Keyboard, Mouse or Monitor Not Working? A Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Your mouse cursor won't move. The keyboard doesn't type. The second monitor says "No signal." Peripheral problems are frustrating because they stop you working completely, but they're usually simple to fix.
The golden rule: isolate the problem
Test each part of the chain separately:
• The device: try it on another computer.
• The cable: swap it for a known-good one.
• The port: try a different port on your computer.
• The computer: try a different device in the same port.
• The cable: swap it for a known-good one.
• The port: try a different port on your computer.
• The computer: try a different device in the same port.
Whatever changes the outcome is your culprit.
Keyboard and mouse problems
Wired
1. Unplug and replug into a different USB port, ideally directly on the computer rather than through a hub or dock.
2. Check hubs and docks. Unpowered USB hubs sometimes can't supply enough power.
3. Restart the computer.
2. Check hubs and docks. Unpowered USB hubs sometimes can't supply enough power.
3. Restart the computer.
Wireless (USB receiver)
1. Replace or charge the batteries. Low batteries cause lag, skipped keys and dropouts.
2. Move the receiver closer. A USB extension cable can bring it nearer to the device and away from interference (USB 3 ports can interfere with 2.4 GHz receivers).
3. Re-pair using the manufacturer's software if needed.
2. Move the receiver closer. A USB extension cable can bring it nearer to the device and away from interference (USB 3 ports can interfere with 2.4 GHz receivers).
3. Re-pair using the manufacturer's software if needed.
Bluetooth
See our Bluetooth guide: remove the device, re-pair it, and check batteries.
Check drivers (Windows)
Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button). Look under Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices for warning icons. Right-click → Uninstall device, then restart so Windows reinstalls it.
Laptop touchpad not working?
Many laptops have a key (often a function key) that turns the touchpad on and off. Also check Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Touchpad to make sure it's enabled.
Keyboard typing the wrong characters?
Your keyboard layout may have changed. On Windows, press Win + Space to switch between layouts, and remove unwanted ones in Settings → Time & language → Language & region. On a Mac, check System Settings → Keyboard → Text Input.
Monitor problems
"No signal" or black screen
1. Check the monitor's input source. Use the monitor's menu buttons to select the right input (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, DisplayPort, USB-C).
2. Reseat the cable at both ends, or try a different cable.
3. Try another port on your computer.
4. Desktop PCs: if you have a separate graphics card, plug the monitor into the graphics card's port, not the motherboard's.
2. Reseat the cable at both ends, or try a different cable.
3. Try another port on your computer.
4. Desktop PCs: if you have a separate graphics card, plug the monitor into the graphics card's port, not the motherboard's.
Second monitor not detected
• Windows: Press Win + P and choose Extend or Duplicate. Then go to Settings → System → Display → Multiple displays → Detect.
• Mac: In System Settings → Displays, hold Option to show a Detect Displays button.
• USB-C and docks: not every USB-C port supports video, and some docks need their own driver (such as DisplayLink). Check your computer's specs.
• Mac: In System Settings → Displays, hold Option to show a Detect Displays button.
• USB-C and docks: not every USB-C port supports video, and some docks need their own driver (such as DisplayLink). Check your computer's specs.
Screen flickers or goes black briefly
• Try another cable. This is the most common cause.
• On Windows, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
• Update graphics drivers from your PC maker or the graphics card maker (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA).
• On Windows, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
• Update graphics drivers from your PC maker or the graphics card maker (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA).
Wrong resolution or blurry text
Settings → System → Display (Windows) or System Settings → Displays (Mac). Choose the recommended resolution and adjust Scale if text is too small or large.
When it's hardware failure
If a device doesn't work on any computer, with any cable, it's likely faulty. Check the warranty, because many peripherals have warranties of one to three years or more.
The bottom line
Swap one thing at a time (port, cable, device) until the problem moves or disappears. Most peripheral issues are loose cables, low batteries, wrong input sources or driver hiccups.
