Mouse, touchpad, and keyboard problems in Windows

Having trouble with a device? Make sure everything is connected properly, the device has power, and that it’s set up correctly.

First, try checking your hardware

Unplug USB cables and wait for a little while for the device driver to be unloaded by Windows, and then plug the device back in.

Try using a different USB port on your PC.

If you use a USB hub between the device and the PC, make sure the hub has power. If it’s still not working, try removing the USB hub and plugging the device directly into a USB port on the PC.

Make sure that the cables on your device aren’t damaged in any way.

Check any battery-powered devices to see if they are fully charged or have fresh batteries.

Make sure there’s no dirt blocking keys or sensors.

Check your wireless connections

Look on the bottom of the wireless device for a Reset button. Resetting the device will disconnect and then reconnect the wireless connection. There might also be a Reset button on the USB receiver for your device.

For USB wireless devices, this might be as simple as unplugging the USB wireless receiver, waiting for about 10 seconds, and then plugging the USB wireless receiver back into the USB port. The wireless connection should be reestablished.

Check the device

If the device doesn’t appear to work at all (no lights appear on the device when it’s plugged in, or the cursor doesn’t move or doesn’t appear on the screen), connect the device to another PC and make sure the device works on that PC. If the device doesn’t work on the other PC, you might need to replace it.

Note: Some devices won’t work without installing a driver. When testing the device on another PC, make sure that you have the correct driver installed for the device.

Try the Windows 7 Troubleshooter

To run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Windows 7:

Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel.

In the search box, enter troubleshooter, then select Troubleshooting.

Under Hardware and Sound, select Configure a device.

Hardware Troubleshooter Drivers

Update a device driver using Windows Update

In the search box on the taskbar, type check for updates, then select Check for updates from the list of results.

Under Windows Update, select Check for updates. Windows Update will tell you if you need any updates or not, and whether the latest updates were successfully installed.

There might not be any driver updates available.

Download and install a driver yourself

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select Device Manager from the list of results.

In the list of hardware categories, find the device that you want to update, and then double-click the device name.

Click the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and then follow the instructions.

FIX: On-Screen Keyboard not working in Windows 10

In the last few years we have seen technology move towards mobile computing.

Windows tablets have become more common and the market is filled with this kind of devices from top manufacturers and low-end ones alike.

Today we’re going to go through some methods of bringing up the Windows 10 On-Screen Keyboard in situations where it doesn’t come up automatically, as it should.

What to do if on-screen keyboard isn’t working on Windows 10?

The on-screen keyboard can be rather useful, but many users reported certain issues with it. Speaking of issues, these are some of the most common problems that users reported:

• On screen keyboard not typing – If the on-screen keyboard won’t type, you might be able to fix the problem by running the keyboard troubleshooter.
• Keyboard and onscreen keyboard not working Windows 10 – Several users reported that both their physical and on-screen keyboard aren’t working. If this happens, you might want to consider buying a new keyboard.
• Could not start on screen keyboard Windows 10 – If On-screen keyboard won’t start on your PC, the problem might be its service. In order to use the on-screen keyboard, make sure that the necessary services are running.
• Windows 10 on screen keyboard not working login – Sometimes your on-screen keyboard won’t even work on the login screen. If this happens, the issue might be caused by corrupted Windows installation.
• Surface Pro onscreen keyboard not working – Several users reported issues with the on-screen keyboard on their Surface Pro. However, you should be able to fix the problem by using one of our solutions.
• On screen keyboard not working after update – According to users, problems with on-screen keyboard started appearing after a certain update. If that’s the case, you need to find and remove the problematic update and check if that solves the issue.
• On screen keyboard not appearing Windows 10 – This is one of the most common problems that you can encounter on Windows 10. If you’re having this problem, create a new user account and check if that solves the issue.
• Windows 10 on screen keyboard not working in tablet mode – Tablet Mode is a useful feature, but some users reported that on-screen keyboard isn’t working while using their PC in Tablet Mode. This is an annoying problem, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.

1. Change your settings

The first place to look for is the Settings panel. Click on the Start menu and select Settings or do a search for it and open it from there. Then head over to Devices and select Typing from the left side menu.

In the resulting window make sure that Automatically show the touch keyboard in windowed apps when there’s no keyboard attached to your device is Enabled.

Some Windows 10 users have reported that even though this option was already activated, disabling it and then re-enabling solved the problem.

Make sure you also do a reboot of the system before dismissing this solution as a possible fix.

2. Check if on-screen keyboard is enabled

The On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10 can also be brought up from the Settings menu. Access it from the Start menu and select the Ease of Access category.

Select Keyboard from the left side menu and enable it by switching on Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard option.

Troubleshoot problems with your Microsoft mouse or keyboard

If your Microsoft or Surface mouse or keyboard isn’t working, doesn’t appear in the list of Bluetooth devices when you pair the mouse, or you see an error message during pairing, here are some troubleshooting steps to help.

We’ll describe three connection types for keyboards and mice. Follow the description that applies to your mouse or keyboard’s connection type.

Bluetooth keyboards and mice use a built-in Bluetooth connection on your PC. This connection type typically requires no additional accessory or dongle.

Wired keyboards and mice connect directly to your PC using a USB cable.

Wireless keyboards and mice connect to your PC using a wireless USB dongle.

Using any connection

Select any of the following headings, and it’ll open to show more info:

To ensure your PC is performing at its best and you have the latest keyboard and mouse improvements, check for updates from Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If you do not have a Surface device, you might also need to check with your manufacturer to ensure your PC is up to date.

Use the power button to turn the mouse or keyboard off and on again. If that doesn’t work, it might mean the batteries are low and should be replaced or recharged.

Close all your open apps. If the performance improves, the number of open apps might have been interfering with your PC’s connection to the mouse or keyboard.

Check the reported battery levels. For Bluetooth connections, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. For wireless connections, replace the batteries.

Restart your PC. This will refresh the drivers if updates have recently been made.

Change the mouse cursor settings. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options > Pointer Options and adjust the pointer speed.

You can change settings, set left-click, right-click, and middle click settings, key settings and configurations, and scrolling resolution. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse to make basic changes.

Select Start > Settings > Time & language > Region & language. Make sure the language you’re using on your keyboard (the input language) matches the one you’re using on your PC (the display language). Check the list of languages
Add an input language or change your display language to match

This can mean that your PC does not have the latest updates. To ensure your PC is performing at its best and you have the latest keyboard and mouse improvements, check for updates from Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If you do not have a Surface device, you might also need to check with your manufacturer to ensure your PC is up to date.

If the volume controls on your keyboard stop working, check the Human Interface Device Access service on your computer to make sure it is set to Automatic.

In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then selectit from the results.

In the Services box, locate Human Interface Device Service. Make sure the status is set to Running. If it isn’t running, select Start the service.

Right-click (or press and hold) Human Interface Device Service, and then select Properties.

On the General tab, in the Startup type area, select Automatic, and then select OK.

When I rotate the wheel, my window sometimes disappears

You can use the mouse wheel to scroll, and you can also use it as a button. Pressing the wheel switches to other open programs on your desktop. Sometimes while scrolling, you might accidentally press the wheel and unintentionally switch to another open program. That’s why the active window seems to disappear, but it’s actually still open on your desktop. If you want to return to the previous window, press the wheel until that window appears again, or use the Windows taskbar to switch to the window that you want.

To resolve the problem, avoid pressing down on the wheel while scrolling.

You can also disable the wheel button, if you prefer to use the wheel only for scrolling. To do this and to follow the additional troubleshooting steps listed below, first visit the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center, select the download version you want to use, and follow the instructions to install it.

To disable the wheel button

Select Disable this button.

When I rotate the wheel, nothing happens

If the wheel doesn’t work in any program that has a scrollable document open (such as Microsoft Edge), make sure that wheel support is enabled.

Make sure that the Vertical Scrolling check box is selected.

Note: If scrolling works in some programs (such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Edge) but not in others, even though they have scroll bars, those programs might not support the scroll wheel.

I have difficulty scrolling only in some applications

In Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center, select your device, and then select Basic settings.

Depending on the mouse model you’re using, select Wheel or Touch Strip.

Select Identify programs that don’t scroll correctly, and then select the program(s) displayed in the list. You can select multiple programs.

If the program you want is not in the list, scroll to the bottom of the list and select Manually add a program.

In the Add Program box, locate the program you want, and select Open. Check to make sure that the program is added to the list, and added to the scrolling assistance list.

Select Back to return to the previous screen.

Using a Bluetooth connection

Select any of the following headings, and it’ll open to show more info:

Press and hold the pairing button on your mouse or keyboard for 5-7 seconds, then let the button go. The light will blink to show that the mouse is discoverable. The pairing button is usually on the bottom of the mouse.

On your PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.

Make sure Bluetooth is on, then select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth . Choose your mouse or keyboard from the list of devices. Follow any other instructions if they appear, then select Done.

Still not working? Here’s what to do.

Start the Bluetooth troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Under Find and fix other problems, select Bluetooth > Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.

Make sure your PC is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 (LE): Most Microsoft or Surface Bluetooth mice and keyboards require a PC with Bluetooth 4.0 or newer and designed to be full featured with Windows 10. For more, see What Bluetooth version is on my PC?

See if the mouse or keyboard has power: Press the pairing button on your mouse or keyboard for 5-7 seconds, then let the button go. If the light blinks, the mouse has power. If the light doesn’t come on, check or replace the batteries.

Turn airplane mode on and off: Leave it on for 10-15 seconds, then turn it off again. See how to turn airplane mode on or off

Turn off other Bluetooth devices connected to your PC: Then see if your mouse or keyboard works – having too many Bluetooth devices connected at one time can interfere with your PC’s connection to the mouse or keyboard.

Remove your mouse or keyboard from your PC and pair it again: You’ll need to look for the name of your mouse in the list of Bluetooth devices to remove and pair it again.

Check or replace the batteries: Open the battery compartment on your mouse or keyboard and make sure the batteries are positioned correctly inside the battery compartment, then see if it works. If not, try replacing the batteries with new ones.

Note: Some devices have rechargeable batteries. Use the USB cable that came with the mouse or keyboard to recharge them.

See if your mouse or keyboard works with another PC: If it does, there might be a problem with your PC.

This means that your mouse or keyboard is already paired to another PC that’s within range.

To fix this, go to the PC that your device is paired with, and remove it from that PC. You’ll need to look for the name of your mouse in the list of Bluetooth devices to remove and pair it again.

Then, go back to the PC you want to use your mouse with and pair it again.

To extend battery life, Bluetooth devices go into hibernation after 8-10 minutes of inactivity. It can take several seconds for the Bluetooth mouse to reconnect when you resume using it after this period of hibernation. As a result, you might notice a delay between the time that you use the mouse and the response on the screen.

Using either a wired connection or a wireless USB dongle

Select any of the following headings, and it’ll open to show more info:

Open the battery compartment on your mouse or keyboard and make sure the batteries are positioned correctly inside the battery compartment, then see if it works. If not, try replacing the batteries with new ones.

Note: For devices with rechargeable batteries, use the USB cable that came with the mouse or keyboard to recharge them.

Unplug and then plug it in again. If you have multiple USB ports, plug into a different USB port on the same computer. If your USB plug or wireless USB dongle is plugged into a USB hub:

Plug the hub into a different USB port on the same computer.

Make sure that you are using a powered hub that is appropriate for high-powered USB devices.

Try plugging directly into a USB port on the computer instead of the hub.

See if your mouse or keyboard works with another PC. If it does, there might be a problem with your PC.

Check the placement of the wireless USB dongle. The wireless USB dongle should be plugged into a USB port that allows for the best reception and minimizes the distance between the wireless USB dongle and the keyboard or mouse. Also check on nearby objects. Some wireless and non-wireless objects can cause interference with your wireless device.

To prevent transceiver interference, avoid using your device near objects such as:

Wireless networking devices

Cordless and cellular telephones

Remote control toys

Cables running parallel to the wireless transceiver cables

Metallic surfaces in contact with the device

Other wireless pointing devices and transceivers

Product-specific issues

Select any of the following headings, and it’ll open to show more info:

To resolve this issue, first determine which firmware version is installed on your keyboard. To do this, install and run the Mouse and Keyboard Center. From the Mouse and Keyboard Center Support menu, select Device information. Find the listing for your Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and look for the firmware version listed. Then follow the instructions for your version below.

Firmware version 0106

Keep the Mouse and Keyboard Center installed. With Mouse and Keyboard Center version 13 or later, the firmware will automatically fix the issue and optimize the keyboard’s performance.

Firmware version 0100

When using the number pad on the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard, it may be necessary to switch to an English input method for the open parenthesis «(«, close parenthesis «)», and equal sign «=» characters to appear on screen as they were typed. To do this:

Select Start > Settings > Time & Language > Language .

Select Add a language.

Enter English, select English (United States), select Next, and then select Install.

Press Windows key + Space to switch to English (United States).

Use the keys on the number pad as needed.

Press Windows key + Space to switch back to the local language.