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How to Fix Mouse and Keyboard Not Working After Power Outage in Windows 11

After a power outage, it’s common to find that your mouse and keyboard stop working on your Windows 11 computer. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on these devices for everyday tasks.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix this issue without needing technical expertise. Most problems are related to power interruptions or driver settings.

This guide will walk you through easy troubleshooting methods to get your mouse and keyboard working again quickly.

Follow each step carefully to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check physical connections: Make sure your mouse and keyboard are properly plugged into the USB ports or connected via Bluetooth.
  • Try different ports: Sometimes, the USB port might be the problem. Switch to another port to test.
  • Use batteries: For wireless devices, ensure the batteries are charged and inserted correctly.
  • Restart your PC: Simple restarts can refresh the system and resolve temporary glitches caused by power outages.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Many hardware issues after a power outage can be fixed by restarting your PC. This allows Windows to reload device drivers and reset hardware configurations.

Why this is important: Sometimes, the system needs a fresh start to detect connected devices properly.

  1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously.
  2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the power icon in the bottom-right corner.
  3. Press Enter and select Restart.
  4. Wait for your computer to reboot and check if the mouse and keyboard work.

Step 2: Check Device Manager for Hardware Issues

Device Manager shows the status of all connected hardware. If drivers are corrupted or missing, you can spot them here.

Why this helps: Faulty or disabled drivers can stop devices from working, especially after a sudden power cut.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
  3. Look for Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices categories.
  4. If you see a yellow exclamation mark, right-click the device and select Update driver.
  5. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow on-screen prompts.
  6. If the device is disabled, right-click and select Enable device.

Step 3: Power Management Settings Adjustment

Windows sometimes turns off USB ports to save power. After an outage, this can cause your mouse and keyboard to stop responding.

Why do this: Disabling power-saving for USB can prevent your devices from being turned off unexpectedly.

  1. Open Device Manager again (Windows + R, then devmgmt.msc).
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  3. Right-click each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub, then select Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK and repeat for all USB hubs.
  7. Restart your PC and test the devices again.

Step 4: Run the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common device problems.

Why use the troubleshooter: It simplifies the diagnosis and applies fixes based on detected issues.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Keyboard and click Run next to it.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions until the troubleshooter completes.
  5. Repeat the same for Bluetooth or USB devices if applicable.

Step 5: Reinstall Keyboard and Mouse Drivers

Reinstalling drivers can fix corrupted or outdated software that controls your devices.

Why this step matters: Drivers communicate between your computer and hardware. If damaged, your devices won’t work properly.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click your keyboard device under Keyboards and select Uninstall device.
  3. Repeat for your mouse under Mice and other pointing devices.
  4. After uninstalling, restart your computer.
  5. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers during startup.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

  • Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: Enter your computer’s BIOS (usually by pressing Del or F2 during startup) and ensure USB support is enabled.
  • Use a Different Mouse and Keyboard: Test with other devices to rule out hardware failure.
  • System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring Windows to a previous working state may help.
  • Update Windows: Keeping your system updated can fix bugs affecting hardware recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did my mouse and keyboard stop working after a power outage?

Power outages can cause hardware or driver corruption, or USB ports may stop supplying power properly. This interrupts device communication with Windows.

Can faulty USB ports cause this issue?

Yes. A damaged or disabled USB port might prevent devices from receiving power or connecting. Testing different ports helps identify this problem.

Will restarting Windows fix the problem?

Often, yes. Restarting reloads drivers and resets connections, which can resolve many temporary glitches after a power cut.

How do I know if the problem is with hardware or software?

Try your mouse and keyboard on another computer. If they work there, the issue is likely software or settings on your PC.

Is it safe to uninstall and reinstall device drivers?

Yes. Windows will automatically reinstall the correct drivers after you restart your PC. This process can fix corrupted drivers.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps restore your mouse and keyboard functionality, consider the following:

  • Contact Official Support: Visit the Microsoft support website for Windows 11 troubleshooting guides and assistance.
  • Check Hardware Warranty: Your mouse or keyboard may be damaged due to the power surge and require replacement.
  • Use On-Screen Keyboard: In the meantime, you can use the Windows on-screen keyboard by pressing Windows + Ctrl + O to navigate your PC.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you suspect internal hardware damage, a technician can diagnose and repair your PC.

Conclusion

Power outages can cause your mouse and keyboard to stop working due to driver issues, USB power settings, or hardware faults. By following simple steps like restarting your PC, checking Device Manager, adjusting power settings, and reinstalling drivers, you can often resolve the problem quickly.

Remember to test physical connections first, use Windows troubleshooters, and explore advanced options if necessary. If all else fails, official support and professional assistance are your best recourse.

With patience and these clear instructions, you should be able to restore your mouse and keyboard functionality on Windows 11 after a power outage.

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