Has your computer ever suddenly frozen, leaving your mouse and keyboard completely unresponsive? It’s a frustrating experience that can bring your work or fun to a sudden halt.
You might feel stuck, unsure of what caused it or how to fix it quickly. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are simple ways to get your computer back on track. Keep reading, and you’ll discover easy steps to understand why this happens and how to solve it fast, so you can avoid losing valuable time and stay in control.
Common Causes
Computer freezes and unresponsive mouse or keyboard are frustrating problems. These issues often have clear causes. Knowing common reasons helps in fixing the problem quickly.
Hardware Issues
Hardware problems often cause freezes. Faulty RAM or a failing hard drive can stop your computer. Loose cables or damaged USB ports can disconnect your mouse or keyboard. Checking hardware connections is a good first step.
Software Conflicts
Software conflicts can freeze your system. Running many programs at once can overload your computer. Some apps may not work well together. Conflicts between software can cause your mouse and keyboard to stop responding.
Driver Problems
Drivers control hardware devices. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause freezes. Your mouse or keyboard may stop working if drivers have bugs. Updating or reinstalling drivers often solves these issues.
Overheating
Overheating can cause your computer to freeze. Dust in fans or vents blocks airflow. High temperatures force the system to shut down or freeze. Cleaning your computer helps maintain proper cooling and performance.
Initial Troubleshooting
Computer freezes and unresponsive mouse or keyboard can stop all your work. Initial troubleshooting helps find the cause quickly. Simple checks often fix the problem without expert help. Start with basics before trying complex solutions.
Check Connections
Loose or faulty cables can cause input devices to stop working. Make sure your mouse and keyboard cables are firmly plugged into the computer. For wireless devices, check if batteries are charged. Also, try reconnecting the devices to ensure a secure connection.
Restart Computer
Restarting the computer can clear temporary errors. A fresh start resets drivers and software controlling your mouse and keyboard. Press the power button to turn off the computer. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This step often solves freezing issues quickly.
Try Different Ports
USB ports can sometimes fail or get damaged. Plug your mouse and keyboard into different USB ports. This can help identify if a specific port is causing the problem. Use ports directly on the computer, not on external hubs or keyboards. Testing ports helps isolate hardware issues fast.
Update Drivers
Updating drivers can fix many problems with your computer. Drivers help your hardware work well with the system. Old or wrong drivers can cause freezes and stop your mouse or keyboard. Keeping drivers up to date keeps your devices running smooth.
Keyboard And Mouse Drivers
Keyboard and mouse drivers control how these devices talk to your PC. Outdated drivers may cause delays or no response. Check the device manager for any warning signs. Download the latest drivers from the official website. Installing the correct drivers can restore proper function quickly.
System Drivers
System drivers include chipset, USB, and other essential drivers. These affect how your computer handles input devices. Faulty system drivers can cause freezes or disconnect your keyboard and mouse. Visit your PC manufacturer’s site for updates. Keeping these drivers current improves overall stability and performance.
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Scan For Malware
Computer freezes and unresponsive mouse or keyboard can indicate malware infection. Malware can slow down your system and cause hardware to stop working properly. Scanning your computer for malware helps find and remove harmful software. This step improves your device’s speed and responsiveness.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus programs scan your computer for viruses and malware. Choose a trusted antivirus tool and run a full system scan. The software will detect and remove malicious files. Regular scanning keeps your computer safe and prevents freezes. Update the antivirus before scanning to catch new threats.
Remove Suspicious Programs
Some malware hides as normal programs. Check your installed programs list for unknown or suspicious apps. Uninstall any software you did not install or recognize. Removing these programs stops malware from affecting your mouse and keyboard. Restart your computer after uninstalling to apply changes.
Manage System Resources
Computer freezes and unresponsive mouse or keyboard often happen due to heavy system load. Managing system resources helps keep your computer fast and smooth. It reduces lag and stops freezing by freeing up memory and CPU power.
Knowing how to control what runs on your PC can prevent many problems. It saves energy and makes your system more stable. Two simple steps can make a big difference in performance.
Close Background Apps
Background apps use memory and CPU without your notice. These apps slow down your computer and cause freezes. Close apps you do not need right now. This frees up resources for important tasks.
Look for apps running in the system tray or taskbar. Right-click and choose to close or exit them. This simple action improves your system speed immediately.
Check Task Manager
Task Manager shows all active programs and processes. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it quickly. Here, you can see which apps use the most CPU and memory.
Identify heavy apps and end those that are unnecessary. Be careful not to stop system processes. Ending high-resource apps helps keep your mouse and keyboard responsive.
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Adjust Power Settings
Adjusting power settings can help fix computer freezes where the mouse and keyboard stop working. Sometimes, the system turns off USB ports to save power. This causes the mouse and keyboard to stop responding. Changing these settings keeps your devices active and prevents freezing.
Usb Selective Suspend
USB Selective Suspend allows Windows to turn off USB devices to save energy. This can stop your mouse and keyboard from working properly. To fix this, disable USB Selective Suspend in the power options. This keeps USB devices powered on and responsive.
Sleep Mode Settings
Sleep mode can cause the computer to freeze or disconnect peripherals. Adjust sleep settings to prevent this problem. Set the computer to never turn off or sleep while using important devices. This keeps the mouse and keyboard active and avoids freezes.
Check For System Updates
System updates fix bugs and improve your computer’s performance. They often solve issues like freezes and unresponsive devices. Checking for updates regularly keeps your system stable and secure.
Many freezes happen because the system misses important patches. Updates can also improve how your mouse and keyboard work. Your computer needs the latest software to run smoothly.
How To Check For Updates On Windows
Open the Start menu and select Settings. Click on “Update & Security.” Choose “Windows Update” and click “Check for updates.” Install any updates found and restart your PC.
How To Check For Updates On Macos
Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Click “Software Update.” Your Mac will check for updates automatically. Click “Update Now” if updates are available.
Why Updates Fix Device Freezes
Updates fix software bugs that cause freezes. They improve drivers that control your mouse and keyboard. This reduces crashes and improves device response.
Set Automatic Updates For Better Protection
Turn on automatic updates in your system settings. This keeps your computer up-to-date without manual checks. Automatic updates help avoid problems before they start.
Advanced Fixes
Advanced fixes help solve computer freezes and keyboard or mouse failures. These steps go deeper than basic troubleshooting. They can fix serious system problems that simpler methods miss.
Follow these methods carefully. They need some technical skill but often restore full functionality.
Use System Restore
System Restore takes your computer back to a previous state. It removes recent changes that may cause freezes. Open System Restore from your Control Panel. Pick a restore point dated before the issues started. Let the tool complete the process without interruption. This method fixes software conflicts and faulty updates.
Reset Bios Settings
Resetting BIOS can fix hardware and boot problems. Turn off your computer and open the case. Find the CMOS battery on the motherboard. Remove it for about five minutes, then put it back. Another way is to use the BIOS menu to load default settings. Resetting clears corrupted settings that cause freezes and input failures.
Reinstall Operating System
Reinstalling the OS is a final option for persistent issues. Back up all important files first. Use a bootable USB or DVD with your OS installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete old files and install fresh software. This removes deep system errors and malware that cause mouse and keyboard stops.
Preventive Tips
Computer freezes and unresponsive mouse or keyboard can disrupt your work. Taking simple steps can reduce these problems. Preventive care helps keep your PC running smoothly and avoids frustration.
Regular Maintenance
Clean your computer inside and out regularly. Dust can block fans and cause overheating. Remove unused files and programs to free up space. Run disk cleanup and scan for malware often.
Keep Drivers Updated
Outdated drivers can cause hardware to stop working. Check for updates for your mouse, keyboard, and other devices. Use official websites or trusted software to update drivers. This keeps all parts working well together.
Avoid Overheating
Heat can make your computer freeze. Ensure good airflow around your PC. Use cooling pads or fans if needed. Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches. Keep vents clear to help cool air flow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Computer Freeze And Mouse Stop Working?
A computer freeze with a non-responsive mouse often indicates hardware or driver issues. It could be outdated drivers, USB port problems, or system resource overload causing this. Updating drivers and checking hardware connections usually resolves it.
How To Fix Keyboard Not Working During Computer Freeze?
If the keyboard stops working during freezes, try reconnecting it or using another USB port. Updating the keyboard driver and running system diagnostics can also help identify and fix underlying issues causing the freeze.
Can Software Conflicts Cause Computer Freeze And Input Failure?
Yes, software conflicts or corrupted system files can cause freezes and input device failures. Running a system scan, updating software, and closing conflicting applications often restore normal function.
Does Overheating Cause Mouse And Keyboard To Stop Working?
Overheating can cause the system to freeze and peripherals like mouse and keyboard to stop responding. Ensure proper cooling, clean fans, and monitor temperatures to prevent hardware malfunctions.
Conclusion
Computer freezing and unresponsive mouse or keyboard can be frustrating. Checking connections and restarting often helps solve the issue. Updating drivers keeps devices working smoothly. Avoid cluttering your system with too many programs. Regular maintenance prevents many common problems. Stay calm and follow simple steps to fix the problem fast.
Your computer will run better with proper care. Small actions make a big difference in performance. Keep these tips in mind for a smoother experience.
