Ubuntu 20.04 is a robust and reliable operating system, but like any software, it may occasionally run into problems. One such issue that some users have reported is the keyboard and mouse not working properly. This article will guide you through several solutions to fix this issue.
To fix the keyboard and mouse not working issue in Ubuntu 20.04, you can try using an external keyboard and mouse, booting into recovery mode and selecting the previous kernel version, blacklisting the intel_vbtn kernel module, checking the "Slow Keys" setting in accessibility settings, and checking for updates. If none of these solutions work, seeking further assistance or reporting the issue to the Ubuntu community is recommended.
Understanding the Problem
The keyboard and mouse not working issue often occurs due to a bug in the kernel, specifically versions 5.4.0-44 and 5.4.0-45. This bug primarily affects HP and Acer laptops. However, it can also occur due to other software conflicts or hardware issues.
Solution 1: Use an External Keyboard and Mouse
The simplest workaround is to use an external USB or wireless keyboard and mouse. These devices usually work even when the built-in keyboard and mouse are not functioning.
Solution 2: Boot into Recovery Mode
Another workaround is to boot your system into recovery mode and select the previous kernel version (5.4.0-42), which is known to have keyboard functionality. To do this, follow these steps:
- Reboot your system.
- Hold down the Shift key as your system starts up to bring up the GRUB menu.
- Select ‘Advanced options for Ubuntu’ and then select the previous kernel version (5.4.0-42).
- Press Enter to boot into this kernel version.
Solution 3: Blacklist the intel_vbtn Kernel Module
The intel_vbtn kernel module can sometimes cause issues with the keyboard and mouse. To blacklist this module:
- Open a terminal.
- Type the following command:
sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf - Add this line to the file:
blacklist intel_vbtn - Save and exit the file.
- Reboot your system.
This command opens the blacklist.conf file in the nano text editor with root privileges. The blacklist intel_vbtn line tells the system not to load the intel_vbtn module on startup.
Solution 4: Check “Slow Keys” in Accessibility Settings
Sometimes, the “Slow Keys” feature in the accessibility settings can cause the keyboard to behave oddly. To check this setting:
- Open the Settings application.
- Click on ‘Universal Access’.
- Check if ‘Slow Keys’ is turned on. If it is, turn it off.
Solution 5: Check for Updates
Finally, it’s always a good idea to check for updates to make sure that the kernel version causing the issue is not being removed. To check for updates, open a terminal and type the following command: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This command updates the list of available packages and their versions, and then upgrades the installed packages to their latest versions.
Conclusion
If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to seek further assistance or report the issue to the Ubuntu community. The Ubuntu Forums and Ask Ubuntu are excellent resources for getting help with Ubuntu-related issues. Remember, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible about your issue when seeking help. This will make it easier for others to assist you.
If you are using an HP or Acer laptop and are experiencing the issue after updating to kernel versions 5.4.0-44 or 5.4.0-45, it is likely that the bug in the kernel is causing the problem. However, if you are facing the issue on other systems or with different kernel versions, it could be due to other factors.
Yes, using an external USB or wireless keyboard and mouse can be a permanent solution if the built-in keyboard and mouse are not functioning. These devices are usually compatible with Ubuntu and should work without any issues.
