How to Connect a Keyboard and Mouse to Your Computer

You have a keyboard and mouse in hand but are not sure which cable, port, or setting to use on your computer. This page gives you the exact steps for every connection type, so you can get typing and clicking in under a minute.

Choose the Right Connection Type for Your Setup

Before plugging anything in, check the bottom or back of your keyboard and mouse. You are looking for one of three things: a USB cable, a small USB receiver slot, or a Bluetooth switch. This determines which method you follow next. Loaders in this spot often ask about how to set up a desktop as well.

Wired connections use a cable that plugs directly into a USB port. Wireless USB receiver combos use a small dongle that acts as a bridge. Bluetooth devices talk directly to your computer’s built-in radio. Each has different setup steps and performance characteristics.

• Wired USB: Best for desktops and gaming. Zero battery maintenance, instant connection.
• USB Receiver (Dongle): Best for laptops with port limits. No cables on the desk, but requires a USB slot.
• Bluetooth: Best for portable setups. Frees up USB ports entirely, but requires pairing in software.

If you have only one USB port available on your laptop, a wireless combo with a single shared receiver is the most practical choice.

How to Connect a Wired Keyboard and Mouse

Wired connections are the simplest method. You do not need batteries, drivers, or software. This is the go-to option for desktop computers and offices where reliability matters most.

1. Locate a free USB-A or USB-C port on your computer. On desktops, prefer the ports on the back of the case for a more secure connection.
2. Plug the keyboard cable into the port. You should feel a slight click or resistance. Do not force the connector.
3. Plug the mouse into a separate port. If you only have one port, you will need a USB hub.
4. Wait 10–30 seconds. Windows or macOS will automatically detect the devices and install the generic HID drivers.

Test the connection by opening a text file and typing. Move the mouse to ensure the cursor responds. If nothing happens, try a different USB port. Wired connections are universally supported, so if one port fails, another usually works.

Set Up a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse with a USB Receiver

Most affordable wireless combos use a 2.4 GHz USB receiver, often called a dongle. This creates a dedicated link with low latency, similar to a wired connection but without the cable clutter. We cover how to connect a monitor to a pc in a guide of its own.

1. Insert fresh batteries into the keyboard and mouse. Make sure the contacts are touching correctly.
2. Find the USB receiver. It is often stored in the battery compartment of the mouse or a slot on the back of the keyboard.
3. Plug the receiver directly into a USB port on your computer. Avoid using a USB hub if possible, as it can interfere with the radio signal.
4. Turn on the devices using the physical switch on the bottom of the mouse or side of the keyboard.
5. Wait for the pairing LED to stop flashing. The operating system should recognize them as standard HID devices within seconds.

If the devices do not connect, check for a small “Connect” button on the bottom of the peripherals. Press and hold it for three seconds while the dongle is plugged in to force a re-pairing.

Pair a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse Without a Dongle

Bluetooth pairing eliminates the need for a USB receiver entirely. This is ideal for laptops where every port is precious, or for tablets and smart displays.

On Windows 10 and 11:

1. Turn on the Bluetooth device and press and hold the pairing button until the light flashes rapidly.
2. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device.
3. Click Bluetooth to start scanning.
4. Select your keyboard or mouse from the list. You may need to type a code on the keyboard to confirm.

On macOS:

1. Put the device into pairing mode.
2. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select Open Bluetooth Preferences.
3. Click Connect next to your device in the list.

Bluetooth input lag is generally higher than USB wireless, but for typing and browsing, the difference is negligible for most users.

Solve Common Connection Problems and Driver Issues

If your keyboard or mouse is not responding, the problem is rarely the device itself. It is usually a port, power, or driver issue.

• No response at all: Check the battery orientation on wireless devices. On wired devices, swap the USB port to rule out a dead connector.
• Intermittent connection: Replace the USB receiver with a longer, USB 3.0 standard one if you are using a short adapter. Proximity to the router can also block the 2.4 GHz signal.
• Driver errors: Open Device Manager in Windows. Look for yellow exclamation marks under Keyboards or Mice. Right-click the device and select Update driver or Uninstall device, then restart the computer to let Windows reinstall it fresh.

If you are using a laptop and the built-in keyboard works but the external one does not, ensure you are not in “Laptop Mode” or that a lock key (usually F5 or Fn+F5) has not disabled the wireless radio. We go through how bluetooth communication works step by step in its own article.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions