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Devices & drivers · reviewed troubleshooting

USB mouse or keyboard not working in Windows 11: test the hardware path first

Reconnect, change ports and bypass hubs before changing Windows drivers.

Applies to: Windows 11Change risk: LowReviewed: 2026-09-17
Do this first
  1. Unplug the USB device and reconnect it after a short pause.
  2. Try another USB port.
  3. Bypass the USB hub and connect directly to the PC.
  4. Check batteries, cables and visible connector damage where relevant.

What this problem usually means

For USB input devices, Microsoft starts with physical connection and power checks because a bad port, cable, hub or battery can mimic a driver failure. Those checks are faster and safer than driver removal.

Ordered repair path

Work from the narrowest fix to the broader one.

1

Isolate the port, hub and device

Low risk

Why this belongs here: A different port/direct connection shows whether the failure follows the accessory or a particular USB path.

  1. Test at least one different physical port.
  2. Remove the hub/dock temporarily.
  3. If possible, test the keyboard or mouse on another computer.
2

Check Device Manager only after the hardware path

Low risk

Why this belongs here: Device Manager is useful when the accessory works elsewhere but Windows does not enumerate it correctly.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Check the relevant input/HID and USB categories.
  3. Note warning icons or Device Manager error codes.
  4. Scan for hardware changes after reconnecting the device.
Stop condition

When this guide stops being the right path

If the keyboard or mouse fails on another computer too, Windows is not the primary cause.

If the problem is still not fixed

If Device Manager reports Code 10, 28, 31, 43 or another code, continue with that scoped error record.

Evidence

Sources reviewed for this page

Primary technical guidance is preferred. A source supports the scope stated here; it does not imply that every possible cause is covered.

Related authority records

Continue with the same failing system

These links share the same component or repair context; they are not generic keyword suggestions.

GuideUSB device not recognized in Windows 11: separate the port, device and driver

Use another port and a direct connection first, then check Device Manager before reinstalling drivers.

ErrorCode 45 — Device Manager Code 45: hardware is not connected

Code 45 is a connection/presence state; reconnect or power the hardware before changing drivers.

GuideNetwork adapter missing in Windows 11: prove device detection before TCP/IP repair

If Windows cannot enumerate the Wi-Fi/Ethernet adapter, DNS flushes and browser resets are the wrong layer; focus on Device Manager, hardware detection and the correct driver.

GuideCamera not working in Windows 11: check privacy, app scope and driver state

Separate a disabled camera, permission problem, app-only failure and driver issue before reinstalling anything.

ErrorCode 10 — Device Manager Code 10: “This device cannot start”

Code 10 means the device could not start; Microsoft’s primary resolution begins with the device driver.

ErrorCode 12 — Device Manager Code 12: Windows cannot find enough free resources for the device

Code 12 is a resource-allocation problem; confirm the exact device before changing other hardware or firmware settings.