keyboard

[pizaa]

Hello.  When I turn my computer on the keyboard doesn't work.  If I then restart the computer the keyboard works fine.  Feel free to treat me like a third grader.  Thanks.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @pizaa 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how frustrating it must feel when your keyboard doesn’t respond the first time you power on your computer. Thank you for noticing that it works fine after a restart—that’s a very helpful detail. 

Let’s walk through some simple steps together, almost like following a recipe, to make sure your keyboard wakes up properly every time.

 

Step 1: Check the basics

• Make sure the keyboard is firmly connected. If it’s wired, unplug and plug it back in. If it’s wireless, check the batteries or USB receiver.
• Try another USB port on your computer to rule out a port issue.

 

Step 2: Power cycle

• Shut down your computer completely.
• Disconnect the keyboard for 30 seconds.
• Reconnect it and then power the computer back on.

 

Step 3: Update drivers

• Press Windows key + X and choose Device Manager.
• Expand “Keyboards.”
• Right-click your keyboard and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”

 

Step 4: Run a hardware check

HP provides a built-in tool that can scan and fix issues:

• Open the HP Support Assistant or the HP App (new version replacing HP Smart).
• Go to “Troubleshooting and fixes.”
• Run a keyboard test to confirm everything is working.

Here’s a direct link to HP’s guide on using the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics tool:
HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures

 

Step 5: Fast Startup setting

Sometimes Windows Fast Startup can cause devices not to initialize properly:

• Press Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter.
• Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
• Select “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
• Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
• Save changes and restart.

If the keyboard works fine after these steps, it should start responding from the very first boot. You’ve already done a great job observing the restart behavior, and with these steps, we’re giving your keyboard a smoother wake-up call.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye