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Initial Locked Screen Input Issue

James Mattoon 20 Reputation points
2025-10-31T20:40:44.2233333+00:00

When I first power up the computer the keyboard is not working with the locked screen and I cannot input my pin number unless I reboot.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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Arlene D 36,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-31T21:17:50.1+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. Does your keyboard start working once you reach the desktop, or stay unresponsive even after logging in?

This issue usually happens when Windows doesn’t detect the keyboard early in startup. Check in BIOS or UEFI if “USB Legacy Support” is enabled and install the latest chipset and keyboard drivers from your device manufacturer. Also, open Settings, go to Windows Update, and install any optional driver updates.

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  1. AI answer

    2025-10-31T20:40:53.34+00:00

    The issue you're experiencing with the keyboard not working on the locked screen may be related to the Disable new DMA devices when this computer is locked policy. When this policy is enabled, certain devices, including keyboards, may not function until a user successfully logs on. This can happen if the system firmware does not correctly set the Bus Master Enabled (BME) bit for internal devices during startup, which blocks those devices until a successful logon occurs.

    To troubleshoot this issue, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check if the policy is enabled and consider disabling it if necessary.
    2. Ensure that your keyboard drivers are up to date.
    3. If the issue persists, you may need to reboot the computer to regain functionality.

    If you continue to have problems, it may be beneficial to consult additional resources or support for further assistance.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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