Troubleshooting Wireless Keyboard or Mouse

While taken for granted nearly always, one's mouse or keyboard is a difficult-to-live-without input device. Users finding themselves struggling with navigating troubleshooting without one should grow comfortable with the default tools and solutions available in most environments for streamlining the process of controlling a PC without the most traditional input mechanisms.

Users who require a temporary keyboard replacement but lack the spare hardware may use the On-Screen Keyboard or OSK, a virtual keyboard application that works off mouse clicks. The fastest way to open it is to use the shortcut: Ctrl + Windows key + O (the alphabet letter, not zero). Users who can't input the shortcut may open the OSK by going to Windows Settings, choosing Ease of Access, and scrolling down to the Keyboard section on the left-hand side. The OSK should be the first option. While they're on this window, users also may note other, possibly-useful features, such as Sticky Keys.

There's an equivalent feature that lets users control the mouse cursor with the keyboard: Mouse Keys. The shortcut for it is Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock (or Number Lock). There also is the option to open Ease of Access again, scroll down to 'Mouse' (note: not 'Mouse Pointer') and toggle the 'Control your mouse with a keypad' slider.

Another generally-useful shortcut is for restarting the computer: Alt + F4. This shortcut brings up the Windows shutdown menu as long as no windows are in focus or otherwise closes the in-focus window. A second way to do the same action through a different menu is by holding the Windows key + X, which puts forward a menu that provides a restart option and shortcuts to practical applications like Task Manager, Settings and the Device Manager.

Windows also provides troubleshooters for most commonly-encountered troubleshooting scenarios. The Keyboard troubleshooter is available from the 'Troubleshoot Other Problems' section of Settings. Windows will detect and fix any problems or recommend a solution if the user's intervention is necessary automatically.

If users have a working mouse, but its behavior isn't as expected – such as the cursor being slow – it might be a settings issue. Mouse behavior like the cursor's speed can change through user-controlled settings. Open the Control Panel's 'Hardware and Sound' section and click the 'Mouse' link. Each tab includes different mouse behavior options that control the wheel, double-clicks, speed and other factors.

Users who prefer wireless input devices also should change their batteries and check for the receiver's compatibility with their USB ports regularly. Bluetooth, which is a norm for connecting devices to PCs without data cables, also might be off – or, in cases of outdated or limited hardware, not supported. Bluetooth adapters are available for users who need them readily, although this issue usually only appears in custom-built PCs and systems with small space designs, like 'thin' laptops.

Users also should get into the habit of maintaining software drivers for all devices that require them, including any wireless mice or keyboards. Many wireless products will include software. Otherwise, users can acquire the drivers from the manufacturer's website, in most cases. As a rule of thumb, always use the most up-to-date driver unless compatibility issues require a roll-back.

Most wireless devices work just as their makers intend: operational on the spot as soon as the receiver is in the computer and battery power is available for the device. For exceptional cases where a mouse or keyboard is causing trouble, knowing all the user input workarounds to get one's PC back under control helps everyone.