Keyboard Doesn’t Work In BIOS- Causes And How To Fix The Issue

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Once you boot your computer, the computer’s control system will go to the motherboard’s BIOS first, and it is after this, it can look for boot sequence. Once the computer enters the boot sequence, it starts trying to boot from sequences one after the other. It is the first device that comes with a valid bootloader that gets to boot at this stage. Many factors can be responsible if your keyboard is not visible or operational at the boot menu.

So, why is my Keyboard Not Working in BIOS?

Your keyboard may not work in BIOS if its drivers are not recognized or initialized. In some cases, it could mean a faulty USB port connecting an external keyboard. It could also be because the USB port is not initialized or the keyboard driver is not recognized is not supported on BIOS.

How Can I Enable Keyboard In BIOS?

Luckily, you can fix issues with the keyboard not working in BIOS in few minutes and efficiently. Sometimes, the problem may be caused by a faulty motherboard.

If your keyboard is not working in BIOS, it may likely be that the keyboard has been disabled in BIOS. You will have to go through several menus in BIOS to be able to fix this issue. To achieve this, you will need another keyboard that works in the BIOS.

Using a PS/2 motherboard with generic drivers to work through BIOS is possible because it works by default on many motherboards. Alternatively, you can use a keyboard that uses USB 2.0 port. The following are steps or options you can take to re-enable the keyboard in BIOS;

1. Enable the USB Support

If the integrated or default peripherals are not enabled in BIOS, you need to re-enable them to allow the keyboard to become active in BIOS.

Reboot your computer and go to BIOS, then navigate to the peripherals by searching for the “Integrated Peripherals” or “default peripherals” option in BIOS. Keep in mind that these peripherals can be named differently, depending on your computer’s motherboard type. Your aim here is to discover the option that will lead you to USB or legacy keyboard support.

Enable the USB or Legacy USB Support once you find it. In some motherboards, it is labeled as “Legacy keyboard support.” Whatever the name is, it is still the same setting, and you must enable it. Once enabled, save your settings and exit immediately.

2. Disable the Fast Boot

Disabling the fast boot on the BIOS could also be the solution to the keyboard not working in BIOS.

You will find the fast boot option in all motherboard versions. This feature will cause the USB devices to load after the OS boot and not before the BIOS load. This means that if your USB keyboard loads after OS boot, it wouldn’t be available on the BIOS boot.

To disable the fast boot, reboot your PC and then go to BIOS. You will find the fast boot option under the boot menu. If you can’t locate the fast boot option under the boot menu, you will have to search for it under other menus.

Once you have located the fast boot option, you may disable it. Save the changes you have made and turn off the computer. Don’t forget to replace the current keyboard with the default one and then boot from BIOS to see if the keyword works.

3. Clear CMOS

Another way of dealing with this issue is to clear the CMOS. When you clear the CMOS, the BIOS will reset to the default settings.

The first step is to shut down your computer and remove the power cord. Remove the PC case’s side panel so you can access the motherboard. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard once you get through- It is a small battery with a circular shape located around the CPU. You may want to refer to the motherboard manual in case you can’t locate this battery.

Remove the CMOS carefully, and this should be a straightforward process. Try as much as possible to avoid touching any other part of the motherboard because they can be susceptible to severe damages. Wait for about 60 seconds after removing the battery before you put it back to its original position. Make sure the battery fits appropriately when you return it.

Turn the computer back on and go to BIOS and see if your keyboard works there. Return the side panel of the computer to its original position if everything works fine.

4. Disabled the USB 3.0 on Boot

If you have one of the modern computers with USB 3.0 features, perhaps this step could help you resolve the keyboard in BIOS problem.

Sometimes on these newer motherboards, USB 3.0 is used in booting up the computer. This booting can cause some keyboards not to work correctly, and you have to disable it to resolve the issue.

To begin this process, turn off your computer and g to the BIOS before locating the USB configuration menu. The USB configuration menu is typically located under the advanced menu on newer motherboards. Find this menu and then access it.

Once you are in the USB configuration menu, locate the “XHCI” mode, change this from “SMATT Auto” to “Auto.” If this feature is already in the “Auto mode,” change it to the “Disabled” option.

Save your changes and then exit before connecting your keyboard and see if it works.

Will USB Keyboard Work In BIOS?

USB keyboards should naturally work in BIOS if all settings are correct. The keyboard may not work on older computers with the PS/2 motherboard. The reason for this is because the older motherboards configurations still retain the default PS/2 connection.

To check if you still have the older motherboard with PS/2 motherboard, check the rear end of the I/O of your motherboard. If you see two separate ports for the PS/2 keyboard and mouse, it is an old motherboard.

The newer motherboards do come with one or no PS/2 ports, and your USB ports connection should work by default on them. If USB ports can work by default on the new motherboards, peripherals like USB keyboards and mice should also work from BIOS by default. If the peripherals don’t work by default, you should consider the resolutions mentioned above.

USB Keyboard Wouldn’t Work Before Boot And Keyboard Wouldn’t Work Until Windows Load

Sometimes, USB keyboards can fail to work in new computers before boot, and you can fix the issue through the following process;

Use the primary or top-left motherboard USB motherboard. Alternatively, you should enable the USB legacy support within the BIOS. You can also try and disable the fast boot. You will need to use a compatible keyboard recommended by the manufacturer to accomplish this.

Similarly, you may witness the keyboard not working until Windows loads. In this case, you should try and change the boot order. When you change the boot order in a way that drives that have no operating system will get the priority in booting line, then the BIOS will have sufficient time to initialize the USB drivers. Some of the drives with OS are; USB drives and optical drives.

To change the boot order, go to BIOS and then go to the Boot menu. Check the boot order or sequence and underneath place the HDD or SDD containing the OS below drives with no OS. If you discover there are two boot orders, that is, one for UEFI and the other for Legacy, you should change both.

Save all changes made and click on “Exit”. Test your changes if they work, if it doesn’t work then you should try the options explained above. It is possible that you have a keyboard that doesn’t work in BIOS at all. In this case, you need to visit the manufacturer website and give them your computer’s information.

Some people may wonder if they can enter BIOS with wireless keyboard? The answer is a simple yes, but you will need a wireless keyboard that comes with an RF transmitter to connect. While this might work, many wireless keyboards with Bluetooth wouldn’t work in BIOS.

It is possible to access BIOS without a keyboard by pressing the BIOS key during boot. Once you do this, you can change most settings with a mouse. The older motherboards with text-based BIOS will require a keyboard to navigate through.

Conclusion

Finding out that your keyboard is not working in BIOS can be very frustrating, but following through quick steps can help you through. Disabling the fast boot, enabling legacy USB or changing the boot order for instance can help you resolve the issue. In some cases, you will need to reset the BIOS to resolve the issue. In case all the above recommended options don’t work, you will have to consult your manufacturer. Be careful taking your computer to technicians who may end up adding more problems to it. Always check with the manufacturer first before taking further steps.