HP keyboard not working from Windows install but fine for bios and winpe boot

Troubleshooting Keyboard Functionality Issues on HP Devices: When BIOS Works but Windows Doesn’t

Encountering hardware input issues can be a significant impediment to system troubleshooting and recovery. One common scenario involves an HP computer that’s responsive to keyboard input in BIOS and pre-boot environments but fails to recognize or respond to the keyboard once Windows has loaded. This article explores potential causes and solutions for such discrepancies, emphasizing a systematic approach to resolve the issue without resorting to re-imaging the system.

Understanding the Problem

In this particular case, the built-in keyboard and external USB keyboard function correctly during UEFI/BIOS and when booting from Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) or other Windows installers. However, upon booting into the installed Windows operating system, the keyboard becomes unresponsive. This behavior suggests that the hardware itself isn’t faulty, but rather that Windows is not correctly loading or recognizing the necessary drivers.

Common Causes

1. Driver Compatibility or Corruption: Windows may be missing essential drivers or have incompatible versions, preventing proper device recognition.

2. Incorrect Driver Installation or Configuration: Manually installing drivers via command-line tools may not always resolve driver recognition issues, especially if the drivers are outdated or improperly configured.

3. System Configuration Errors: Settings within Windows, such as device permissions or driver signing policies, could interfere with hardware recognition.

4. Firmware or BIOS Settings: Although the device works in BIOS, certain BIOS configurations or firmware issues can affect Windows driver loading.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify BIOS and Firmware Settings
2. Ensure that any keyboard-related settings in the BIOS are correctly configured. For example, USB legacy support should be enabled.

3. Check for BIOS updates, as firmware can influence hardware compatibility with Windows.

4. Test Hardware in Boot Environments

5. Confirm that the external or built-in keyboard works in BIOS and WinPE. Since it does, hardware is likely sound.

6. Attempt driver reinstallation in Windows

7. Boot into Safe Mode or use a recovery environment where possible.

8. Use Device Manager to check for unrecognized devices or driver errors.

9. Use Command-Line Driver Management Tools

10. As an advanced step, utilize DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to add or update drivers within the Windows image.

11. Example:
    “`
    dism /Online /Add-Driver /Driver:C:\drivers\