Find the cause step by step
- Plug it into a rear USB port, without a hub or extension, and test in the box above.
- Test the keyboard on another computer or laptop.
- Works on the other computer: open Device Manager, look for yellow warnings under Keyboards or Universal Serial Bus controllers, uninstall them and restart.
- Wireless keyboard: replace the batteries, replug the receiver and use the pairing (Connect) button if there is one.
Symptom, cause and fix
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lights on, doesn’t type | Driver or port problem | Another port; reinstall in Device Manager |
| No lights on any PC | Faulty cable or keyboard | Warranty or replace |
| Only works after Windows loads | USB support off in the BIOS | Turn on “USB legacy support” in the BIOS |
| Wireless stops responding | Battery or receiver | Replace the batteries; pair again |
Where to find it on your device
- Device Manager: Right-click the Start button › Device Manager › Keyboards and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Related questions
Why doesn’t my keyboard work before Windows starts?
Some motherboards turn off USB keyboard support at startup to boot faster. Turn on USB legacy support or turn off fast boot in the BIOS.
Can a USB hub stop my keyboard from working?
It can, especially unpowered hubs with many devices attached. To test, plug the keyboard straight into the PC.
My gaming keyboard’s lights don’t turn on. Is it broken?
Not always: many turn the lights off by default or in the maker’s app. If it types normally, check the lighting in the app.
My mouse works but my USB keyboard does not. What does that mean?
The PC’s USB is working, so focus on the keyboard: plug it into the port the mouse uses, test it on another computer and check Device Manager › Keyboards for a warning sign.
My USB keyboard stopped working on a docking station. What can I do?
Plug it straight into the laptop to rule out the dock. If it works there, update the dock’s firmware and driver from the maker’s site and use the dock’s power adapter.
More problems: keyboard test
- A key on your laptop not working: how to test and fix it
- Laptop keyboard not working: what to do first
- Keyboard typing by itself: how to fix it
- Keyboard typing numbers instead of letters: how to fix it
- Keyboard typing wrong characters: @ and " swapped, # turned into £
- Keyboard typing double letters: how to fix it
- Keyboard locked: how to unlock it
- Mechanical keyboard key not working: how to fix it
- How to test a keyboard without a computer: use your phone
- How to test a keyboard: online, mechanical, wireless, MacBook and BIOS
Updated November 12, 2026.