works better.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Device Manager, right-click the keyboard → Update driver → Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Select HID Keyboard Device and click Next to install the generic driver.
- Reboot and test.
Note:
- You can always revert to the manufacturer driver if functionality is lost.
9. BIOS/UEFI settings disabling USB input or legacy support
Why this causes the problem:
- If USB keyboard support or legacy USB support is disabled in BIOS/UEFI, the keyboard may not be usable, especially at boot or in certain driver configurations.
Step-by-step solution:
- Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly Del, F2, F10, or manufacturer key).
- Look for settings like USB Legacy Support, USB Keyboard Support, or Fast Boot and ensure they are Enabled or set to default.
- Save and exit BIOS.
Tip:
- If you can’t enter BIOS because keyboard fails at boot, try a wired keyboard, different USB port, or reset CMOS (refer to motherboard manual).
10. Corrupt system files (SFC/DISM needed) or deeper OS issues
Why this causes the problem:
- Corrupt system files can break services and drivers required for input devices.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (press Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, Run as administrator).
- Run: sfc /scannow and allow it to complete.
- If problems persist, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart and test the keyboard.
Notes:
- SFC repairs system files while DISM repairs Windows image health. They’re safe but can take time.
Maintenance and When to Seek Help
- Create regular System Restore points before major driver or Windows updates: Control Panel > Recovery > Configure System Restore.
- Keep drivers and Windows updated but monitor forums/manufacturer support when new updates are pushed.
- If the keyboard fails on multiple PCs, contact the manufacturer for warranty replacement.
- For enterprise or mission-critical systems, contact IT or a professional technician if hardware diagnostics are needed (faulty controller on motherboard, intermittent USB power issues).
FAQ
How can I type if my keyboard stops working at the Windows login screen?
Enable the on-screen keyboard from the Ease of Access icon on the login screen, or connect a known-working wired USB keyboard; use Ctrl+Alt+Del sequence with a different keyboard if necessary.
Are third-party driver updater tools safe to use?
Generally avoid unknown third-party driver updaters; prefer manufacturer downloads or Windows Update. Unverified tools can install wrong drivers or adware.
Will replacing the keyboard driver erase my custom key mappings?
Some keyboard utilities store macros or mappings separately; reinstalling drivers may require you to reapply custom settings in the vendor utility. Back up configurations before uninstalling.
Can I recover keyboard functionality without admin rights?
You need admin rights for most driver or system repairs. If you lack rights, try simple fixes: different port, batteries, on-screen keyboard, or ask an administrator for help.
How to prevent keyboard driver issues in the future?
Keep Windows and vendor drivers up to date, avoid forced driver installations from untrusted sources, disable power-saving on USB hubs, and create restore points before major changes.
Conclusion
Most keyboard driver problems in Windows 10 are solvable by checking hardware connections, updating or reinstalling drivers in Device Manager, and adjusting power, accessibility, or BIOS settings. If more advanced repair is needed, tools like sfc /scannow and DISM usually restore system health and fix driver-related issues with Keyboard driver doesn’t work in Windows 10.
