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keyboard does not work until after restart

Terry Smith 5 Reputation points
2025-10-20T19:04:29.0066667+00:00

After resolving install problem with Win 11 vers 25H2, Dell G7 laptop keyboard and on-screen keyboard do not work until after a restart.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Earl Bennett 10 Reputation points
    2025-10-28T19:06:29.15+00:00

    I am suspecting the October patch release as the root cause of no keyboard after cold start. I say this because I updated my older Dell laptop, running Win 10 22H2 with the October Cum Update. As a result, that keyboard also failed to function on cold start!

    Applied the "powercfg.exe /h off" command to the old laptop. The keyboard now works on cold starts.

    Wonder if Microsoft deliberately added code to force hibernation instead of shutdowns?????

    Earl

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  2. Terry Smith 5 Reputation points
    2025-10-27T21:05:41.6366667+00:00

    The Dell G7 keyboard not loading on cold start has been resolved by using this command in PowerShell (as admin):

    powercfg / hibernate off

    Terry

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  3. Earl Bennett 10 Reputation points
    2025-10-27T20:03:29.1833333+00:00

    I have the same issue. Was on Win 11 v 24H2 and had this issue. Successfully installed (today) Win 11 v 25H2, followed by the OOB update KB5070733. Performed normal "shut down" and left for a few hours. Upon startup, no keyboard, forcing me to hard power off and then restart. Keyboard then works as expected. Have also uninstalled keyboard drivers and restarted. Did not help.

    Dell is insisting on a complete wipe of the hard drive followed by a reinstall of Win 11. I cannot see how that might help.

    Ideas appreciated!

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  4. Terry Smith 5 Reputation points
    2025-10-21T17:59:38.3233333+00:00

    John, Keyboard still does not startup when I open the Dell G7 7500 laptop lid (normal start method) or when I have shut down leaving lid open then press power button to start. I had previously installed Win 11 vers 25H2 successfully and deleted the keyboard drivers letting them re-install on startup.

    The keyboard does startup when I do a lid or power button start, and then by doing a restart using the on-screen power icon. Something is preventing the keyboard starting except during a restart following a state when the keyboard has not started.

    Is there a different startup script for restart ? Or is there a script for the lid/button startup that is not used during a restart (from a state of OS running)?

    Terry

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  5. John Oliver 11,650 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-20T19:41:44.7133333+00:00

    Hello Terry Smith, Thanks for posting this in our community. Sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with your keyboard not working properly after updating to Windows 11 version 25H2. I understand how frustrating it can be when essential features like your keyboard and on-screen keyboard aren't responsive, especially after a system update.

    To start, please check for any pending updates. After a major update like 25H2, there are often additional patches or driver updates that need to be installed. You can do this by going to Settings > Windows Update, clicking Check for updates, and installing everything available, including any optional driver updates.

    If the issue persists, try reinstalling the keyboard drivers. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X, expand the Keyboards section, right-click your keyboard device (ex. "Standard PS/2 Keyboard"), and select Uninstall device. After that, restart your PC Windows should automatically reinstall the correct driver.

    Kind regards,

    John Oli

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