If you accidentally uninstall a USB keyboard, restart your computer to reinstall the driver automatically. Alternatively, manually update the driver in Device Manager or use an on-screen keyboard temporarily.
Uninstalling a USB keyboard by accident can leave you wondering how to fix the problem, especially if the keyboard stops working completely. Don’t worry, though—it’s not as scary as it seems! In this simple guide, we’ll show you step-by-step solutions to help you get your USB keyboard working again. Whether you’re using a Windows PC or Mac, we’ve got you covered.
Why You Might Uninstall a USB Keyboard?
There are a few reasons why you might have uninstalled your USB keyboard, either on purpose or by mistake:
- Troubleshooting a Problem: You might have been trying to fix a keyboard issue and accidentally uninstalled the device.
- Switching Keyboards: Maybe you were switching to a new keyboard and thought it was necessary to uninstall the old one.
- Driver Problems: Sometimes, people uninstall the keyboard when the drivers are outdated or malfunctioning, hoping to refresh it.
Whatever the reason, the steps to fix the issue are easy to follow.
Restart Your Computer and Let the System Reinstall the Keyboard:

The first and easiest step to take when your USB keyboard is uninstalled is to simply restart your computer. Most computers, whether they run Windows or macOS, will automatically detect the USB keyboard and reinstall the necessary drivers.
How to Restart Your Computer?
- Windows: Click the Start button, then choose Power > Restart. Once the computer restarts, plug in the USB keyboard, and Windows should detect it automatically.
- Mac: Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, click Restart, and reconnect the USB keyboard once your Mac has rebooted.
This often fixes the problem without any further action.
Manually Reinstall the USB Keyboard Driver:
If restarting the computer doesn’t work, the next step is to manually reinstall the driver for your USB keyboard. Drivers are the software that tells your computer how to communicate with the keyboard.
Steps to Reinstall the Driver in Windows:
- Open Device Manager: From the menu, choose Device Manager by pressing Windows + X.
- Locate the Keyboard: Find the Keyboards section and expand it.
- Reinstall the Driver: Right-click on the uninstalled or missing keyboard and choose Update Driver. Then select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Restart: Restart your computer to complete the process.
For Mac users, the system should automatically manage drivers, so this step isn’t necessary. Instead, ensure macOS is updated by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard for Temporary Access:
If your physical keyboard isn’t working and you need to navigate your system, both Windows and macOS offer an on-screen keyboard as a backup option. This is especially useful if you’re trying to reinstall the keyboard driver.
How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard?
- Windows: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and toggle the option to Use the On-Screen Keyboard.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard, click the Input Sources tab, and check the box for Show Input menu in the menu bar. Then, you can select the On-Screen Keyboard from the menu bar.
This virtual keyboard lets you type using your mouse, so you can still navigate and troubleshoot your computer without a physical keyboard.
Also Read: Acer Brightness Controls On Keyboard Not Working – Causes & Fixes!
Try a Different USB Port or Cable:
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the keyboard itself, but rather the USB port or cable. If the keyboard was uninstalled and won’t reinstall, it’s possible that the port you’re using is damaged or isn’t providing enough power.
Tips for Testing the Ports:
- Switch USB Ports: Try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port. Make sure to test ports both on the front and back of the computer.
- Avoid USB Hubs: If you’re using a USB hub, try plugging the keyboard directly into the computer. USB hubs can sometimes cause power or connection issues.
- Test the Cable: If your keyboard has a detachable USB cable, try a different cable to rule out any cable-related issues.
Download and Install Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website:
If Windows or macOS doesn’t automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers, you might need to manually download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. This is especially important for specialized keyboards, like gaming keyboards, that use custom drivers.
How to Download and Install Drivers?
- Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the official website of the keyboard’s brand (e.g., Logitech, Razer, Microsoft).
- Find the Drivers: Look for the Support or Downloads section. Enter your keyboard model number to find the correct driver.
- Download and Install: Download the driver, open the file, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Restart Your Computer: After installing, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
This should help restore your keyboard’s functionality.
Restore Your Computer to a Previous Point (Windows Only):

If none of the above methods work, and you’re still having trouble with your USB keyboard, you can try restoring your computer to a time before the issue occurred. Windows has a feature called System Restore that allows you to roll back your system to a previous state.
How to Use System Restore?
- Open Control Panel: Go to the Control Panel and click on Recovery.
- System Restore: Click Open System Restore and follow the steps.
- Select a Restore Point: Choose a restore point from a date before you uninstalled the keyboard.
- Restart: After the restore process is complete, restart your computer.
This can help fix any software issues that might have caused the keyboard to stop working.
Check for Windows or macOS Updates:
Sometimes, a simple system update can fix issues with uninstalled devices like USB keyboards. Keeping your operating system up to date ensures that all hardware, including keyboards, works smoothly.
How to Check for Updates?
- Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
Make sure to install any pending updates and restart your computer after they’re applied.
Try a Different Keyboard:
If none of these solutions work, you might need to try a different keyboard temporarily. This will help you figure out if the problem is with your computer’s USB ports or with the keyboard itself.
FAQs:
1. Can I still use my computer if I uninstalled my USB keyboard?
Yes, you can use the on-screen keyboard to navigate your computer until the USB keyboard is reinstalled or replaced.
2. How do I reinstall a keyboard I accidentally uninstalled?
You can either restart your computer for an automatic reinstall or manually reinstall the keyboard driver through Device Manager.
3. What if my keyboard still doesn’t work after reinstalling the driver?
Try a different USB port, check the USB cable, or download the driver directly from the manufacturer’s website. Also, ensure your system is up to date.
4. Will uninstalling the keyboard driver damage my computer?
No, uninstalling the keyboard driver won’t damage your computer. It only removes the software that allows the keyboard to work, which can easily be reinstalled.
5. How do I use the on-screen keyboard in Windows?
Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard, then toggle on the On-Screen Keyboard option to type using your mouse.
Conclusion:
Uninstalling a USB keyboard doesn’t have to be a big problem. By restarting your computer, reinstalling the driver, or using the on-screen keyboard, you can quickly get things working again. If your keyboard still isn’t responding, try checking your USB ports, updating drivers, or even using a different keyboard temporarily. With the easy-to-follow steps outlined above, you’ll be able to resolve any keyboard-related issues without too much hassle.