Keyboard and mouse work in bios but not windows. Desperate and can’t reset PC.

Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Issues in Windows 10: A Guide for Students Facing Hardware Recognition Problems

Introduction

Experiencing hardware input devices like keyboards and mice working correctly in BIOS or Windows Recovery Environment but not responding within the Windows 10 operating system can be a frustrating ordeal. This situation is particularly challenging for students or users who rely heavily on their PCs for coursework and daily tasks. In this article, we will explore common causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to restore full functionality to your input devices, including tips on performing a Windows reset via USB if necessary.

Understanding the Issue

The core of the problem lies in the discrepancy between hardware recognition at different system levels. When a keyboard and mouse function in BIOS and during Windows troubleshooting but fail to respond once Windows boots normally, it suggests issues related to device drivers, corrupted system files, or Windows configuration errors.

Typical symptoms include:
– Devices working in BIOS and recovery environments
– Devices unresponsive on Windows desktop
– Inability to input passwords or perform system resets
– Error messages when attempting to reset or revert updates

Common Causes

Driver conflicts or corruption
Recent Windows updates causing compatibility issues
Hardware connection problems despite BIOS recognition
User account or password errors
System file corruption preventing normal device operation

Step-by-Step Solutions

Basic Hardware Checks
Confirm that USB ports are functioning correctly by trying different ports.
Ensure that the devices are properly connected.
Try connecting the devices to different USB types (USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0).
Accessing Device Options in Safe Mode
Since devices work in BIOS and recovery mode, attempting to boot into Safe Mode can help troubleshoot driver issues:
Restart your computer and interrupt the boot process three times consecutively to trigger Windows Recovery.
Select “Advanced options” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart.”
Upon restart, press the key for Safe Mode (often F4 or 4) to boot into Safe Mode.
Check if the keyboard and mouse work in Safe Mode.
Reverting to a Previous System State
If you suspect a recent Windows update caused the issue:
From Safe Mode or Windows Recovery, choose “Uninstall Updates” in the “Troubleshoot” menu.
Select the latest updates to remove and follow prompts.
**Reset