How to Fix Razer Synapse Not Detecting Mouse and Keyboard on Windows 11

If your Razer Synapse software is not detecting your mouse or keyboard on Windows 11, it can be frustrating. This issue can prevent you from customizing your devices or using advanced features. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process in an easy-to-understand way. By following these steps, you can get your Razer devices working with Synapse again. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

Razer Synapse is essential for managing your Razer hardware settings. When it fails to detect connected devices, it usually means there’s a communication problem between the software and your hardware.

Most issues are due to driver conflicts, USB problems, or outdated software. With patience and the right steps, you can resolve this problem quickly.

Quick Note: Important Pre-Checks

Ensure your Razer devices are properly connected: Double-check USB cables and ports. Use a different USB port if possible.
Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches.
Confirm that Razer Synapse is updated: Running the latest version helps avoid compatibility issues.
Check Windows 11 updates: Make sure your system is fully updated as updates can fix device detection bugs.

Step 1: Reconnect Your Devices and Restart Razer Synapse

Start with the simplest step—disconnect your Razer mouse and keyboard from the USB ports. Wait for about 10 seconds, then reconnect them firmly. Sometimes, the connection doesn’t initialize properly on the first try.

After reconnecting, close the Razer Synapse application completely. You can do this by right-clicking the Synapse icon in the system tray and selecting “Exit.” Then, reopen Synapse to see if it detects your devices.

Why this helps: Disconnecting and reconnecting hardware forces Windows and Synapse to recognize the devices again, refreshing the connection.

Step 2: Run Synapse as Administrator

Sometimes, Synapse needs administrative rights to function correctly. Running the program with elevated permissions can solve detection issues.

To do this:

Close Razer Synapse if it’s running.
Click the Windows Start button and type Razer Synapse.
Right-click the Synapse app and choose Run as administrator.
Check if your mouse and keyboard are now detected.

Why it matters: Administrator mode allows Synapse to access system-level USB device information it might otherwise be blocked from.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Razer Synapse

Outdated or corrupted software can cause detection problems. Updating Synapse ensures you have the latest fixes.

To update Synapse:

Open Razer Synapse and go to the settings or about section.
Check for updates and install any available.

If updating doesn’t help, reinstall Synapse:

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps > Installed apps and find Razer Synapse.
Select it and click Uninstall. Follow prompts to remove it.
Restart your computer.
Download the latest version of Razer Synapse from the official Razer website: https://www.razer.com/synapse-3
Install Synapse and launch it to check device detection.

Step 4: Check USB Drivers and Power Management Settings

Windows USB drivers manage communication between your hardware and system. If these drivers are outdated or misconfigured, devices may not be recognized.

To update USB drivers:

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
Right-click each USB Root Hub or Host Controller and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Restart your PC after updates.

Additionally, disable USB selective suspend:

Open Control Panel, then go to Power Options.
Click on Change plan settings beside your active power plan.
Choose Change advanced power settings.
Find USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
Set it to Disabled for both battery and plugged in modes.
Click Apply and OK.

Step 5: Disable Conflicting Software

Other software, especially third-party device managers or gaming utilities, can interfere with Synapse detection.

Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling any mouse or keyboard software from other brands. Antivirus programs can sometimes block Synapse components, so check if temporarily disabling antivirus improves detection.

Why this is useful: Conflicts between software can prevent Synapse from communicating properly with your devices.

Step 6: Use Razer Device Manager and Reinstall Device Drivers

Windows Device Manager lets you manually reinstall drivers, which can help if drivers are corrupted.

To reinstall drivers for your Razer devices:

Open Device Manager again.
Look for your mouse and keyboard under Mice and other pointing devices and Keyboards.
Right-click each Razer device and select Uninstall device. If prompted, check “Delete the driver software for this device.”
After uninstalling, disconnect your devices and restart your PC.
Reconnect your devices. Windows should automatically detect and reinstall the drivers.
Open Razer Synapse and check if devices appear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Razer Synapse not detect my mouse or keyboard?

This can be caused by USB connection issues, outdated or corrupted drivers, software conflicts, or improper permissions in Windows.

Do I need to uninstall and reinstall Synapse if my devices aren’t detected?

Reinstalling can fix corrupted installations or outdated files and is a common fix when basic troubleshooting fails.

Can Windows updates affect device detection in Synapse?

Yes, sometimes Windows updates change system files or drivers that impact how Synapse interacts with hardware.

Is it necessary to disable antivirus to fix detection problems?

Only temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if it’s causing interference. Be sure to enable it again after testing.

What if my Razer devices work but Synapse does not detect them?

This indicates the hardware is functioning but the software is having issues. Follow the troubleshooting steps focused on Synapse itself.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Razer Synapse still does not detect your mouse or keyboard, consider the following:

Contact Razer Support: Visit the official Razer Support website for personalized help.
Try your devices on another computer: This helps identify if the problem is with the hardware or your Windows 11 system.
Check for firmware updates: Some Razer devices have firmware updates available on their website that can improve compatibility.
Perform a system restore: If the problem started recently, restoring Windows to a point before the issue began might help.

Conclusion

Razer Synapse not detecting your mouse and keyboard on Windows 11 is a common issue with several straightforward fixes. Starting from simple steps like reconnecting devices and restarting Synapse, to more technical solutions like updating drivers and reinstalling software, most users can resolve this problem themselves.

Always ensure your software and Windows are up to date, and check for conflicts with other programs. If all else fails, reaching out to Razer support or testing your hardware on another system can help identify the root cause.

By following this guide carefully, you can restore full functionality to your Razer devices and enjoy their advanced features again.