Windows 11 24H2 Update Broke Your Mouse or Keyboard? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

After applying the Windows 11 24H2 update, some users have reported that their USB-connected mouse or keyboard stopped working abruptly. This can be incredibly frustrating—imagine not even being able to log in. If you’re reading this in that exact moment of panic, you’re not alone. This article will walk you through the most likely causes of this issue and offer clear, step-by-step solutions—because you deserve to regain control of your PC without added stress.

Likely Causes

As you can see, this isn’t a simple hardware failure—it’s a conflict between software updates, drivers, and system settings. The 24H2 update introduced significant changes, which can trigger unexpected issues when certain devices or configurations aren’t fully supported.

By isolating each potential cause one by one, you can take precise, effective action. The next sections dive into how to resolve each issue—and *why* each step is important.

Solutions & Why They Matter

Solution 1: Try a Different USB Port (USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0)

Why this helps: USB ports vary in power delivery and controller compatibility. USB 2.0 ports tend to be more consistently supported by older devices.

How to do it:
• Unplug your mouse or keyboard and plug it directly into a different USB port on your PC.
• If it was on a USB 3.0 (blue) port, switch to a USB 2.0 (black) port, or vice versa.
• On a desktop: try front and rear ports. On a laptop: try each side.

Solution 2: Enable Legacy USB Support in BIOS/UEFI

Why it works: Enabling legacy USB support ensures your keyboard and mouse are recognized *before* Windows starts loading, essential if devices aren’t detected during boot.

How to do it:
1. Restart your PC.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI using F2, Del, or F12 (check your manual).
3. Locate “Legacy USB Support” or “USB Keyboard/Mouse Legacy” and set to “Enabled.”
4. Save and exit.

Solution 3: Boot into Safe Mode to Diagnose Issues

Why this is helpful: Safe Mode loads minimal drivers and services. If your mouse/keyboard work here, it means a third-party driver or service is causing the issue.

How to do it
1. Press the power button to turn on your PC, then force-shutdown 3 times.
2. On the third restart, Windows enters Recovery Mode.
3. Navigate: Troubleshoot → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 for Safe Mode.
4. Once in Safe Mode, check Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers for driver issues. Update or uninstall conflicting drivers.

✅ Solution 4: Use a Wired USB Keyboard/Mouse

Why it’s important: Wireless (especially Bluetooth) devices may not connect until Windows fully loads. A wired USB device ensures connectivity during early boot stages.

How to do it:
• Keep a basic wired mouse and keyboard handy (under $10 combo sets work well).
• Plug them in and restart—chances are they will be detected, letting you log in and fix deeper problems.

Solution 5: Roll Back Using System Restore or Previous Build

Why rollback matters: If all else fails, returning to a stable configuration from before the update can permanently resolve the issue.

How to do it:
• Press Win+I → System → Recovery → “Go back to the previous version of Windows”.
• This option is available within 10 days of the update.

Advanced “Secret” Fixes (When Nothing Else Works)

Below are more advanced or “under-the-hood” options. Use only if you’re comfortable with technical procedures.

Secret Fix 1: Use Touchscreen and On-Screen Keyboard (WinRE)

Why it works: If your PC has a touchscreen and automatically boots to the login screen, you can bypass a dead keyboard using the on-screen keyboard to sign in.

🧭 How to do it:

1. Turn on the PC and wait until it reaches the Windows login screen.
2. Tap the Accessibility icon (a person-shaped figure) at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Select On-Screen Keyboard.
4. Use the touchscreen to tap in your PIN or password.
5. Tap Enter to log in.

💡 Once logged in, you can use touch or on-screen keyboard to:

• Open Settings → Recovery → Go back to roll back the update.
• Launch Device Manager and update/reinstall USB drivers.
• Create a new user account if needed for recovery purposes.

Secret Fix 2: Boot from USB Installer & Run System Restore

Why it works: A USB-based Windows installation media allows you to boot even when keyboard/mouse inputs fail. From there, you can access recovery tools.

🧭 How to do it:

1. Create a Windows 11 installation USB from another PC using the Media Creation Tool.
2. Insert the USB into the non-working PC and boot from it (you may need to press F12/F2/Delete during startup to select the boot device).
3. When the Windows installer appears, click Next → Repair your computer.
4. Choose Troubleshoot → System Restore.
5. Follow the prompts to restore the system to a point before the 24H2 update.

💡 Tip: The mouse and keyboard might work inside the installer, even if they don’t work in your normal boot!

Secret Fix 3: Switch to Direct USB Port (Avoid Hubs)

Why it works: USB hubs and adapters can fail or conflict after updates. Plugging the device directly into the motherboard’s port ensures cleaner communication.

🧭 How to do it:

• Unplug your mouse or keyboard from any USB hub or adapter.
• Plug it directly into a USB port on the laptop or desktop.
• Try both USB 2.0 (black) and USB 3.0 (blue) ports.
• If you’re on a desktop, try ports on the back panel instead of the front panel.

💡 Some devices are only recognized properly via native ports during early system boot.

Secret Fix 4: Swap USB Drivers Using Another PC (Advanced)

Why it works: If the USB drivers are corrupt or incompatible, manually replacing them from a working system can restore functionality. This method requires physical access to the storage drive.

🧭 How to do it:

1. Power off the faulty PC and remove the internal SSD or HDD.
2. Connect the drive to another working PC using a SATA-to-USB adapter or external enclosure.
3. Navigate to: D:\Windows\System32\drivers (or whatever the drive letter is).
4. Backup the following files:
   • usbhub.sys
   • usbport.sys
   • usbuhci.sys
   • usbd.sys
5. Copy the same files from the working PC’s own C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder.
6. Paste and overwrite the old files in the non-working drive.
7. Safely eject the drive, reinstall it into the original PC, and reboot.

⚠ Important: You may need to disable “driver signature enforcement” if Windows rejects the manually copied files.

To disable signature enforcement:

1. Power off and boot into Recovery Mode (hold power 3x).
2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Press 7 to disable driver signature enforcement.

Secret Fix 5: Control Your PC Remotely (If Auto-Connected to Wi-Fi)

Why it works: If your PC automatically signs in and connects to Wi-Fi, you can access it remotely using another device—even if the keyboard or mouse doesn’t work locally.

🧭 How to do it:

Option A: Remote Desktop (Windows Pro or higher)

1. Ensure Remote Desktop was enabled before the issue occurred (Settings → System → Remote Desktop).
2. From another PC or phone, install the Remote Desktop app.
3. Enter the IP address or PC name of the target machine.
4. Log in using the correct credentials and control the PC remotely.

Option B: TeamViewer (easier for home use)

1. Ensure TeamViewer was set up previously with “unattended access.”
2. On your phone or another PC, open the TeamViewer app.
3. Enter the saved ID and password of the non-working PC.
4. Control the machine as if you were sitting in front of it.

Note: This method only works if the PC auto-logs in and connects to the internet.

At-a-Glance Summary Table

These input-device recognition problems usually stem from issues in the “bridge” between software and hardware—drivers or firmware. The key is to stay calm and tackle one thing at a time. If you need further help implementing any of the “secret” steps or would like HTML versions of specific sections, I’m here to assist!

タグ: Windows 11 24H2, mouse not detected, USB drivers, Windows update bug, BIOS USB settings, keyboard issue after update, USB not working, fix mouse keyboard