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Mouse and keyboard do not work in Windows 10 Repair Environment

Anonymous
2024-02-23T00:35:46+00:00

At boot time I am presented the "Choose an operating system" screen, and select: Change defaults or choose other options>Choose other options>Troubleshoot>Advanced options. At this point I am presented with the Advanced options of:

  1. Startup Repair
  2. Startup Settings
  3. Command Prompt

If I choose Startup Repair the system reboots and I am presented with the Startup Repair screen with no mouse or keyboard function.

If I choose Startup Settings and press F10 for more options I am presented with the: Launch recovery environment option. When I select this option by pressing the 1 key, I am presented with the Recovery environment screen, with no mouse or keyboard function.

If I choose Command Prompt I am presented with a Command Prompt window, but with no mouse or keyboard function.

Needless to say, it is frustrating. I have searched for a solution to no avail, so here I am, hat in hand... literally. I have my synthetic-wool head-warming hat in my left hand as I type with my right index finger. Now my hat is back on my head because my head is getting cold :-)

I should add that I did a repair install yesterday. It went very well, and I am very pleased with the outcome. I do not know if it was possible to have mouse and keyboard function in the WinRE prior to the repair install as I never had occasion to use it. Earlier I was able to get to a repair command console through the Win10 repair disc that I was prompted to make when I did the repair install and was able to use the bootrec command to my satisfaction, so there is no compelling need to get into the WinRE at the moment. I just like to fix things that don't work right. So if anyone has any light to shed on this problem I would love to read it. Thanks,

Jack

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-23T06:45:09+00:00

    Hi

    Welcome to Microsoft community.

    I understand the difficulties you're facing with your mouse and keyboard not working in the Windows 10 Repair Environment. This is indeed a frustrating issue, but let's see if we can find a solution.

    It seems like your mouse and keyboard are not being recognized by the system during the boot process. This could be due to various reasons such as a faulty USB port, outdated BIOS, or incorrect BIOS settings.

    Here are some suggestions you could try:

    1. Change USB Ports: Try connecting your mouse and keyboard to different USB ports. If you're using USB 3.0 ports, try switching to USB 2.0 ports instead, as they can sometimes be more reliable during the boot process.
    2. Enable Legacy USB Support in BIOS: If your BIOS settings have been changed, it might be preventing your mouse and keyboard from being recognized. You can try enabling Legacy USB Support in your BIOS settings. This option might be located under different menus depending on your BIOS version, but it's typically under "Advanced", "Boot", or "Integrated Peripherals".
    3. Update BIOS: Outdated BIOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues with your hardware. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS updates. Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
    4. Try a different mouse and keyboard: If possible, try using a different mouse and keyboard to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with your current mouse and keyboard or with the system itself.
    5. Check for hardware conflicts in Device Manager: If you have access to Device Manager, check for any conflicts or issues with your mouse and keyboard. You can access Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Device Manager".

    Please feel free to let me know how it goes and I wish you the best of luck in resolving this issue!

    Best regards

    Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-24T07:23:49+00:00

    Hi

    Thanks for your detailed response and for going through the suggestions I provided. It's clear that you have a good understanding of the system given your experience with building desktop systems since Windows 3.0.

    Given that you've already tried many of the common solutions, this indeed is a bit of a puzzler. Considering the circumstances, it could be a specific issue with the Windows 10 Recovery Environment not loading the necessary drivers for your mouse and keyboard.

    Here are a few more things that you may want to consider:

    1. Driver Issue: You might want to check if there are any driver updates available for your keyboard and mouse. Sometimes, the manufacturer releases updates that can improve compatibility with different environments.
    2. Windows 10 Recovery Disk: If you have access to another Windows 10 machine, you could try creating a recovery disk. This would help verify if the issue is with the Windows 10 Recovery Environment on your machine or a more general issue.
    3. Hardware Compatibility: While it seems unlikely given your experience, there could be a hardware compatibility issue specific to the Windows 10 Recovery Environment. As an experiment, you could try a different type of mouse and keyboard (for instance, if you're using a wireless mouse/keyboard, try a wired one, or vice versa).
    4. System File Check (SFC) / DISM: Run the SFC and DISM commands to check for any system file corruption. Use the following commands in the Command Prompt (Admin): sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    5. Reset your PC: As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work and you absolutely need access to the Windows Recovery Environment, you might consider resetting your PC. This should be done with caution as it would delete all your files and applications.

    Please keep me updated on your progress. Best of luck!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-23T18:30:26+00:00

    Thanks Derrick! As to your suggestions:

    1. Change USB Ports

    The current ports work flawlessly in every other case. I am able to use mouse and keyboard in similar instances of booting from various operating system environments such as Memtest, various repair disks, Hiren's BootCD, and every other case that requires booting from a utility OS.

    2.Enable Legacy USB Support in BIOS

    This is the first thing I tried.

    1. Update BIOS

    It is updated to the latest

    1. Try a different mouse and keyboard

    Current mouse and keyboard work flawlessly in every other case.

    1. Check for hardware conflicts in Device Manager

    There are none.

    In the interest of thoroughness I will try changing USB ports , and mouse and keyboard, but very doubtful that will change anything. I have been building desktop systems since Windows 3.0, and have mange to navigate my way through every obstacle so far, and have developed a sense of what might be the problem in every case, but this one has me stumped for the moment.

    Jack

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