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

LOUISE CANTER 130 Reputation points
2025-11-03T14:59:59.03+00:00

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

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. AI answer

    2025-11-03T15:00:14.96+00:00

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

    1. Check Connections: Ensure that the keyboard is properly connected to the laptop. If it's a detachable keyboard, try reconnecting it.
    2. Update Drivers: Make sure that your keyboard drivers are up to date. You can check for updates through Device Manager.
    3. 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.
    4. Check BIOS Settings: Access the BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC) and ensure that the keyboard is enabled.
    5. 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.
    6. 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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  2. DaveM121 936.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-03T15:35:53.5233333+00:00

    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.

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    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Barry Brown 0 Reputation points
    2026-05-06T22:46:34.1933333+00:00

    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.

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  5. Rupertsland 0 Reputation points
    2026-05-07T02:37:17.77+00:00

    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.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.