Troubleshooting USB Hubs: Fixing a Non-Working Mouse or Keyboard on Windows 10
Have you ever faced the frustrating situation where your mouse or keyboard stops working when connected through a USB hub on Windows 10? Fear not, as this comprehensive guide will walk you through various steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
1. Check Physical Connections
The first step in troubleshooting any hardware issue is to ensure all connections are secure. Make sure:
Your USB hub is properly connected to your computer. Your keyboard or mouse is securely plugged into the hub.2. Test Devices Directly
One of the most straightforward ways to determine if the issue lies with the hub or the devices themselves is to plug them directly into your computer's USB ports. Check:
If the mouse or keyboard works when connected directly to the computer. Whether the issue persists across different USB ports on the hub.3. Try Different Ports
If you have access to another keyboard or mouse, try plugging them into the same hub to see if the issue is specific to the devices or the hub itself.
4. Power Supply
If you're using a powered USB hub, ensure it is plugged into a power source. Some devices require more power than an unpowered hub can provide. An improperly powered hub can cause various electronic devices to malfunction.
5. Update Drivers
Ensure your USB hub and input devices have the latest drivers installed. To update the drivers:
Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section and find your USB hub. Right-click the hub and select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Also, update your keyboard and mouse drivers under the Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices sections.6. Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers
In Device Manager, right-click the USB hub and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the drivers.
7. Check Power Management Settings
Ensure your hub is not set to turn off to save power. To do this:
Right-click the USB hub in Device Manager and select Properties. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.8. Run Windows Troubleshooter
To run the Windows troubleshooter:
Go to Settings Update Security Troubleshoot. Select Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.9. Check for Windows Updates
Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date:
Go to Settings Update Security Windows Update. Check for and install any available updates.10. Try a Different USB Hub
As a last resort, try using another USB hub to see if the issue persists. This will help you determine if the problem is specific to the current hub or a general issue with the devices.
11. System Restore
Finally, if the issue started recently and other steps have not resolved the problem, you may consider performing a system restore to a previous point in time when everything was functioning correctly.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your mouse or keyboard not functioning correctly through a USB hub on Windows 10.