Red Dead Redemption 2 Keyboard and Mouse Not Working Issue: Are your keyboard and mouse not working in Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC? Whether your mouse doesn’t move, keyboard inputs are unresponsive, or both devices stop working in menus or gameplay, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue can occur due to controller conflicts, background software, or corrupted settings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix keyboard and mouse not working in Red Dead Redemption 2, whether you’re playing via Steam, Rockstar Launcher, or Epic Games Store.
🧩 Why Is Keyboard/Mouse Not Working in RDR2?
Here are common causes:
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The game thinks a controller/gamepad is connected
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Steam Input conflicts with device mappings
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A corrupted settings file overrides default input
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Windows input method or language bug
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Outdated drivers or system files
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Software (e.g., overlays or macros) interfering with input
🛠️ How to Fix Red Dead Redemption 2 Keyboard and Mouse Not Working (PC)
Follow these steps in order:
✅ Fix 1: Unplug Any Controllers or Gamepads
If a controller is connected, the game might ignore mouse/keyboard input.
➤ What to Do:
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Disconnect all controllers, including:
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Xbox / PlayStation gamepads
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Third-party devices
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HOTAS / steering wheels / USB hubs with inputs
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-
Restart the game with only your keyboard and mouse connected
✅ Fix 2: Disable Steam Controller Configuration
Steam may override keyboard/mouse controls due to controller settings.
➤ Steps:
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Open Steam
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Go to Library > Red Dead Redemption 2
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Click the gear icon > Properties
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Select Controller tab
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Under “Use default settings,” choose:
📌 Relaunch the game and check your input.
✅ Fix 3: Reset In-Game Controls
Corrupted or custom control settings might cause unresponsive inputs.
➤ Steps:
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Launch RDR2
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Go to Settings > Controls
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Click Reset to Defaults for:
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Keyboard and Mouse
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Key Bindings
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Save changes and restart the game
✅ Fix 4: Delete the Settings Folder
Forces the game to regenerate clean input config files.
➤ Steps:
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Press
Win + R, then type: -
Rename or delete the
Settingsfolder
(e.g., rename it toSettings_backup) -
Relaunch the game — it will rebuild input settings
✅ Fix 5: Check Windows Input Language
Multiple input languages can confuse key mapping in games.
➤ Steps:
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Press
Win + Spacebarto cycle through input languages -
Use English (US) layout when playing
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Optional: Remove other layouts in Settings > Time & Language > Language
✅ Fix 6: Run the Game as Administrator
Sometimes input gets blocked due to permission issues.
➤ How to:
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Right-click your game launcher (Steam/Rockstar/Epic) > Run as Administrator
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Also go to your RDR2 installation folder
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Right-click
RDR2.exe> Properties > Compatibility -
Check Run this program as an administrator
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Apply and launch the game
✅ Fix 7: Disable Overlay and Macro Software
Some programs interfere with keyboard/mouse detection.
➤ Temporarily disable:
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Discord Overlay
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GeForce Experience Overlay
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MSI Afterburner / RivaTuner
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Razer Synapse / Logitech G Hub
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Macro tools (AutoHotKey, reWASD, InputMapper)
Restart the game after disabling.
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✅ Fix 8: Verify Game Files
Corrupt files can break input mapping.
➤ Steam:
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Right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity
➤ Rockstar:
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Open Rockstar Games Launcher
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Go to Settings > My Installed Games > Red Dead Redemption 2
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Click Verify Integrity
➤ Epic Games:
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Library > Click 3 dots on RDR2 > Manage > Verify Files
✅ Fix 9: Reconnect Devices and Restart PC
Sometimes a device isn’t initialized properly on boot.
➤ Steps:
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Unplug your keyboard and mouse
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Restart your PC
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Plug them back in (try different USB ports)
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Launch the game again
✅ Fix 10: Reinstall or Update Keyboard/Mouse Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause lag or unresponsiveness.
➤ How to:
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Keyboards and Mice
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Right-click your device > Update Driver
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Restart your system
You can also visit your manufacturer’s website (Logitech, Corsair, Razer, etc.) for driver updates.
💬 FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why does my mouse stop working only in menus but works in-game?
This is often caused by:
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Controller connected in background
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Steam Input interference
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Corrupted control config files
Unplug any controllers and reset control settings or disable Steam Input.
❓ My keyboard works, but mouse doesn’t respond. Why?
This may be due to:
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Mouse driver/software conflicts (e.g., Razer Synapse)
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Windows power-saving disabling USB ports
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Game detecting controller input as primary
Try:
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Disabling overlays
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Switching USB ports
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Running the game as admin
❓ Can overlays cause input problems?
Yes. Overlays from Discord, NVIDIA, or even Steam can interfere with input detection.
Always test with all overlays disabled if you’re facing input issues.
❓ Do I need to reinstall the game to fix keyboard/mouse issues?
Usually not necessary. Most input issues are caused by:
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Config files
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Controller conflicts
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Steam Input settings
A full reinstall is only needed if all other fixes fail.
❓ Does RDR2 support both mouse/keyboard and controllers at once?
Yes, but it sometimes auto-switches based on what’s connected.
If you want to use mouse/keyboard only:
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Unplug your controller
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Disable Steam Input
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Reset controls
✅ Conclusion
If your keyboard or mouse isn’t working in Red Dead Redemption 2, the issue is usually related to controller conflicts, input overrides, or corrupted settings. By following the steps above, you should be able to restore full input functionality and enjoy the game without issues.
Did this fix your issue?
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