Keyboard Not Working on Startup Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your keyboard refusing to cooperate during Windows 11 startup? This is a common issue that can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to get your keyboard working again.

1. Initial Checks and Basic Troubleshooting

Before diving into more complex solutions, start with these fundamental checks:

  • Check the Keyboard Connection: Ensure your keyboard is securely connected to your computer. If it’s a USB keyboard, try a different USB port. For wireless keyboards, ensure the receiver is properly plugged in or the Bluetooth connection is stable.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that prevent the keyboard from functioning correctly. Even though you might have to use your mouse or touch screen to restart, it is worth trying.
  • Check Keyboard Batteries (Wireless Keyboards): If you are using a wireless keyboard, check the batteries and replace them if necessary. Low battery power can lead to intermittent or complete keyboard failure.
  • Test with Another Keyboard: If possible, connect a different keyboard to your computer to see if it works. This will help determine if the problem lies with your keyboard or with your computer’s system.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. This can help you identify if a third-party application or driver is causing the keyboard issue.

  1. Restart Your Computer: Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then turn it back on.
  2. Interrupt the Startup: As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button again to force another shutdown. Repeat this process one more time.
  3. Automatic Repair: After the third interrupted startup, Windows should enter Automatic Repair mode.
  4. Navigate to Advanced Options: In the Automatic Repair screen, click on “Advanced options.”
  5. Choose Troubleshoot: Then, select “Troubleshoot.”
  6. Select Advanced Options Again: Click on “Advanced options” again.
  7. Startup Settings: Choose “Startup Settings.”
  8. Restart: Click the “Restart” button.
  9. Enable Safe Mode: After the restart, you’ll see a list of options. Press the number key corresponding to “Enable Safe Mode” or “Enable Safe Mode with Networking.” Usually, it’s F4 or F5.

If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, it indicates that a driver or software is likely the cause of the problem. You can then proceed to update or uninstall drivers as described later.

3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can prevent your keyboard from working correctly. Here’s how to update or reinstall them:

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand Keyboards: Find and expand the “Keyboards” category.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver.”
  4. Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will look for the latest drivers online. If it finds an update, follow the instructions to install it.
  5. Uninstall and Reinstall: If updating doesn’t work, right-click on your keyboard again and select “Uninstall device”. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon restart.

4. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix hardware problems.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  2. Run the Troubleshooter: Type the following command and press Enter:
    msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
  3. Follow the Instructions: The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will open. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any detected issues.

5. Check Filter Keys and Sticky Keys Settings

Sometimes, accessibility features like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys can interfere with keyboard functionality.

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Accessibility: Click on “Accessibility.”
  3. Keyboard: Select “Keyboard”.
  4. Disable Filter Keys and Sticky Keys: Make sure “Filter Keys” and “Sticky Keys” are turned off. These features can sometimes cause unexpected keyboard behavior during startup.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the problem started recently, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when the keyboard was working.

  1. Open Control Panel: Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and open it.
  2. System and Security: Click on “System and Security.”
  3. System: Click on “System.”
  4. System Protection: Click on “System protection” on the left side.
  5. System Restore: Click the “System Restore” button.
  6. Choose a Restore Point: Follow the prompts to choose a restore point. Select a date before the keyboard problem started.
  7. Confirm and Restore: Confirm your choice and start the restore process. Note that this will revert system files and settings to the chosen restore point, so ensure you have backed up any important data.

7. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, the keyboard might be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Accessing these settings usually involves pressing a specific key (Del, F2, F12, Esc) during startup. The exact key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.

  1. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer.
  2. Enter BIOS/UEFI: Press the designated key (Del, F2, F12, Esc) repeatedly as soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo.
  3. Look for Keyboard Settings: Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI menus to find keyboard settings. Ensure that the keyboard is enabled. The specific location of these settings varies depending on your motherboard.
  4. Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will restart.

Conclusion

A keyboard that doesn’t work on Windows 11 startup can be a major inconvenience. By systematically following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue, restoring your keyboard to full functionality. Remember to start with the basic checks and then move on to more advanced solutions if necessary. If none of these steps work, it might indicate a hardware problem with your keyboard, and you may need to consider replacing it.