10 Fixes for “Keyboard Connected to Monitor Not Working” Issue: Troubleshooting Tips

If your keyboard is connected to your monitor but not working, it can be a frustrating experience. Whether you’re unable to type, or the keyboard isn’t responding at all, this issue often stems from simple connection errors or settings problems. In this guide, we will walk you through five easy fixes to get your keyboard working again. Whether you’re using a USB or wireless keyboard, these solutions will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem quickly.

1. Check the Keyboard Connection to Monitor for Proper Setup

One of the most common reasons your keyboard isn’t working is because it’s not connected properly. If you’re using a monitor with built-in USB hubs or a keyboard that’s plugged into the monitor instead of the computer, the issue might lie in the connection.

• Ensure that the keyboard’s USB cable is securely plugged into the correct port on the monitor or computer.
• If you’re using a USB hub built into the monitor, try plugging the keyboard directly into the computer instead to rule out the hub as the problem.
• If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the receiver is properly connected to the monitor or computer, and that the batteries are charged.

Sometimes, a loose connection can be enough to prevent the keyboard from functioning. Reconnecting the keyboard directly to your computer often solves this problem.

2. Verify Keyboard Settings and Input Source

If your keyboard is still not working after ensuring it’s properly connected, it could be an issue with your keyboard settings or the input source on your computer. This happens when the keyboard is not recognized due to incorrect settings.

• Check if the correct keyboard input language and layout are set on your computer.
• If you are using a multi-monitor setup, ensure that the input source is set to the correct monitor where your keyboard is connected.
• If you have a laptop, try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port on your computer.

Sometimes, switching the input settings or adjusting the layout will allow the keyboard to start working again.

3. Test with Another Keyboard or USB Port to Rule Out Hardware Problems

If your keyboard is still not functioning, the problem may be with the keyboard itself or the USB ports. To rule out hardware issues, try these steps:

• Test your keyboard with another computer to check if the problem is with the keyboard itself.
• If the keyboard works on another computer, try using a different USB port on your monitor or computer.
• If using a wireless keyboard, test it with a different receiver or check if the batteries are fully charged.

By testing the keyboard and ports, you can quickly determine if the problem lies with the keyboard or the monitor/computer.

4. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers for Proper Functionality

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause your keyboard to stop working, even if it’s properly connected to the monitor. Updating or reinstalling the keyboard drivers often fixes the issue and restores full functionality.

• Open the Device Manager on your computer and find your keyboard in the list.
• Right-click the keyboard and select “Update Driver” to check for the latest updates.
• If the keyboard is not working after updating, try uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers.

Updated drivers ensure that your operating system and hardware communicate properly, allowing the keyboard to function without issues.

5. Perform a System Restart or Reset to Fix Keyboard Problems

Sometimes a simple system restart or reset can solve keyboard issues. This action clears any temporary software glitches or conflicts that may be preventing your keyboard from functioning.

• Restart your computer to reset the software settings and reconnect devices.
• If the problem persists, perform a system reset to restore default settings and resolve any software conflicts.
• For wireless keyboards, power cycle the device by turning it off and on again.

A restart can refresh the system and resolve minor issues that are causing the keyboard to not work, whether it’s a connection issue or a software problem.

6. Check for External Interference with Wireless Keyboards

If you’re using a wireless keyboard and it’s not responding, external interference could be the cause. Wireless signals, such as Bluetooth or RF, can sometimes be disrupted by nearby devices or objects. To resolve this:

• Move your wireless keyboard and receiver away from other wireless devices, such as routers, cordless phones, or microwave ovens.
• Try using the keyboard in a different location, away from sources of interference.
• Ensure that there’s a clear line of sight between the keyboard and its receiver, especially for Bluetooth keyboards.

Reducing interference from other electronic devices can help improve the connection and make your wireless keyboard work properly.

7. Check the Monitor’s USB Port or Built-in Hub for Malfunctions

Many modern monitors come with built-in USB hubs, which can be used to connect peripheral devices like keyboards. If your keyboard is connected to the monitor’s USB hub but not working, the problem could be with the monitor’s USB port or internal hub.

• Try connecting your keyboard directly to your computer instead of using the monitor’s USB hub.
• Inspect the USB port on the monitor to ensure it’s not damaged or malfunctioning.
• Test the USB hub with other devices to verify if it’s working correctly.

If the USB hub or port on your monitor is faulty, the keyboard may not receive the signal correctly. By bypassing the hub and connecting directly to the computer, you may resolve the issue.

8. Ensure Keyboard Compatibility with the Monitor and Computer

In some cases, a keyboard might not work with certain monitors or computers due to compatibility issues. Some older monitors or certain operating systems may not fully support all keyboard models. To fix this:

• Check the manufacturer’s website for any compatibility information about your monitor, keyboard, and computer.
• Test the keyboard on a different monitor or computer to ensure it’s working properly.
• Try using a different keyboard to see if the issue is with the keyboard model or the monitor.

Ensuring that the keyboard is compatible with both the monitor and computer is crucial for it to function correctly. If compatibility issues are found, switching to a different keyboard or updating software may help.

9. Disable “Fast Startup” to Fix Keyboard Issues

Some users experience keyboard issues due to a feature in Windows known as “Fast Startup.” This setting can sometimes cause peripherals like keyboards to not function properly after booting up. To fix this:

• Open Control Panel and go to “Power Options.”
• Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” and uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
• Save the changes and restart your computer.

Disabling Fast Startup can help your system properly recognize and initialize connected devices, such as your keyboard.

---

10. Update Your Monitor’s Firmware to Fix Keyboard Connection Issues

In some rare cases, an outdated firmware on your monitor can interfere with keyboard functionality, especially if you’re using a monitor with built-in USB hubs or peripheral support. To fix this:

• Visit the manufacturer’s website and check if there’s a firmware update available for your monitor.
• Follow the instructions to download and install the latest firmware version for your monitor.
• After updating, reconnect the keyboard to see if the issue is resolved.

Updating your monitor’s firmware ensures that it has the latest improvements and bug fixes, which can sometimes solve connectivity issues between the keyboard and monitor.

1. Why is my keyboard connected to the monitor but not responding?

If your keyboard is connected to the monitor but not responding, the issue could be due to several reasons. First, ensure the keyboard is properly plugged into the correct USB port on the monitor or computer. If you’re using a wireless keyboard, check the receiver’s connection and make sure the batteries are not dead. Additionally, faulty monitor USB hubs or incorrect input source settings could be preventing the keyboard from functioning. Try connecting the keyboard directly to the computer to rule out monitor-related issues.

2. How do I fix my keyboard not working on a monitor with built-in USB ports?

If your keyboard isn’t working on a monitor with built-in USB ports, the issue may be related to the monitor’s USB hub. Try plugging the keyboard directly into the computer to bypass the monitor’s USB ports. If this resolves the issue, the monitor’s USB hub may not be functioning properly. You can also test the USB hub with other devices to see if the problem is specific to the keyboard or the hub itself.

3. How can I fix a wireless keyboard connected to a monitor that’s not working?

If your wireless keyboard is connected to the monitor but not working, try checking for interference from other wireless devices like routers or microwaves. Make sure the receiver is securely connected and within range of the keyboard. You should also ensure that the batteries in the keyboard are not depleted. Try moving the receiver to a different USB port or using a different receiver if possible.

Related keywords: wireless keyboard not working, keyboard receiver issue, interference with wireless keyboard, fix wireless keyboard connection, monitor not detecting wireless keyboard.

4. What should I do if my keyboard works on one monitor but not on another?

If your keyboard works on one monitor but not on another, it could be an issue with the input settings or USB ports on the second monitor. Check the input source settings to ensure that the monitor is receiving a signal from the correct device. Try connecting the keyboard directly to the computer instead of the second monitor to see if the problem lies with the monitor’s USB ports or the keyboard itself.

Related keywords: keyboard not working on second monitor, monitor input source settings, USB ports monitor not working, keyboard input source problem, multi-monitor keyboard issue.

5. Can outdated keyboard drivers cause my keyboard to stop working on a monitor?

Yes, outdated or corrupt drivers can cause the keyboard to stop working, even when connected to the monitor. To resolve this, update the keyboard drivers through the Device Manager in Windows. Right-click on the keyboard, select “Update Driver,” and follow the prompts to install the latest driver version. If updating doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard drivers to fix any software-related issues.