How Can You Stop the Blue Screen Crash When Plugging in a Keyboard or Mouse? Effective Fixes Explained

Why Does Connecting a Keyboard or Mouse Cause a Blue Screen? Proven Solutions for a Frustrating Error

Experiencing a blue screen error after plugging in a keyboard or mouse can be alarming and disruptive. Below are clear, actionable steps to diagnose and resolve this issue, ensuring your system remains stable and reliable.

Solution 1: Basic Troubleshooting

• Switch USB Ports: Try connecting your device to a different USB port.
• Test with Another Device: Use another keyboard or mouse to see if the issue persists.
• Close Background Programs: Shut down unnecessary applications that may interfere with device drivers.

Solution 2: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, helping isolate software conflicts.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
4. Click Disable all, then Apply.
5. Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
6. Disable startup items you suspect may be problematic.
7. Restart your PC and test your keyboard/mouse.
8. If resolved, re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit.

Solution 3: Check in Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers. If the blue screen does not occur in Safe Mode, third-party drivers or software are likely responsible.

1. Restart your PC and boot into Safe Mode.
2. Connect your keyboard or mouse and observe for errors.

Solution 4: Update Keyboard and Mouse Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can trigger blue screens.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Keyboards and Mice and other pointing devices.
3. Right-click your device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Restart your PC after updating.

Solution 5: Reinstall USB Controller Drivers

Faulty USB controller drivers can cause device connection issues.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click each USB Host Controller and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC; Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.

Solution 6: Repair Corrupted System Files (SFC and DISM)

Corrupted system files may lead to blue screens.

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   sfc /scannow
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

3. Restart your PC.

Solution 7: Perform a System Restore

If the problem started recently, restore your system to a previous state.

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Press Win + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
3. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and complete the process.
4. Restart and test your devices.

Solution 8: Update BIOS

An outdated BIOS can cause hardware compatibility issues.

Important: Back up your data before proceeding.

1. Visit your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website for BIOS update instructions.
2. Follow the official steps carefully to avoid system damage.

Addressing blue screen errors when connecting a keyboard or mouse involves a systematic approach: start with basic troubleshooting, proceed to driver updates and system repairs, and, if necessary, update BIOS or perform a system restore. These steps help restore stability and prevent future disruptions, supporting a smoother computing experience.