After activatingSecure Boot on Windows 11, some users found that keyboard and mouse stop working.
This article explains step-by-step how to solve the problem and return your operating system usable.
DISCLAIMER - WARNING TO NAVIGANTS:
Initial steps (obvious controls)
First of all, make sure it's not a trivial problem:
- Make sure the keyboard and mouse are properly connected.
- Restart Windows.
- Stack the PC from the current for a few seconds, then reconnect and restart.
Initial tips in the BIOS to make USB keyboard and mouse recognize
If after activation Secure Boot the mouse or USB keyboard do not work, the problem is often related to how the BIOS handles USB peripherals before the operating system starts.
Here are some of the tricks we found most useful:
1. Enable the USB Legacy Support (Legacy USB Support)
What is it: This option allows the BIOS to recognize USB devices even in pre-boot mode, i.e. before Windows starts charging.
Where is it? Generally in Advanced → USB Configuration, Integrated Peripherals or Peripherals depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard.
Because it is useful: Some modern keyboards and mouse, especially USB 3.0 or USB-C, may not work on startup without this active option.
Practical tip: After enabling legacy support, save settings and restart. Many USB devices return to operation immediately.
2. Disable Fast Boot / Fast Boot
What is it: Fast Boot reduces boot times by jumping some hardware initializations, including some USB devices.
Where is it? Often in Boot → Boot Configuration → Fast Boot, or directly in a section called Boot Options.
Because it is useful: Disable Fast Boot, the BIOS performs a complete control of all USB devices, increasing the chances of keyboard and mouse being properly recognised when booting.
Practical tip: After deactivation, Windows may take a few extra seconds to start, but the problem of the unrecognized device often resolves.
3. Full USB port start-up (Full USB Initialization)
What is it: Some BIOS allow you to choose whether USB ports are partially or completely initialized.
Where is it? Usually in Advanced → USB Configuration → USB Initialization or similar.
Because it is useful: With partial initialization, some USB ports may not be active at boot time. The complete mode ensures that all doors are ready for use.
Practical tip: Useful especially for USB hubs or keyboards/mouses with additional features (macro, advanced backlighting, special keys).
4. Update BIOS
What is it: An obsolete BIOS may have compatibility issues with newer USB peripherals or security modes such as Secure Boot.
How to do: Check the BIOS version in the BIOS main menu and compare it to the one available on the motherboard manufacturer website.
Because it is useful: Upgrade the BIOS can solve keyboard recognition problems, mouse and even USB storage devices on startup.
Practical tip: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. An incorrect BIOS update can make the motherboard unbootable.
5. Use different USB ports
What is it: Not all USB ports are identical: USB 2.0 are more compatible during boot than USB 3.0 or USB-C.
Because it is useful: Some motherboards do not properly initialize 3.x USB ports in pre-boot mode, causing lack of keyboard or mouse recognition.
Practical tip: If the device does not work, connect it to a USB 2.0 port directly on the motherboard (not via hub).
6. Check your options USB Controller
What is it: In some advanced motherboards you can select the operating mode of the USB controller (e.g. XHCI, EHCI).
Because it is useful: Incompatible settings can block USB peripheral recognition. legacy
Practical tip: For maximum compatibility, you can set XHCI Hand-off = Enabled or Car, so that the BIOS correctly manages both USB 2.0 and USB 3.x.
If the problem persists, continue with reading and crosses fingers. Maybe this is the solution!
Advanced Steps (Manual Driver Update)
Access with virtual keyboard (if the mouse and/or touch work)
- At the login screen, at the bottom right, click on Screen Keyboard (screen keyboard) in accessibility settings.
- Access the keyboard on screen.
- Once on the desktop, open the keyboard on screen again.
- Step out in the guide until "Manage Devices - Driver Update"
Access if the mouse or touch does NOT work
- Recover an old keyboard or mouse with the PS/2 attack. You can try with other USB keyboards but often do not work and the problem persists.
- Continue to the next point
Device management – driver update
- Open the search bar and type Manage Devices.
- Expand section Keyboards.
- Locate any devices marked as Unknown Device or not recognized.
- For each, do the following steps:
- Right click on the device → Update Driver.
- Select Search for the driver software in your computer.
- Select Choose from a list of available drivers manually.
- Uncheck Show compatible hardware.
- Under Standard Keyboards Scroll to find Standard PS/2 Keyboard and select it.
- Click Come on., confirmation with Yes.
- Try the keyboard. If it does not work, repeat the procedure on all devices marked as unknown.
- Check also in the section Mouses and other pointing devices, it may be necessary to carry out the same procedure also for those devices marked as Unknown Device or not recognized.
This procedure solves most keyboard and mouse problems after weird updates of Winzoz or activation of Secure Boot on Windows 11.
About the Author
Biography
- Direttore di KotaWorld.itRecent Articles
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