A USB keyboard that stops responding can usually be fixed without reinstalling Windows — most causes are hardware, driver, power-management, BIOS, or settings related. If your problem is USB keyboard doesn’t work in Windows 10, this article explains likely causes and gives step-by-step fixes you can follow, from quick checks to deeper system repairs.
You’ll learn 11 common reasons this happens and exactly how to test and fix each one, with Windows 10 menu paths, commands, and tips for troubleshooting safely.
Key Takeaway
The most reliable first step is to rule out hardware and port problems (test the keyboard on another PC and try different USB ports), then update or reinstall keyboard/USB controller drivers and disable USB power-saving and Fast Startup; these steps fix the majority of cases where a USB keyboard doesn’t work in Windows 10.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Faulty keyboard or cable | Test the keyboard on another PC or use a different keyboard/cable. |
| 2. Bad USB port or insufficient power | Try different USB ports, avoid unpowered hubs, use a rear motherboard port. |
| 3. USB controller problems | Uninstall USB controllers in Device Manager and restart to reinstall. |
| 4. Keyboard driver corrupt or missing | In Device Manager uninstall or update the keyboard driver, then reboot. |
| 5. Power Management turning off USB | Disable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power for USB Root Hubs. |
| 6. Fast Startup interference | Disable Fast Startup in Control Panel > Power Options. |
| 7. BIOS/UEFI USB legacy support disabled | Enable Legacy USB or USB Keyboard Support in BIOS/UEFI. |
| 8. Recent Windows Update or driver update | Roll back drivers or uninstall the recent Windows update. |
| 9. Ease of Access (Filter/Sticky Keys) | Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. |
| 10. Wrong keyboard layout or input method | Check Settings > Time & Language > Language and remove extra layouts. |
| 11. Corrupt system files or software conflict | Run sfc /scannow, DISM, and perform a Clean Boot to isolate conflicts. |
Detailed Fixes for “USB keyboard doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Faulty keyboard or cable
Why this causes the problem
- Hardware fails (broken switches, cut wires, worn connectors) prevent keystrokes from reaching the PC.
Step-by-step solution
- Unplug the keyboard and inspect cable and connector for visible damage.
- Plug the keyboard into another computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to confirm whether the keyboard itself works.
- If using a detachable cable, swap cables to test.
- If the keyboard fails on another computer, replace the keyboard or repair the cable.
Notes/tips:
- Try a different known-good keyboard on your PC to confirm the issue is not the machine.
- Wireless keyboards: replace batteries, ensure receiver is plugged directly into PC, and try re-pairing.
2. Bad USB port or insufficient power
Why this causes the problem
- Some USB ports (front panel, hub, or unpowered USB hub) provide unstable power or are faulty; high-power devices (RGB or mechanical keyboards with lighting) may need powered ports.
Step-by-step solution
- Unplug the keyboard and connect it to a different USB port — prefer rear motherboard ports over front-panel ports.
- Avoid USB hubs; plug directly into the PC. If you must use a hub, use a powered hub.
- If the keyboard works on a different port, test the original port with another device (flash drive) to check whether the port is dead.
- If multiple ports are dead, move to the USB controller fixes below or check BIOS.
Notes/tips:
- On desktops, rear ports controlled directly by the motherboard are more reliable.
- If you use a docking station, try connecting directly to the PC.
3. USB controller problems
Why this causes the problem
- The USB controller (chip and driver) provides the interface between Windows and USB ports; corrupted controller settings or drivers can disable all USB devices.
Step-by-step solution
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click each entry named USB Root Hub, Generic USB Hub, or controller (e.g., Intel, AMD) and choose Uninstall device.
- Repeat for all USB controllers. (This removes drivers temporarily.)
- Reboot your PC — Windows will reinstall USB controllers automatically.
- Test the keyboard again.
Notes/tips:
- If uninstalling removes your mouse too, you can use the touchscreen or reconnect later; a system restart will restore drivers.
- If drivers fail to reinstall, download chipset/USB drivers from your PC or motherboard manufacturer and install them manually.
4. Keyboard driver corrupt or missing
Why this causes the problem
- Keyboard input may be blocked if the keyboard driver is corrupted, outdated, or incorrectly installed.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click the keyboard entry (e.g., HID Keyboard Device) and choose Uninstall device.
- If available, check Delete the driver software for this device then click Uninstall.
- In Device Manager click Action > Scan for hardware changes or reboot — Windows should reinstall the driver.
- Alternatively, right-click the device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If the keyboard is a branded gaming model, download the latest driver or firmware from the manufacturer and install it.
Notes/tips:
- For stubborn drivers, download and install the manufacturer’s driver in Windows Safe Mode if required.
5. Power Management turning off USB devices
Why this causes the problem
- Windows can power down USB Root Hubs to save energy, which sometimes causes the keyboard to stop working after sleep or at random.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click a USB Root Hub and select Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Repeat for all USB Root Hub and Generic USB Hub entries.
- Also, open Device Manager > Keyboards, right-click your keyboard device, Properties, and ensure no power-management options are disabling it.
Notes/tips:
- If your device wakes inconsistently, check Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.
6. Fast Startup interference
Why this causes the problem
- Fast Startup (hybrid shutdown) can leave hardware in an inconsistent state so some USB devices won’t initialize properly after boot.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Control Panel (press Windows key, type Control Panel).
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.
- Shut down and boot normally; test the keyboard.
Notes/tips:
- Disabling Fast Startup may slow boot time slightly but resolves many USB initialization issues.
7. BIOS/UEFI USB legacy support disabled
Why this causes the problem
- If Legacy USB Support or USB Keyboard Support is disabled in BIOS/UEFI, the keyboard may not work at boot or in situations like BIOS entry or pre-OS environments.
Step-by-step solution
- Reboot your PC and press the BIOS key (common keys: Del, F2, F10, Esc — check your PC manual).
- In BIOS/UEFI menus, find USB settings (often under Advanced, Integrated Peripherals, or Peripherals).
- Ensure Legacy USB Support, USB Keyboard Support, or similar is Enabled.
- Save and exit BIOS (usually F10) and test.
Notes/tips:
- On laptops, also check for settings like Fast Boot in BIOS that may disable USB initialization.
8. Recent Windows Update or driver update broke keyboard
Why this causes the problem
- A new Windows update or driver may conflict with your keyboard or USB stack, causing nonfunctional devices.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history to see recent updates.
- If a recent update coincides with the issue, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and use Go back to the previous version of Windows 10 (if available) or uninstall the specific update:
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > View installed updates, select the update and click Uninstall.
- For driver rollbacks: open Device Manager, right-click the keyboard or USB controller, select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Reboot and test.
Notes/tips:
- For vendor drivers, download older known-good drivers from the manufacturer instead of relying only on Windows Update.
9. Ease of Access settings (Filter Keys, Sticky Keys)
Why this causes the problem
- Filter Keys ignores repeated or brief key presses, making it appear like the keyboard is unresponsive; Sticky Keys and other accessibility options can change behavior.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
- If Filter Keys was enabled and causing problems, test the keyboard after disabling it.
Notes/tips:
- Filter Keys can be toggled accidentally by holding the Shift key for 8 seconds; you can disable the keyboard shortcut in the same Settings page.
10. Wrong keyboard layout or input method
Why this causes the problem
- If Windows is using a different keyboard layout or language, keys may produce unexpected characters or appear not to work.
Step-by-step solution
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Under Preferred languages, select your language, click Options, and check installed keyboards under Keyboards.
- Remove any unwanted keyboard layouts and add the desired one (e.g., United States – US).
- Use Windows key + Space to switch input methods and ensure the correct layout is active.
Notes/tips:
- The on-screen language indicator in the taskbar can show which layout is active.
11. Corrupt system files or software conflict
Why this causes the problem
- System file corruption or third-party software (e.g., key remappers, antivirus, or system utilities) can interfere with keyboard operation in Windows.
Step-by-step solution
- Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt (Admin) — right-click Start and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
- If SFC reports problems it can’t fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then re-run sfc /scannow.
- To check for software conflicts, perform a Clean Boot:
- Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- On the Services tab check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- On the Startup tab click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
- Restart and test the keyboard. If it works, re-enable services/startup items one at a time to find the culprit.
Notes/tips:
- After testing, restore normal startup via msconfig by selecting Normal startup and restarting.
When to consider hardware replacement or professional help
- If the keyboard fails the “works on another PC” test, replace it.
- If multiple USB devices or ports are dead after testing multiple cables and uninstalls, the motherboard USB controller may be failing — consider visiting a repair shop or contacting your PC/motherboard manufacturer for RMA.
- If you’re uncomfortable editing BIOS settings, editing drivers, or running DISM/SFC, ask a knowledgeable friend or a technician.
FAQ
What if my keyboard LED lights but keys don’t register?
If LEDs light but keys don’t register, try another computer; if keys still fail, it’s likely a hardware issue (internal controller) — replace the keyboard. Also check for active Filter Keys or key remapping software.
Can I use the On-Screen Keyboard to fix settings if my physical keyboard is dead?
Yes. Enable On-Screen Keyboard via Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Turn on On-Screen Keyboard, or run osk from the Run dialog to navigate Windows and change settings.
How can I prevent this happening again?
Keep drivers and Windows updated, avoid unpowered USB hubs for powered devices, disable Fast Startup if you rely on USB peripherals at boot, and keep backups of important drivers from your manufacturer.
Will a Windows reset fix keyboard issues?
A Windows Reset (keeping files or clean reinstall) can fix software-caused problems but is overkill for most keyboard faults; try SFC/DISM, Clean Boot, drivers, and BIOS checks first. Back up data before any reset.
Are there special steps for gaming/keyboards with extra features?
Yes — install the manufacturer’s software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub) and firmware updates. If the software is corrupted, uninstall it, reboot, and reinstall the latest version from the vendor’s site.
Conclusion
Most cases where a USB keyboard doesn’t work in Windows 10 are solved by checking hardware first, then reinstalling/updating keyboard and USB controller drivers, adjusting power management and Fast Startup, and verifying BIOS USB support. Follow the steps above in order — they cover hardware, drivers, settings, and deeper system repairs to get your keyboard working again.
