My Windows 11 PC was working normally until today, when both my mouse and keyboard started behaving strangely. Mouse clicks sometimes take several seconds to register, and clicking harder occasionally seems to make them work. I tested another mouse and had the same problem. My Wooting 80HE keyboard is wired, but it randomly disconnects for anywhere from less than a second to several seconds, almost as if the USB cable were unplugged. It can also disconnect occasionally when I press a key. Since both problems began on the same day, I suspect they may be related. I'm not very experienced with PC troubleshooting, so I'm looking for suggestions on what to check first.
3 Answers
The mouse uses a wireless USB receiver, while the keyboard is wired, so they aren’t both Bluetooth devices. Because both are affected, I’d also check whether the computer is freezing briefly or whether another USB device is causing the controller to reset. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and test the keyboard and mouse in the BIOS or on another computer if you can; that can help separate a Windows problem from a hardware or motherboard issue.
Check for Windows, motherboard chipset, and USB driver updates. You can also open Device Manager, expand the USB controller section, and look for warning icons. In the power-management settings for USB Root Hubs, temporarily disable the option that allows Windows to turn them off to save power. Reboot afterward and test again.
Since replacing the mouse didn’t help and the keyboard is also cutting out, the problem is probably with the PC’s USB system rather than either device. Try plugging both devices directly into different USB ports on the back of the computer, avoiding front-panel ports, hubs, and adapters. If possible, test them one at a time and see whether the issue follows a particular port.
The keyboard is wired, and the mouse uses a USB wireless receiver rather than Bluetooth. I’ll try the rear USB ports and disconnect the other devices first.