External Keyboard does not work

[BetoLenda]

Cheers.

I can't get an external keyboard to work under my Windows 11. I remember that it worked once only by plugging into the USB port. Now, Windows chimes, indicating that there is a new device plugged into the USB, but the keyboard does not work. Lights on it (NumLock, Caps) don´t even blink, indicating no power goes through.  I tried the right and the rear USB ports and used two different keyboards, updated the USB controllers, restarted several times, no good. Any tips? Thank you in advance.

[Garp_senchau · Accepted solution]

@BetoLenda, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

It sounds like your external keyboard isn't getting any power or signal through the USB ports, which could be caused by a few different factors. Let's troubleshoot this step by step:

Check the USB Port and Cable

Even though the USB ports are detecting the keyboard, it might not be supplying power correctly. Try plugging the keyboard into a different USB device to ensure the keyboard itself is working properly.

Power Settings

Go to Device Manager (right-click the Start button, select Device Manager).

Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.

Right-click each USB Root Hub or Generic USB Hub and select Properties.

Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the option: "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Restart the computer after making this change.

Uninstall/Reinstall USB Drivers

In Device Manager, right-click on the USB Root Hub entries and select Uninstall Device.

After uninstalling, restart your PC. Windows should automatically reinstall the USB drivers upon reboot.

Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is fully up-to-date.

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Also, you can refer to this guide: HP Notebook PCs - Keyboard troubleshooting (Windows) | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

[BetoLenda]

Hi Garp. Thank you for the tips.

- USB Port and Cable were always OK

- I unchecked all "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power", restarted the computer after making the change, but it didn't work!

- Uninstalled and reinstalled USB Drivers letting Windows do the job. Didn't work either!

I solved the problem by accessing "Device Manager", finding my external keyboard entries, including the "PS/2 Keyboard (106 Key). There was one "HotKey Keyboard Class Filter Driver" listed as "unknown" with the yellow triangle sign. I went to its properties, asked to install drivers, chose "Browse Computer for Drivers", picked up the driver listed there (digitally signed), restarted. It worked all right. This is a tip for those in trouble like me. Give it a try.

Thank you very much again for your time.