How do I fix Windows 11 keyboard not working on start up

Question

How do I fix Windows 11 keyboard not working on start up

LOUISE CANTER 130

My new Windows 11 laptop computer's keyboard does not work upon start up. It requires a using restart and then it works

Locked Question. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-06T00:52:02.3733333+00:00

I am experiencing the same issue. I even went out to buy a new expensive keyboard thinking my keyboard was busted ...totally unacceptable
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-06T01:12:09.2433333+00:00

Best Buy and other retailers should use their influence with Microsoft to get an update or patch to fix these computers keyboard. I returned 2 computers (Lenovo and Samsung) that had the same keyboard problem. Geek Squad tried everything both remote and in store. The AI generated answer didn’t work.
SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-06T01:15:34.8566667+00:00

My issue is not with a laptop - it's with desktop.
helpmepls 15 Reputation points

2025-11-11T23:43:50.1333333+00:00

I have the same problem with my laptop except mine is not new; I upgraded to Windows 11 a week ago and the problem started then. When I'm prompted to enter my PIN upon startup, neither the numpad nor the number keys on the top row respond until I restart. The num lock key does not light up either.
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:23:04.3033333+00:00

Yep! But why doesn’t Microsoft fix this? Many buyers of computers this holiday will be taking them back to the stores .s

Geek Squad tried everything for me and couldn’t fix it. Said have to wait for MS to send a future update!?
SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:31:47.59+00:00

So I fixed the issue by going to power settings and unchecked fast start up in the power setting options. Google it online. I was able to fix this both on my windows 11 desktop and laptop.
Don Taylor 15 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:51:31.87+00:00

Worked for me
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-12T03:57:30.14+00:00

I bet a lot of accountants are really upset.
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-12T18:26:30.2866667+00:00

Unchecking Fast Startup worked on my new windows 11 laptop.

Here is the path for us amateurs:

type control panel>hardware and sound>power options> select “choose what power button does “> uncheck “turn on fast startup>save changes

If the shutdown settings are not available, select “change settings that are currently not available” (in blue next the badge icon) to display them.
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Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2025-11-14T04:07:56.02+00:00

I have a Dell Optiplex Desktop and suddenly began needing to Restart in order to get my sign-in/log-in screen to respond to my USB keyboard input! This has been going on since last month (October) and I've tried every diagnostic with no avail. Just saw this thread with the advice to try disabling Fast Startup. Apparently this bug (if it's the same one) doesn't only affect laptops. :-(
D Hillermann 15 Reputation points

2025-11-17T07:53:43.2333333+00:00

Same issue. And it repeats. Restarts necessary. Thank goodness I am switching over to Apple / Mac.
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-17T16:32:23.1933333+00:00

This problem is across the board desktop, laptops and etc. MICROSOFT WINDOWS needs to fix this.
Debra Mason 0 Reputation points

2025-11-22T13:58:43.71+00:00

I am having same problem with my HP PC. Have to restart in order to use keyboard. Microsoft needs to fix this problem ASAP. Geek Squad said it is a worldwide problem.
scott peterson 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T00:32:08.3366667+00:00

First, thank SPQR & Louise for the solution. Worked for me, I don't notice any difference in start-up time. (I'm using a brand-new Windows 11 laptop from Dell).

Second, agree with all those who point out how egregious of a problem this is. Not being able to accept basic keyboard input should never happen. Come on, Microsoft.
Dan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T20:11:11.23+00:00

2 new computers ( purchased in Oct), having the same problem. One a desk top and the other a lap top. We have to restart every time to get the keyboards to work. Have tried everything, so

frustrating
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-24T23:17:37.8133333+00:00

Disable Fast Startup. See instructions #3 in the AI generated answer below or other comments
Steven Becka 0 Reputation points

2025-11-29T19:00:48.2466667+00:00

I have the same problem with my PC and my laptop! AI generated fix does not work. Please release a fix soon Microsoft! It's not like you don't have the money or resources to get it done.
Alan and Lena Gray 0 Reputation points

2025-12-09T20:52:20.35+00:00

Laptop keyboard not responsive. Sometimes works after uninstalling driver then reinstalling. Definitely indicative of a bug. Please sort this Microsoft!
Paul Cutner 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T08:38:03.8066667+00:00

Disable Fast Startup - it worked for me
Barry Brown 0 Reputation points

2026-05-06T22:36:04.2133333+00:00

The keyboard dose not connect so I can't do anything that requires one. I only have a mouse.

5 answers

SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-06T00:52:02.3733333+00:00

I am experiencing the same issue. I even went out to buy a new expensive keyboard thinking my keyboard was busted ...totally unacceptable
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-06T01:12:09.2433333+00:00

Best Buy and other retailers should use their influence with Microsoft to get an update or patch to fix these computers keyboard. I returned 2 computers (Lenovo and Samsung) that had the same keyboard problem. Geek Squad tried everything both remote and in store. The AI generated answer didn’t work.
SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-06T01:15:34.8566667+00:00

My issue is not with a laptop - it's with desktop.
helpmepls 15 Reputation points

2025-11-11T23:43:50.1333333+00:00

I have the same problem with my laptop except mine is not new; I upgraded to Windows 11 a week ago and the problem started then. When I'm prompted to enter my PIN upon startup, neither the numpad nor the number keys on the top row respond until I restart. The num lock key does not light up either.
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:23:04.3033333+00:00

Yep! But why doesn’t Microsoft fix this? Many buyers of computers this holiday will be taking them back to the stores .s

Geek Squad tried everything for me and couldn’t fix it. Said have to wait for MS to send a future update!?
SPQR Forever 45 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:31:47.59+00:00

So I fixed the issue by going to power settings and unchecked fast start up in the power setting options. Google it online. I was able to fix this both on my windows 11 desktop and laptop.
Don Taylor 15 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:51:31.87+00:00

Worked for me
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-12T03:57:30.14+00:00

I bet a lot of accountants are really upset.
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-12T18:26:30.2866667+00:00

Unchecking Fast Startup worked on my new windows 11 laptop.

Here is the path for us amateurs:

type control panel>hardware and sound>power options> select “choose what power button does “> uncheck “turn on fast startup>save changes

If the shutdown settings are not available, select “change settings that are currently not available” (in blue next the badge icon) to display them.
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2025-11-14T04:07:56.02+00:00

I have a Dell Optiplex Desktop and suddenly began needing to Restart in order to get my sign-in/log-in screen to respond to my USB keyboard input! This has been going on since last month (October) and I've tried every diagnostic with no avail. Just saw this thread with the advice to try disabling Fast Startup. Apparently this bug (if it's the same one) doesn't only affect laptops. :-(
D Hillermann 15 Reputation points

2025-11-17T07:53:43.2333333+00:00

Same issue. And it repeats. Restarts necessary. Thank goodness I am switching over to Apple / Mac.
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-17T16:32:23.1933333+00:00

This problem is across the board desktop, laptops and etc. MICROSOFT WINDOWS needs to fix this.
Debra Mason 0 Reputation points

2025-11-22T13:58:43.71+00:00

I am having same problem with my HP PC. Have to restart in order to use keyboard. Microsoft needs to fix this problem ASAP. Geek Squad said it is a worldwide problem.
scott peterson 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T00:32:08.3366667+00:00

First, thank SPQR & Louise for the solution. Worked for me, I don't notice any difference in start-up time. (I'm using a brand-new Windows 11 laptop from Dell).

Second, agree with all those who point out how egregious of a problem this is. Not being able to accept basic keyboard input should never happen. Come on, Microsoft.
Dan 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T20:11:11.23+00:00

2 new computers ( purchased in Oct), having the same problem. One a desk top and the other a lap top. We have to restart every time to get the keyboards to work. Have tried everything, so

frustrating
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-24T23:17:37.8133333+00:00

Disable Fast Startup. See instructions #3 in the AI generated answer below or other comments
Steven Becka 0 Reputation points

2025-11-29T19:00:48.2466667+00:00

I have the same problem with my PC and my laptop! AI generated fix does not work. Please release a fix soon Microsoft! It's not like you don't have the money or resources to get it done.
Alan and Lena Gray 0 Reputation points

2025-12-09T20:52:20.35+00:00

Laptop keyboard not responsive. Sometimes works after uninstalling driver then reinstalling. Definitely indicative of a bug. Please sort this Microsoft!
Paul Cutner 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T08:38:03.8066667+00:00

Disable Fast Startup - it worked for me
Barry Brown 0 Reputation points

2026-05-06T22:36:04.2133333+00:00

The keyboard dose not connect so I can't do anything that requires one. I only have a mouse.

Answer 1

Rupertsland 0

I agree with DaveM121's response. There were issues with the Windows updates last fall and early winter.

As of April 2026, it appears the issue might have been resolved through recent Windows updates. A week ago I had to turn off my laptop. After turning it back on the next morning, I was able to sign in. Previously, the only way to get the keyboard to work and for me to sign in was to restart the laptop yet again.

If anyone is still having the issue, I suggest installing the Windows updates first. Otherwise, restarting a second time should work. Also, I suggest backing up files to a portable external drive, regardless, to protect your data.

idk idk how hwat name 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T04:15:17.37+00:00

Now this happed in 2026 again When i updated windows 10 to 11 in 2026 Thank you.

Answer 2

Barry Brown 0

I cannot login even with a pin so the remedies posted are not helpful. I only have a mouse to operate with. Self built desktop computer. It worked fine for a few months. Even plugin keyboard dose not work.

Rupertsland 0 Reputation points

2026-05-07T20:26:53.3766667+00:00

Hi Barry,

Try restarting your computer again after turning on your computer.

The same issue happened to me a few months ago. I normally turned off my laptop (i.e., shutdown) at the end of the day. Then when I turned on my computer, the keyboard wouldn't work. Only the mouse worked. I then restarted the laptop from the login screen. The keyboard worked. So, each time I turned off the computer and then turned it back on, the problem repeated. Only a restart after turning on the computer made the keyboard respond again. As a result, I decided to simply leave the laptop turned on all the time and let it go to sleep.

The other week I had to shut down my laptop and unplug it. After turning the laptop back on again, the keyboard worked at the login screen. I suspect the recent updates to Windows 11 might have solved this problem.

Hope my suggestion helps.
Barry Brown 0 Reputation points

2026-05-13T08:48:32.66+00:00

Hi thanks for that. I have since got the keyboard to work, but now the number pad does not work, so I have to use the number keys at the top of the keyboard.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

DaveM121 936.1K Independent Advisor

There is a problem reported at the moment with laptop keyboards in Windows 11, at the start of October, Microsoft released an update that contained a bug that caused USB keyboard not to work in the recovery environment, then, Microsoft released an out of band update to resolve that bug, and since that update, many people are reporting this problem with a laptop keyboard that needs a restart to get get the keyboard working.

It is not safe to remove that update, it is required, the best option is to open the Feedback App in Windows and report this keyboard problem, the more people that report the problem the sooner they will provide a patch to resolve the problem.

D Dunmore 10 Reputation points

2025-11-05T14:07:31.1933333+00:00

THANK you! My Windows 11 laptop computer's keyboard does not work upon start up. It requires a using restart and then it works. since the last update
Jake Stone 5 Reputation points

2025-11-06T00:41:31.9033333+00:00

It is in general, a problem with new Windows 11 release. I have a regular desktop computer about 2 years old, and I now cannot get any keyboard numeric keypad to work with it. Even a Microsoft keyboard. Weird thing is that the keypad works for sign in of my pass code but then stops working in Office, and calculator. I have to use the top row number keys that still work to use calculator. I am 75 and made/manufactured computer keyboards 50 years ago with keypads on them. Someone tell me 50 years later why are we even having this problem.

I have tried everything recommended online to fix it to no avail. Setting the "regedit" values to "2" like recommended. Going BIOS numpad making sure it is enabled. Nothing works.

It is a much bigger problem than just laptops and a few computers. Judging from the noise on the internet, it is a major problem with Microsoft.
Joypiper 10 Reputation points

2025-11-08T16:35:39.1066667+00:00

I have the same problem with Win 11 on a Dell Inspiron Desktop, a Lenova Laptop, and a Dell Laptop.

Short term solution? When prompted for PIN, I click on lower right of screen to Restart, then it KBoard works. At least the mousepad is unaffected.

This is messed up!
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-08T18:07:48.4066667+00:00

Yes, discovered the Restart fix, but given the cost of my new laptop the Keyboard should work upon start up.
Don Taylor 15 Reputation points

2025-11-09T13:55:46.8666667+00:00

I am having the same problem, chkd updates, chkd BIOS, chkd control panel to no avail. Restart always solves the problem.
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-12T03:51:55.44+00:00

It is not only laptops. My desktop now turns off the numeric keypad after I put in my windows number sign in. I have tried all the recommended fixes mentioned by Microsoft and others from num key lock to regedit. They need to go back and release the update before last to get us out of this hell hole. I can't believe after 50 years with PC keyboards we are having this problem. I used to manufacture keyboards for Gateway, Compaq, IBM, NCR and etc.
Alpha and Omega 10 Reputation points

2025-11-12T04:08:31.1566667+00:00

If Windows 11 started all this, why would I want to restore with Windows 11. Anyway you can only restore a prior version if to many days have not passed. If Microsoft does not come up with a fix, you almost have to do a complete re-install of Windows 10. For me though I believe it started with the most recent update in October 15th.
Terry Piotraschke 5 Reputation points

2025-11-13T21:46:34.3733333+00:00

I have the same problem with my two month old Lenovo laptop since the October update. I have also been able to get the keyboard to work by using Restart rather than Start. None of the other suggestions worked for me and the Microsoft tech was no help either.
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-14T00:45:08.01+00:00

Unchecking Turn on Fast Startup fixes this. See others answers!_Open Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, Power Options, Change what power buttons do, Shutdown Setting, Uncheck turn on fast startup, save changes

if Shutdown Settings do no appear, select Change settings that are not currently available (blue text next to blue and yellow badge ) to show Shutdown Settings
LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points

2025-11-14T00:46:23.3733333+00:00

Several of us got that to work!
Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2025-11-14T04:13:19.7766667+00:00

I've been going down every diagnostic rabbit-hole in existence since mid-October, before finally reading this thread. Just unchecked Fast Start, will now Shut Down and cross all fingers that my log-in behavior is now back to normal!!!! Windows 11 Pro, 24H2, Dell Optiplex desktop.

YES!! It works!!!! Thank you!!!

Whatever made Microsoft think that this problem only affects laptops??? Do they think that (a) nobody uses desktop computers anymore, or (b) nobody uses USB keyboards anymore???
Joypiper 10 Reputation points

2025-11-15T14:54:50.8533333+00:00

I also found this to be the best solution. However, one of the original incentives for moving to Win 11 was the Fast Start feature. So I tested it to see if my boot up experience is actually longer than the 2-steps: boot up, followed by restart. It actually took about a minute longer to get up and running doing the 2-steps vs removing the Fast Start (recommended) feature. My results, obviously, depend on my hardware configuration. Your "mileage" may vary.
Raymond Jager 5 Reputation points

2025-11-15T15:25:30.85+00:00

Having same issue with my HP desktop computer. This PIN issue began after the Windows 11 update around September-October timeframe. It is ridiculous to turn the computer ON from a cold start then have to restart to computer in order for the PIN input to work. I have not added any new software or made any system changes to my computer in the past 2 months except for the Windows 11 update. I always turn my computer totally off at the end of my session.

Can Microsoft send out a Windows 11 automatic update to fix this issue?
Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2025-11-15T15:51:59.5766667+00:00

@Joypiper , I would say that during the 2-step (boot/restart/boot) workaround period, my Dell Optiplex/Windows11Pro took around 45 seconds to actually get there also, from the time that the Lock Screen initially appeared upon first boot-up.

What I also did, after disabling Fast Start in order to solve the stupid nonresponsive-first-login bug, was to also disable the Lock Screen. So, now when I turn on the computer each morning it goes directly to the Sign-In/Log-in Screen...which saves a step right there. And I have noticed that one of the startup apps (Notezilla) that populates my desktop is back to loading instantaneously, the way it always used to do before whatever in the October Windows Update screwed up the bootup procedure so badly.

@Raymond Jager, you would THINK that Microsoft would include a fix in a subsequent update but I suspect that as long as there is any kind of an effective workaround (in this case, disabling Fast Start), it's not going to be high on their priority list. :-/
D Hillermann 15 Reputation points

2025-11-17T07:58:43.36+00:00

Best solution: Move away from Windows / Microsoft entirely.
I'm switching over to Apple / Mac.
Problem solved.
Jenean Hill 0 Reputation points

2025-12-02T17:46:08.75+00:00

Disabling fast start did NOTHING. Ok - so it's a workaround for some. BIG DEAL.
Grishma Sarabi 0 Reputation points

2026-01-11T17:25:06.5866667+00:00

Same problems after update - start button on laptop key board not working, had to use F2 function key to start it, thought my laptop was on the way out, so great to know its something Microsoft needs to sort out.
Raymond Jager 5 Reputation points

2026-01-11T19:53:20.71+00:00

Updated my Windows 11 in November and WALLA! The problem is fixed. MSFT finally corrected the problem for my PC anyway after several months of restarting.
Raymond Jager 5 Reputation points

2026-01-11T19:55:57.49+00:00

BTW- Thank you for comments and sharing work arounds.
Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2026-01-11T20:10:00.1+00:00

@Raymond Jager, I'm surprised (but happy for you) to hear that the November update fixed it, because I have a Windows 11 laptop that I keep as an emergency backup machine to my desktop. Both are Dells. Because I use the laptop so rarely, I am always one or more Windows Updates behind the desktop. I had to use the laptop today to test something, and voila! I had the login problem on it! At least this time I knew that a Restart would fix it. So I re-started and immediately went to turn off the Fast Start (which WAS on, of course). Then I looked at the Windows Update and saw that the laptop was running on that November 13, 2025 update as most recent. Which means, since the laptop was using that Update when I booted it up and was initially locked out, that for me at least, the November 13 2025 update had not corrected the problem; it still needed Fast Start to be disabled in order to fix it.
Raymond Jager 5 Reputation points

2026-01-11T21:56:11.2066667+00:00

Elaine,

I have an HP desktop with Windows 11 Home version. In the "Power Plan" the fast start box is checked.

I found 2 Windows updates in late October. I did not notice them until November since I don't use my desktop every day. It is usually turned off.

Updated10/25: 2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5066835) (26100.6899)

Updated 10/24: 2025-10 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 24H2 for x64 (KB5066131)

I'm guessing one of these updates worked for me. Sorry you are still having this issue.

I did not change any of my settings trying to fix the problem hoping MSFT would send an update to correct it. Thanks for your assistance.
Elaine B 5 Reputation points

2026-01-11T22:11:36.83+00:00

Ah, I see a slight difference: I have Windows 11 Pro on both Dell machines (desktop and laptop); you have Windows 11 Home. Don't know if that affects anything, BUT at this point I wouldn't put anything past Microsoft, LOL
idk idk how hwat name 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T04:13:33.9066667+00:00

Thank You it happend when i updated windows 11 in 2026

Answer 5

If your keyboard is not working upon startup in Windows 11, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check Connections: Ensure that the keyboard is properly connected to the laptop. If it's a detachable keyboard, try reconnecting it.
Update Drivers: Make sure that your keyboard drivers are up to date. You can check for updates through Device Manager.
Disable Fast Startup: Sometimes, disabling Fast Startup can resolve issues with peripherals not working at startup. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable, and then uncheck the "Turn on fast startup" option.
Check BIOS Settings: Access the BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC) and ensure that the keyboard is enabled.
Perform a System Restore: If the issue started after a recent update or installation, consider performing a system restore to revert to a previous state where the keyboard was functioning correctly.
Update Windows: Ensure that your Windows 11 is fully updated, as updates can fix bugs and improve hardware compatibility.

If the problem persists after trying these steps, you may need to consult the laptop's manufacturer for further assistance or consider hardware diagnostics.

References:

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