If your MSI GS66 USB keyboard is unresponsive, check hardware, update drivers, disable USB power management, or perform a clean boot. Follow these steps to resolve the issue effectively.
If you own an MSI GS66 laptop, you know it’s a high-performance machine perfect for work or gaming. But when your USB keyboard stops responding, it can disrupt everything. Don’t worry—this guide walks you through troubleshooting steps, solutions, and tips to fix the MSI GS66 keyboard issue.
Whether you’re dealing with unresponsive keys or a keyboard that isn’t detected, we’ve got you covered. Follow these step-by-step solutions to get your USB keyboard working again.
Why Might Your MSI GS66 USB Keyboard Stop Working?
Before jumping into solutions, understanding potential causes for your keyboard issue helps target the right fix. Common reasons include:
- Driver issues: Outdated or missing keyboard drivers can cause malfunctions.
- Hardware connection problems: Loose or damaged USB ports might prevent detection.
- Software conflicts: Updates or incompatible applications can interfere with keyboard functionality.
- Power management settings: Some USB ports may turn off to save power, causing a disconnect.
- Physical damage: A faulty USB cable or keyboard might be the culprit as well.
Now that you know the possible causes, let’s tackle the solutions.
Quick Fixes for MSI GS66 USB Keyboard:

1. Check USB Cable and Port
The first step is to ensure your USB keyboard and port are physically functional.
Steps:
- Unplug the USB keyboard and inspect the cable for damage.
- Test the keyboard on another device to confirm it works.
- Try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port on your MSI GS66.
- If you’re using a USB hub, connect the keyboard directly to the laptop.
Tip: If the keyboard needs external power, ensure the power supply is connected.
2. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of the USB keyboard fix issue. Updating drivers often resolves this.
Steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager.
- Under “Keyboards,” locate your USB keyboard.
- Right-click the keyboard and select Update Driver Software.
- If updating doesn’t work, select Uninstall Device and restart your laptop.
- Windows will reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.
Important: Always download drivers directly from the MSI Support site for your GS66 laptop for best compatibility.
3. Disable USB Power Management
Your MSI GS66 may disable USB ports to conserve power, particularly during battery usage. Disable this setting to ensure uninterrupted keyboard functionality.
Steps:
- Right-click the battery icon in the taskbar and choose Power Options.
- Go to Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
- Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
- Choose Disabled for both options and click Apply.
This action ensures all USB ports remain active even when your laptop is in energy-saving mode.
4. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot can help identify if a third-party app or background service is causing the keyboard issue.
Steps:
- Open the Start menu, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Click Disable all after selecting “Hide all Microsoft services” under the Services tab.
- Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup applications one by one and restart your laptop.
Check whether the keyboard works after disabling unnecessary services. If it does, re-enable applications one at a time to isolate the issue.
5. Install BIOS and Firmware Updates
The BIOS controls how your system hardware interacts with the operating system. Outdated BIOS or firmware might cause keyboard detection issues on the MSI GS66.
Steps:
- Visit the MSI Support page and download the latest BIOS and firmware update for your GS66 model.
- Carefully follow the instructions provided by MSI to install updates.
- Restart your laptop after updating and test your USB keyboard.
Warning: Incorrect BIOS updates can harm your system. Proceed carefully and follow MSI’s official guidelines.
6. Test in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, making it easier to pinpoint software conflicts.
Steps:
- To enter Safe Mode, restart your laptop and hit F8 or Shift + Restart.
- Check if your USB keyboard works while in Safe Mode.
- If it does, uninstall any recently installed applications or updates that may have caused the conflict.
7. Perform System Restore
If the issue started after a system update or software installation, restoring your laptop to a previous point can resolve the problem.
Steps:
- Look for System Restore in the Start menu.
- Choose a restore point that was made prior to the problem starting.
- To finish the restoration process, adhere to the instructions.
After restoring, test your keyboard to see if the problem is resolved.
Also Read: Scummvm Can I Control Save Restore Menu With Keyboard
Advanced Troubleshooting:
If none of the above solutions work, it might indicate a deeper hardware or system issue. Here are additional steps you can take:
- Try a different keyboard to verify whether the problem lies with the keyboard or laptop.
- Check for Windows updates and install any pending patches.
- Contact MSI support for advanced diagnostics or hardware repair.
Safety Tips When Troubleshooting:
- Back up your data before performing system restores or BIOS updates.
- Avoid downloading drivers or BIOS updates from unverified sources.
- Keep your MSI GS66 in a cool, stable environment to avoid USB port damage.
FAQs:
1. Why is my MSI GS66 USB keyboard not working?
It may be due to outdated drivers, USB power settings, software conflicts, or hardware damage. Diagnosing the exact cause helps you target the solution.
2. How do I update keyboard drivers on MSI GS66?
Go to Device Manager, locate the keyboard under “Keyboards,” right-click it, and select “Update Driver.” Alternatively, uninstall and reboot to reinstall drivers automatically.
3. Can USB ports affect the keyboard’s functionality?
Yes, faulty USB ports or selective suspension in power settings can prevent your keyboard from working. Testing other ports or disabling USB power management can resolve the issue.
4. What should I do if the keyboard is still unresponsive after updates?
Try a clean boot to identify software conflicts, test in Safe Mode, or update the BIOS and firmware via the MSI Support page for hardware compatibility.
5. How can I safely troubleshoot my keyboard issue?
Always back up data, wear protective gear if necessary for hardware inspections, avoid downloading unverified drivers, and ensure you follow MSI’s official instructions to avoid system damage.
Conclusion:
Fixing an unresponsive MSI GS66 USB keyboard may involve checking connections, updating drivers, disabling USB power management, or performing a clean boot. Advanced methods like Safe Mode and BIOS updates can further help. Prioritize safety and follow these step-by-step solutions while targeting the root cause. By resolving the issue systematically, you’ll restore full keyboard functionality on your MSI GS66 laptop for productive work or seamless gaming.