The laptop does not recognize the usb keyboard. How to connect a keyboard to a computer: step-by-step instructions

The situation when a laptop does not see the keyboard (native or connected via Bluetooth) happens no less often than on a desktop computer. The differences are that the regular keyboard can be easily disconnected and replaced with a working one. With a built-in device, such a technique is impossible. There are many reasons that cause such a failure in a PC, so let’s look at the most common ones. At the same time, possible options for solving the problem independently, without involving a specialist, are given.

Characteristics of the problem

The problem when the laptop does not recognize the keyboard is the following:

When plugged in and started, the screen works normally.
The desire to type something is not crowned with success, since there is no response when pressing the keys.
There is no light illumination of the operating keys: Scroll Lock, Num Lock, Caps Lock and others (depending on the type of keyboard).

Any manipulations do not give a positive result. Therefore, it is worth starting to search for the root cause and possible correction of the problem, provided that the laptop has not previously been subjected to mechanical impact from the outside (for example, a fall from a height).

A sudden failure of operation is possible both on budget options and on progressive ones (with modern design and many additional keys). The model does not affect this in any way, and the correction options are the same for everyone.

Causes and solutions

Sudden failure of a USB keyboard most often occurs due to technical problems with it specifically, the wire, or software glitches. The first thing to check is the connection to the computer’s USB port to see if the cord has been pulled out. If it is in place, it is recommended to pull it out, wait a few seconds and insert it back.

Another option is a reboot, which often helps. When none of these methods work, they move sequentially through the list of probable causes of problems.

USB port problem

A possible source of trouble is a faulty USB input. To exclude or confirm this, connect the keyboard to a spare input - if available. The reason for the failure of one of the ports is a sharp voltage drop, which negatively affects the motherboard. If this does not help, then check the functionality of the USB ports directly by connecting other devices - a printer, flash drive, smartphone, etc.

The laptop may not respond to a keyboard paired via USB 3.0 (blue output). Then it is recommended to try connecting to USB 2.0 (white).

Having not achieved a positive reaction to any of the maneuvers performed, they conclude that the problem is in the ports.

Driver problems

Introduced viruses and drivers for Bluetooth and USB can cause damage to the keyboard and touchpad. It is easy to diagnose this if you try to enter the BIOS and check the functionality of the navigation keys - they work, therefore, the problem is in the Windows operating system. Switching to safe mode will help to confirm suspicions 100%, where they check the functionality of the keyboard.

If the keys are completely inactive, then connect a mobile keyboard and mouse. Then you will be able to make any attempts to troubleshoot the problem on the laptop.

The first thing you need to do is reinstall the drivers through the device manager. To do this, click on the Windows 7 “Start” menu and select “Control Panel”.

In the upper right corner there is a “View” column, in which “Small icons” are displayed. Then launch the device manager.

For Windows 8.1 and 10 systems, everything is much simpler: “Manager” is already in the start menu.

Enter it and observe a pop-up window with a list of sections: select “Keyboards” - “HID Keyboard” and click on the right mouse button. The driver device is deleted in the context menu.

After confirmation, restart the computer. When the system is restarted, the drivers are installed automatically.

In some models, manufacturers provide their own drivers included with USB keyboards. Then you will need to download them yourself from the brand’s official website and use the installation disk (included with the keyboard) to launch the new drivers.

USB controller disabled in BIOS

Due to the same power surge and failure of the motherboard, a spontaneous shutdown of the USB controller that supports the keyboard occurs. This does not appear in any way until the computer enters pre-boot mode. To exclude this option, go to the BIOS settings, where you look for the controller support section - the inscription “Keyboard Support” (Legacy USB Support) or “USB Support”.

Look at what is written next to it: off - “Disabled”, on - “Enabled”.

The reason is the loop

If the touchpad, connected mouse and keyboard are functioning, suspicions fall on the cable. It may come off due to poor contact or after long-term transportation of the device. There is also a high probability of it being connected incorrectly if the computer has recently been disassembled. The possibility of bending should not be ruled out.

The cable is located in the device body, so opening will be required. First, carefully inspect the keyboard around the perimeter, paying attention to the presence of latches on the side. You just need to pry them off with a screwdriver to easily remove the cover. To avoid damaging the cable, you must act with extreme caution. If you do not have skills in this matter, then it is better to contact the services of a service center.

After opening the wire, inspect the colored wires included in it. The problem may be one of them - bent or detached. It’s bad if all the wiring is damaged – then you won’t be able to fix anything yourself.

Force majeure cases

Accidentally spilling liquid on the keyboard can cause it to malfunction if emergency measures are not taken.

In such cases, proceed as follows:

Immediately disconnect from the network and remove all wires and the battery, after which the device is de-energized.
Turn the keyboard over so that the liquid flows out.
With extreme caution, open the keyboard, disconnect each key and dry the board for at least a day.
After the allotted time has passed, the buttons are returned to their original positions by gluing with “Moment” glue.

Even if the laptop is turned on successfully, it is advisable to show it to a specialist, since there is a high probability of corrosion. Then soon the equipment will inevitably fail.

Keyboard disconnection sometimes occurs due to clutter when users prefer to combine work and eating. As a result, crumbs that get inside damage the device. To try to somehow correct the situation, they try to shake out the garbage or clean it with a portable vacuum cleaner.

Buttons are partially not working

It happens that some buttons respond normally, while others become stuck or respond weakly to pressing. The reason may lie in dust contamination, for which it is enough to clean the keys with a damp cloth or cotton swabs.

Another possible way out of a difficult situation is to simultaneously press the keys: NumLock + Fn.

When the laptop refuses to see the keyboard, a temporary solution will be to enable the virtual keyboard (built-in). This is done simply by sequentially pressing certain commands: “Start” - “Programs” - “Accessories” - “On-screen keyboard” or “Control Panel” - “Special Features”. You don’t have to worry and buy a new keyboard for your laptop, but the purchase will cost at least a thousand rubles.

A breakdown is not the only reason why the computer does not see the keyboard. It is possible that this problem is a consequence of other processes associated with a failure, breakdown, or incorrect loading of the operating system. However, before you rush to send your PC in for repair, you need to make sure that it is impossible to fix this problem yourself.

The main reasons why the keyboard does not work

The keyboard does not work when you turn on the computer because:

The PS/2 port (keyboard connector) is faulty.
Incorrect or incomplete connection of the wire contact to the port.
The keyboard itself is damaged (the wire is frayed, the chip is damaged or damp, etc.).
The batteries are dead or the drivers for the wireless keyboard are damaged.
Virus attack of equipment followed by its failure.

First aid

The main thing in this situation is to establish the reason why the keyboard does not work. If the keyboard is connected via a PS/2 connector, it is important not to confuse the color and make sure its legs are in good condition.

First you need to check the mechanical connection of the keyboard to the computer and make sure that the wire is not damaged. Next, you need to restart the computer and disconnect and then reconnect the wire. For a final conclusion, you can check the keyboard on another PC, and the connector for connecting it using another keyboard.

Checking the BIOS

Another common and most likely reason for the “breakdown” of a USB keyboard may be incorrect configuration of the BIOS system, or rather, disabling its support. An indicator that the keyboard does not work in the BIOS is also the non-working state of all USB devices. In this case, questions arise, how to enter the BIOS without a keyboard or how to enable the keyboard in the BIOS? Simple enough. When entering the OS, you need to launch the BIOS, and there in the settings set the value “Enabled” next to the Legacy USB Support or USB Keyboard Support function.

What to do if the keyboard does not work due to a hardware failure

There are very few hardware problems that can lead to a keyboard failure. Usually this is a lack of contact in the connector (the plug is not fully inserted into the connector), a malfunction of the input device itself, and a malfunction of the motherboard port.

First of all, you need to make sure that the keyboard is connected correctly, especially for keyboards with a PS/2 connector. The keyboard has a purple plug and it must be connected to a connector of the same color in the system unit. The plug may not be fully inserted into the connector, resulting in loss of contact. You should check this point, or better yet, disconnect and reconnect the keyboard. After all the manipulations, try restarting your computer. It often happens that some kind of software glitch occurs during device initialization. A reboot usually solves such problems.

To ensure that the keyboard is working properly, as well as the port to connect it to, you will need to find another working keyboard. If a known-good keyboard on your computer works fine, then the problem is with the input device itself. In this case, you will have to go to the store for a new keyboard. If an initially working keyboard does not work on your computer, but yours, on the contrary, functions normally on another computer, then there is probably a defect in the motherboard. Correcting this malfunction without computer diagnostics is problematic, so it is better to contact specialists. Also, do not forget that you may still have a software error, which we will discuss below.

What to do if the keyboard does not work due to software

A software malfunction, as a rule, consists of incorrect operation of the driver. It is possible to eliminate this problem provided that the mouse is “in service”.

Go to the Start menu and then Control Panel. Here, open the “System” section and launch “Device Manager”. If there is a problem with the drivers, then next to the keyboard in the list there will be a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark.

Right-click on this line and open “Properties”. Now go to the Driver tab and click the Uninstall button. Confirm your actions and the keyboard driver will be removed from the system.

Now you should update the hardware configuration and search for connected devices. To do this, go to the “Action” menu of Device Manager and click “Update hardware configuration”.

The system will detect a new device (keyboard) and reinstall drivers for it. If you are using a multimedia keyboard, you may need to install drivers from the disk for it to work properly. This disc is usually included in the kit. You must first install it in the optical drive and, when prompted by the Add New Hardware Wizard, specify the path to the disk for installing drivers. If the installation is successful, the LED indicators on the keyboard will light up. When the Found New Hardware Wizard finishes, you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

The keyboard is the main tool for entering information, without which working on a computer is impossible. Most often, for this device to work flawlessly, you just need to connect it to your computer, and it will install all the necessary drivers 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.

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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 failures can occur during the installation of any software, and this situation is no 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 options for solving problems that arise.

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. The speed of information transfer from a peripheral device to the computer is sufficient, both via the USB 2.0 protocol 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's worth noting that users with a keyboard connected to the motherboard via USB may have trouble getting into the BIOS on the computer's boot screen if they are using an older version of the underlying 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 peripherals and it does not work when loading 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 a 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.

Hi all! Many users, after switching to Windows 10, encountered such a nuisance as a non-functional keyboard.
Today we will try to fix this problem.

The keyboard, like any peripheral, may not work at one of two levels:

On the system (software);
On hardware.

How to enable the on-screen keyboard

But despite these two points, we first need to find a temporary replacement for the broken keyboard, because we may need to search for the necessary drivers on the network, and without a keyboard you will not be able to do this.

Of course, the first option that comes to mind is to connect another keyboard. What if it didn't help?

Windows 10 provides such a thing as an on-screen keyboard. It is designed for touch screens, but can also be used with a mouse.

Software

If you find that the keyboard is intact, the connectors in the computer are not broken, and the plug in the laptop is in order, then most likely it’s all about the drivers.

The fact is that when you were on your old OS (Windows XP/Vista/7/8), you were most likely using outdated drivers. And when you switched to 10, the old drivers didn’t work, and the system couldn’t find new ones on its own.

The solution is simple: reinstall the drivers manually. To do this, first of all go to Device Manager, which is located in the control panel. Here we find our keyboard, click on it with the right mouse button and select “Delete”.

After removal, reboot the computer/laptop, and the system itself will detect new drivers.

If the automatic search did not help, then go to the official website of the manufacturer of your keyboard, go to the Support tab and look for your device (drivers may be located elsewhere on the site; use the search).

Download the driver, install it, reboot the system and rejoice! If this does not help you, then most likely the problem is in the BIOS menu.

BIOS setup

To launch the BIOS when the computer boots, you must press the corresponding key. When computers start up, different messages appear. It is there that you can find out which button launches the menu.

After starting in the BIOS, you need to find a tab in which the input device settings will be displayed. If they are disabled, then you just need to switch them to Enabled mode.

Unfortunately, there are no universal instructions for this and therefore the switch can be in any Bios tab. It all depends on the type of motherboard and BIOS version.

Viruses

Yes, sometimes this happens. Viruses can completely block input devices. Then not only the keyboard, but also the mouse no longer works. If the latter works, then you're in luck.

It will be easier to enter safe mode. To do this, use the on-screen keyboard to call the “Run…” command (Win + R). Now in the field that appears, enter msconfig and click OK.

In the window that appears, go to the Boot tab and check the box “Safe Mode”, Minimal.

After this, confirm the actions and reboot the system. But what to do if the mouse doesn’t work either? To do this, during system startup (Windows logo), you must hold down the F8 key.

Yes, it sounds funny: how to do this if the keyboard does not work? But the fact is that viruses can only work when the system is already running. If the system is just starting up, then the virus is not yet enabled and you can start safe mode with the keyboard.

After entering safe mode, launch your antivirus and enable full scanning.

If these steps do not help you, then all you have to do is contact the service center. Good luck to everyone and see you again!

PC owners often encounter a problem when one of the most important elements of the computer that provides feedback to the user, namely the keyboard, does not work. This article outlines a solution to such a problem.

Where to start solving the problem?

The keyboard and all other peripheral equipment does not work for two main reasons:

For some reason in the Windows 10 operating system, i.e. software problem;
For reasons of computer or laptop problems, i.e. in this case, the user faces a hardware problem.

There are many methods to identify the true causes of keyboard problems. For example, one of the most accurate diagnostic methods is to analyze the operation of the keyboard in the BIOS, because BIOS is completely removed from Windows 10 and functions in the computer directly with the motherboard.

After checking how the input tool works in the BIOS, you can already draw an unambiguous conclusion. For example, if the keys work perfectly in the BIOS, then the search for causes is immediately narrowed by half and the problem is guaranteed to be in Windows 10, i.e. The next step is to perform a cause analysis in the software.

And the opposite situation, in the complete absence of signs of the keyboard’s functionality in the BIOS, leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to disassemble the PC to identify specific hardware problems.

Connecting the keyboard on the screen

A temporary alternative to a non-working keyboard is its on-screen analogue. After all, the user will need to find drivers on the Internet, which will be extremely difficult to do without using a text input tool. Before starting to follow this step of the instructions, of course, you can try to connect a keyboard to the computer from another PC that works normally, but often this method does not lead to success (however, if there is such an opportunity, then it’s worth a try, because sometimes the peripheral itself breaks down) .

The algorithm for launching the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10 consists of the following steps:

Analysis of the causes of computer or laptop problems, i.e. hardware problems

In the case of a desktop computer, it is necessary to check the keyboard connecting elements (plug and connectors).

Keyboard with USB plug

If you have a keyboard with a USB plug, problems are detected in the PC connector. It is recommended to reconnect it to another PC port, and you should also check how the port works by inserting a USB flash drive into it. In the case where Windows 10 perfectly detects removable memory media, the reason is in the keyboard itself.

Keyboard with PS/2 plug

The contacts of such connectors may be broken. It is necessary to remove the plug and make sure that they are intact. If this is not the case, then you will need to completely replace the keyboard or solder a working plug.

What if there are problems with the laptop?

In laptops, long-term use causes damage to the keyboard cable and requires replacement of this connecting element. Which in turn will require disassembling the laptop. In this case, it is not possible to provide instructions suitable for all mobile PCs, so it is recommended to look for a specific manual for a specific laptop model on the global network. You just need to enter the following phrase in any search engine: “Disassembly and repair of (model name) laptop.”

Before you start disassembling the laptop, you need to remove the battery and flash card. If any defects are found in the cable, be sure to replace it. Fortunately, there are currently no problems with the availability of such spare parts in online stores.

If there are no defects on the cable, it is recommended to clean its contacts with alcohol and check the operation of the keyboard again.

Analysis of the causes of problems in the Windows 10 operating system, i.e. software problems

If the analysis of the previous section did not reveal hardware defects, then the reason is probably in the drivers.

If the automatic search does not work, it is recommended to visit the official resource of the manufacturer of the computer keyboard and go to the “Support” tab, where you need to find your equipment. After installing the software, restart the PC again. Ready! The keyboard should now work fine. But if there is no success and after these steps you will have to visit the BIOS.

Debugging in BIOS

To enter the BIOS, you will need to click a certain button several times. This key is different for different PC models. You can find out either by reading the manufacturer's manual supplied with the computer or by carefully reading the inscriptions when booting the PC. Next, in the BIOS, go to the tab with the component settings for input. If they are turned off, you need to set them to “Enabled” mode.

The reasons why the keyboard does not work on a Windows 10 laptop from hp, asus, sony, lenovo, acer, samsung or toshiba can be different and even “individual” - very rare.

The first thing you need to do in such a situation is to find out whether they are software (in Windows 10 itself) or hardware (in the laptop itself).

There are several ways to do this. The most reliable way to enter the BIOS and see if the keyboard works in it.

BIOS has nothing to do with Windows 10, it works directly with the motherboard.

Therefore, if the keyboard works in it, then it is 100 percent in Windows 10 itself and you need to look for the reasons directly in the software.

If the keyboard does not work in the BIOS, then you need to disassemble the laptop and look for the reasons in it. Most often this is due to the train, although not always.

Reasons why the keyboard does not work on a laptop with Windows 10

The most common reasons are software failure, cable contacts and spilled liquid.

A failure may result from a driver error or conflicts with other software. In such cases, try running Windows 10 in safe mode with a minimum of services and without drivers.

If no problems arise in safe mode, then what to do is clear without explanation. Either you installed something that caused the conflict, or you need to reinstall the driver

NOTE: The functionality of the keyboard may be affected by viruses. You also always have the option of using USB or

Problems in a laptop with keyboard cable contacts

The cable contacts sometimes become oxidized or pressed out. This results in a hardware failure.

Repair is impossible without disassembly. If you know a little about electronic devices, you can try your hand at it yourself, just check out the video instructions on YouTube before doing so.

I will only say that if there is damage on the cable connector, it will either need to be replaced or the contacts cleaned.

Liquid and microcontroller

The cause may be a spilled liquid (coffee/tea/beer). This leads to oxidation of the contacts.

In such cases, without wasting a minute, turn off the laptop, remove the battery and dry everything thoroughly with a hairdryer.

This will slow down the oxidation of boards, microcircuits and contacts. If for this reason the microcontroller is damaged, then it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid the service center.

This can be said to be jewelry work - be careful, and if you have any questions, write in the comments. Let's decide together. Good luck.