Guide to Fix “Windows Resume Loader Keyboard Not Working” [2025 Fix]

---

⌨️ How to Fix “Windows Resume Loader Keyboard Not Working”

You’re trying to boot into Windows, perhaps after a crash or failed update, and you’re stuck at:

❗ Windows Resume Loader
Keyboard not working — Can’t type recovery key…

This screen usually appears when BitLocker is enabled and Windows can’t automatically resume from hibernation or sleep state — often due to hardware, driver, or firmware issues.

As a senior IT systems engineer and Windows recovery specialist, I’ve helped thousands of users regain access to their encrypted drives using this method.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ Why the keyboard isn’t working in Windows Resume Loader
🔧 Step-by-step fixes that work across USB keyboards, laptops, and docking stations
🛠️ Advanced troubleshooting if basic steps fail
💾 How to recover your data and disable BitLocker if needed

Let’s get started.

---

⚠️ What Is the Windows Resume Loader?

The Windows Resume Loader is part of the Windows Boot Manager. It loads the saved hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) to restore your system state quickly after sleep or hibernate.

When BitLocker is enabled:

• The system waits for your recovery key to unlock the drive
• If the keyboard doesn’t respond, you’re locked out

This issue commonly affects:

• Laptop internal keyboards
• USB keyboards (especially non-standard layouts)
• Docking station-connected peripherals
• After Windows updates or sudden shutdowns

---

💡 Step-by-Step Fixes to Fix “Keyboard Not Working in Windows Resume Loader”

✅ Fix 1: Try a Different USB Port or Keyboard

Sometimes, the issue is simply due to incompatible or malfunctioning hardware.

Steps:

1. Unplug your current keyboard
2. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0)
3. Use a wired USB keyboard (avoid wireless dongles or Bluetooth)
4. Try a PS/2 keyboard if available (requires PS/2 port)

📌 Avoid USB hubs — plug directly into the motherboard if possible.

---

🔁 Fix 2: Enable USB Legacy Support in BIOS/UEFI

Some motherboards disable USB input during early boot unless explicitly configured.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (usually by pressing Del, F2, F10, or Esc during boot)
3. Navigate to:

• Advanced Settings
• USB Configuration

1. Enable:

• Legacy USB Support
• EHCI Hand-off (if present)

1. Save and Exit

📌 This ensures USB devices are recognized before Windows fully boots.

---

🧹 Fix 3: Clear TPM (Trusted Platform Module) Ownership

If the system thinks the TPM has been tampered with, it may block input devices.

Steps:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup
2. Find Security or TPM settings
3. Look for:

• Clear TPM
• Reset TPM ownership

1. Confirm and restart

⚠️ This will remove all TPM-bound keys — including BitLocker keys stored in the TPM.

---

🔐 Fix 4: Retrieve BitLocker Recovery Key from Microsoft Account

If you’re using a Microsoft account and BitLocker is enabled, your recovery key may be saved online.

Steps:

1. On another device, go to:
   https://account.microsoft.com/devices
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used on the affected PC
3. Locate your device → Expand BitLocker Recovery Keys
4. Copy the 48-digit key and enter it manually

📌 You must have previously synced your recovery key with your Microsoft account.

---

💾 Fix 5: Use Another Admin Account to Disable BitLocker (If Accessible)

If you can access Windows via Safe Mode or external boot media:

Steps:

1. Boot into Safe Mode or use a Windows To Go/PE drive
2. Mount the encrypted drive (if needed)
3. Open Command Prompt as Admin
4. Run:

   manage-bde -off C:

Or:

   manage-bde -unlock C: -recoverykey [PATH_TO_KEY]

📌 Replace C: with the correct drive letter if necessary.

---

🧬 Fix 6: Reset or Bypass BitLocker Using Command Prompt (From Recovery Environment)

If you have access to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

Steps:

1. At the Resume Loader screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
2. Type:

   diskpart
   list volume
   exit

3. Identify the EFI System Partition (ESP) (usually labeled as “System” or ~100MB FAT32)
4. Assign a drive letter:

   mountvol X: /s

(Replace X: with any unused letter)

5. Navigate to:

   X:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\

6. Rename or move bootmgfw.efi to bypass loader temporarily (advanced)

📌 This method is complex and should only be used if other methods fail.

---

📋 Fix 7: Use On-Screen Keyboard (If Available)

Some versions of Windows allow the use of an on-screen keyboard in the Resume Loader.

Steps:

1. At the Resume Loader screen, look for:

• A small keyboard icon in the corner
• An accessibility button (high contrast, narrator, etc.)

1. Click it and enable the On-Screen Keyboard
2. Use your mouse to click keys and enter the recovery key

📌 Not always visible — depends on OEM configuration.

---

🧪 Fix 8: Disable BitLocker via Group Policy (Prevent Future Issues)

Once you regain access, consider disabling BitLocker or ensuring recovery keys are backed up.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R → Type gpedit.msc
2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption

3. Set policy:

• Require additional authentication at startup → Disabled

3. Apply and restart

📌 Alternatively, use manage-bde -protectors -delete C: -type TPM to remove TPM protector.

---

🧠 Expert Summary Table

Issue	Recommended Fix
USB Keyboard Not Detected	Fix 1 (Different port), Fix 2 (Enable USB Legacy)
TPM Tampering Detected	Fix 3 (Clear TPM)
Need Recovery Key	Fix 4 (Get from Microsoft Account)
Admin Access Available	Fix 5 (Disable BitLocker via CMD)
WinRE Access Available	Fix 6 (Use CMD in Recovery)
On-Screen Keyboard Available	Fix 7 (Use Mouse Input)
Prevent Recurrence	Fix 8 (Disable BitLocker via Policy)

---

📌 Final Thoughts

Being stuck at the Windows Resume Loader screen with a non-working keyboard is one of the most frustrating scenarios — especially when you need urgent access to your files.

But the good news is: you’re not locked out forever.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can:
✅ Regain access using recovery keys
✅ Troubleshoot hardware and BIOS settings
✅ Bypass BitLocker or disable it entirely
✅ Prevent future issues with proper configuration

By following this guide, you now have the expertise to fix this rare but critical boot-time issue.

---

📞 Need More Help?

If you’re still stuck at the Windows Resume Loader screen, feel free to share:

• Your PC/laptop model
• Whether you’re using a laptop keyboard or external USB
• Whether you have access to another admin account or recovery environment
• Any error codes or messages shown

I’ll help you unlock your system personally.

---

Author:
Senior IT Systems Engineer | Windows Recovery & Security Specialist | Microsoft Certified Professional
🔧 Over 10 years of experience helping users resolve boot-time errors, BitLocker lockouts, and hardware compatibility issues on Windows platforms