Uninstalled Usb drivers no longer can log into computer. Tried restarting still no way to log in. Tried remote control but didnt have it set up. Computer will not reset from WinRe.

Question

Trying to solve a USB driver issue I saw people saying to uninstall and reinstall drivers. So I uninstalled the USB drivers from the device manager. The next step was to restart my computer and I could get in because Windows would auto-install them on start-up. I have been locked out of my laptop for days troubleshooting. I need help.

Answer 1

Hello，

It sounds like the system isn’t automatically reinstalling the necessary USB controller drivers on boot, so you’re unable to use your keyboard/mouse to log in. Let’s work through some steps to regain control of the computer.

Please follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Built‐in Keyboard Functionality:

  • On many laptops the integrated keyboard is not a USB device and may work even if external USB drivers are missing. Verify if your laptop’s built-in keyboard is active. If it responds (try the password field), you might be able to log in.

  • If you’re using an external keyboard and it’s not working, confirm that it’s not a hardware issue by testing it on another computer if possible.

2. Try Safe Mode:

  • Since you’re locked out, you’ll need to boot into Safe Mode. Normally, one would press F8 (or Shift+F8) during startup, but on Windows 10/11 this isn’t always reliable.

  • If you have a recovery media (USB or DVD), insert it, boot from it, and choose “Repair your computer”→ “Troubleshoot”→ “Advanced options”→ “Startup Settings.” Then select Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows should load minimal drivers, including generic USB input support.

  • Once in Safe Mode, open Device Manager, right-click your USB controllers, and choose either “Scan for hardware changes” or reinstall the drivers. Windows Update may then fetch the correct drivers.

3. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and System Restore:

  • If Safe Mode isn’t accessible (or you can’t use your USB input), boot using Windows installation media.

  • At the setup screen, click “Repair your computer.”

  • Navigate to “Troubleshoot” → “Advanced options” → “System Restore”. If you have a restore point from before you uninstalled the USB drivers, restore your system. This should revert the driver changes.

  • If you cannot select a restore point or if the restore does not fix the issue, proceed to the next step.

4. Command Prompt Fix from WinRE:

  • Boot into WinRE as described above.

  • Open the Command Prompt.

  • You can try running the System File Checker tool by typing: sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

   (Adjust drive letters if your Windows installation is on a different partition.)

  • This might help re-install or repair system files including driver packages.

  • Alternatively, you can try enabling driver reinstallation by forcing a scan for new hardware. Although this is more difficult from the command line, you might consider using DISM commands to repair the image:

   DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Consider Alternative Input Devices:

  • If USB isn’t working and you’re unable to use the built-in keyboard (or if it turns out the built-in keyboard is also reliant on a USB connection internally), see if your laptop has a PS/2 port. A PS/2 keyboard or mouse should work without relying on Windows’ USB drivers.

  • Additionally, if you have Bluetooth input devices that were previously paired, and if Bluetooth drivers are still functional, you might be able to use those to navigate.

6. Last Resort – In-place Repair Install:

  • If none of the above methods work, you might consider performing an in-place repair installation. Boot from the Windows installation media, and choose the “Install now” option. When prompted, choose “Upgrade” to keep your files (if available). This will reinstall Windows while preserving your data and hopefully reinitialize the drivers.

  • Note: This method requires you to have keyboard/mouse control during installation. Ensure you have any non-USB (like PS/2) devices available if needed.

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