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Several users observed that their keyboard or mouse solely functions in Safe Mode. After exiting Safe Mode and starting Windows in normal mode, their keyboard or mouse ceases to work. Safe Mode serves as a troubleshooting mode on Windows computers, exclusively loading essential drivers upon computer startup. In this article, we will address this issue and explore various solutions to rectify the problem.
Keyboard or Mouse exclusively works in Safe Mode
If your keyboard or mouse functions solely in Safe Mode, utilize the solutions below to resolve this issue. Prior to attempting these fixes, if the issue arose after installing a Windows Update, consider uninstalling the problematic update.
- Reinstall the driver for your keyboard or mouse.
- Inspect hidden devices in Device Manager.
- Install an alternative compatible driver for your mouse or keyboard.
- Disengage your laptop battery.
- Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state.
- Execute a System Restore.
Below, we will elaborate on these solutions.
1] Reinstall the driver for your keyboard or mouse
Though your mouse or keyboard functions in Safe Mode, their operation halts in normal mode. Consequently, the issue may be associated with the device driver. Uninstall and reinstall your mouse or keyboard driver by following the steps outlined below:
- Launch Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices section, based on the affected device.
- Right-click on the driver for your mouse or keyboard and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart your computer.
The missing driver will be automatically reinstalled upon restarting.
Related: Keyboard or Mouse NOT working in Safe Mode
Hidden device drivers can occasionally instigate conflicts leading to problems. Determine whether any hidden devices are visible in Device Manager. Follow the steps provided below to do so:
- Launch Device Manager.
- Navigate to “View > Show hidden devices.”
- Expand the Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices section. You might observe hidden drivers for the same device.
Double-click on the hidden driver(s) one by one. If an error message appears, such as “Currently, this hardware is not connected to the computer (Code 45),” uninstall that driver and restart your computer.
3] Install an alternative compatible mouse or keyboard driver
You can also install a different compatible driver for your mouse or keyboard via Device Manager. This method typically resolves issues where the hardware device malfunctions. Follow the steps provided below to install an alternative compatible driver for your keyboard or mouse:
- Launch Device Manager.
- Right-click on the driver for your keyboard or mouse and select Update driver.
- Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
- Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Ensure that the Show compatible drivers checkbox is selected.
- Install the available device driver(s) one by one and restart your computer.
4] Disengage your laptop battery
Is your laptop battery functioning properly? Users reported that the issue stems from a defective laptop battery. To confirm this, power off your laptop and remove the battery. Subsequently, power on the laptop minus the battery. Verify if the issue persists. If your keyboard or mouse begins functioning in normal mode, it may indicate the need to replace your laptop battery.
In addition, attempt to discharge residual power. To do so, remove all peripherals and batteries after shutting down your laptop. Then, press and hold the power button for up to 30 seconds. Finally, insert the battery and power on your laptop.
5] Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
If a third-party application or service is causing this problem, you can identify it in the Clean Boot state. There is a strong likelihood that this may be the cause since your mouse and keyboard function in Safe Mode but not in normal mode.
Initiate a Clean Boot state and assess whether you can utilize your mouse or keyboard. If successful, enable and disable third-party apps or services to identify the problematic one.
6] Execute a System Restore
Windows 11/10 offers the option to restore your system to a previous working state. Utilize a System Restore Point to revert your system back to a state where it functioned properly. This action will uninstall any programs installed after the specified date.
That concludes our solutions. We hope this resolves the issue.
Read: Double-click fails to open files & folders in Windows.
Why does my keyboard and mouse solely function in BIOS?
If your keyboard or mouse solely functions in BIOS, the problem may lie with the driver for your keyboard or mouse. Reinstalling the driver for the affected device can potentially rectify the issue. Another option is to perform a System Restore.
Related: Keyboard or Mouse NOT working in Safe Mode
Why is my keyboard unable to type on PC?
In most cases, a faulty driver causes a keyboard to cease functioning. If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, check for any interference issues. If you have connected your keyboard to your computer via a USB Hub, connect it directly to your computer to determine the outcome.
Read next: Caps Lock toggles on and off automatically on Windows.
