The primary cause is typically driver corruption or failure, though it could also result from kernel-related bugs or hardware conflicts.
Method 1: Check Keyboard Layout
This is the most obvious step you should take whenever you face any issue with your keyboard. If you are not able to use your keyboard, it could be due to the keyboard layout being set to a different language. If this is the case, the resolution is pretty simple. You need to change the keyboard layout from the settings.
Method 2: Turn Off Slow Keys or Bounce Keys
Slow keys and bounce keys are features of the GNOME desktop environment. Slow keys are a feature that puts a delay between when the letter key is pressed on the keyboard and when that letter is displayed on the screen. If the slow keys feature is enabled, you will have to hold each key that you wish to press before it is registered. Bounce keys is a similar feature. Intended for users with physical disabilities, bounce keys tell the system to ignore repeated and rapid presses of the same key based on its configuration. You need to turn off these features to restore the input to the default state.
Method 3: Update Your System
If you are not able to use the keyboard only on the desktop screen and it works perfectly fine everywhere else, then it is probably because of a bug with the GNOME desktop icons. If this is the case, it is evident that your system is not up-to-date and needs to be updated as this bug has been fixed. In case the issue is still not fixed, you can remove the GNOME desktop icons for the time being. To remove the GNOME desktop icons package, use the following command: Once removed, you can install another file manager, and you’ll be good to go.
Method 4: Reinstall Ubuntu
If you installed a fresh copy of the Ubuntu 20.04 version and had other external media connected to the system, the problem of the keyboard and mouse not working could be because of that. If this is the case, you need to reinstall Ubuntu while ensuring that no other external USB devices or media are connected to the system except the USB drive with the installation media. If you have important information, you can either back it up or avoid partitioning the home directory during the installation.
