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An HP wireless keyboard turns on and connects in one of two ways: through a small USB receiver plugged into the computer, or over Bluetooth paired in Windows. Before you try either, clear the power basics. A keyboard with a battery tab still in place, a switch set to Off, or a flat battery will not respond to any pairing step, so start there and then identify which connection your model uses.
Check the power first
- Remove any battery pull tab. Turn the keyboard over and look for the battery compartment. If a plastic tab is sitting between the batteries and their contacts, pull it out.
- Set the On/Off switch to On, if the model has one. HP’s general guidance does not place the switch in the same spot on every keyboard, so look along the edges and underside, and check the documentation for your exact model if you cannot find it.
- Confirm the power source. If the keyboard is rechargeable and does not turn on, connect its charging cable to a powered USB port or adapter and let it charge. If it uses replaceable batteries, install fresh ones. Battery type and charging cable differ between HP models, so do not assume one model’s setup applies to another.
Identify your connection type
The setup steps depend on how the keyboard connects, and HP’s documentation treats the two methods separately. Some models use a receiver, others use Bluetooth, and a keyboard should only be set up with the method its documentation describes.
| Connection | How to recognise it | Where setup starts | Key constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB receiver | A small USB dongle, which may be in the original packaging, stored in a compartment in the keyboard, or already plugged into the computer | Connect the receiver directly to a computer USB port | HP cautions that a USB hub might not provide enough power for a proper connection |
| Bluetooth | No receiver is supplied for the keyboard; it appears in Windows after discovery | Turn on Bluetooth in Windows, then put the keyboard in discovery mode | Discovery mode steps are specific to the keyboard model |
Set up a USB receiver keyboard
Find the receiver
HP notes that the receiver may already be plugged into the computer, may still be in the original packaging, may be stored in a compartment inside the keyboard, or may be preinstalled in some HP Touch and All-in-One computers. Check all of these before assuming a receiver is missing.
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- Plug the receiver straight into a USB port on the computer. Avoid a USB hub or extension, since HP warns that a hub may not supply enough power.
- Press a key on the keyboard and wait a few seconds. If it responds, setup is complete.
Reseat the receiver if the keyboard does not respond
- Receiver without a Connect button: Unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and reconnect it in a different USB port.
- Receiver with a Connect button: Move it to another port, then follow the Connect-button sequence in the keyboard’s HP documentation. The button sequence differs by model, so do not guess it.
Rule out the computer
If setup still fails, try the keyboard and receiver on a different computer. If they work there, the original computer’s port or its USB settings are the likely cause. If they do not work anywhere, the problem is more likely the keyboard’s power or the receiver itself.
#1 Best Overall
- STYLISH & QUIET PRODUCTIVITY – Sleek, ergonomic keyboard with numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for accurate typing with minimal noise
- GO WIRELESS – Eliminate cord clutter with wireless keyboard connectivity and enjoy lag-free wireless movement (1), whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop PC
- PRODUCTIVITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – Wireless HP keyboard with integrated number pad features easy-to-access keycap shortcuts to 12 popular functions that can be activated with just one keypress
- LONG BATTERY LIFE – Stay productive without interruption with up to 16 months of keyboard use with 2 included AAA batteries (2)
- PORTABLE FLEXIBILITY – Cordless, battery-powered design makes this wireless keyboard easy to use at the kitchen table, the library, or anywhere you need a full-sized computer keyboard and number pad
Pair a Bluetooth keyboard in Windows
- Open Windows Settings and go to the Bluetooth section (labelled Bluetooth and devices on Windows 11, or Devices, then Bluetooth and other devices, on Windows 10). Make sure Bluetooth is switched On.
- Put the keyboard into discovery (pairing) mode using the instructions for that exact model. Until it is in this mode, it will not appear in the list.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device (the label HP uses; Windows 11 may show it as Add device), choose the keyboard from the list, and complete pairing.
If pairing fails
- Confirm the computer supports Bluetooth and that Bluetooth is enabled.
- Move the keyboard and computer closer together and away from other wireless devices that may interfere.
- Restart both the computer and the keyboard, then try pairing again.
- Check the wireless communication settings and make sure the Bluetooth driver is installed and current.
When the keyboard still will not work
Work through the checks above in order and test the keyboard after each one, so you know which change made a difference. If it still does not respond, two Windows and HP tools are the next step:
- Update the keyboard driver. Open Device Manager, expand Keyboards, right-click the keyboard, and select Update driver.
- Run the Input Devices tests. Open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics and run the Input Devices tests. If a test fails, write down the failure ID it shows and provide it to HP support.
Model-specific power notes
Battery type and included accessories are model-specific. HP’s specifications for the Wireless (Link-5) Keyboard list a USB Link-5 micro-receiver and two AAA batteries in the box. That applies to that model only, so check the label, battery compartment, or manual before buying replacement cells for another keyboard.
Rank #2
- STYLISH & QUIET PRODUCTIVITY – Sleek, full-sized keyboard with numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for more accurate typing with less noise
- COMFORT MEETS DURABILITY – Click and scroll in comfort with this durably designed wireless mouse that's built for ease of use and comfort
- FREE YOURSELF FROM WIRES – Eliminate cord clutter with 1 single 2.4GHz wireless connection for both keyboard and mouse and enjoy lag-free wireless movement (1), whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop PC
- PRODUCTIVITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – Increase productivity with a wireless keyboard featuring shortcuts to 12 popular functions that can be activated with just one keypress
- LONG BATTERY LIFE – Enjoy up to 16 months of keyboard use and up to 12 months of mouse using just 3 AAA batteries (2)
HP’s instructions for the HP 975 Dual-Mode and HP 970 Programmable Wireless Keyboards follow the same general pattern of charging when needed, switching the keyboard on, and then following a pairing procedure specific to that model.
Recommended Free Tools
If your keyboard is one of these models, use its own HP guide for the connection steps rather than the generic instructions above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Sleek, Minimalist White Design: Elevate your desk setup with a modern, slim-profile keyboard and mouse combo. The crisp white finish and low-profile keys provide a clean, professional look that perfectly complements HP Pavilion, Envy, and All-in-One systems.
- Whisper-Quiet Chiclet Typing: Work in silence with low-profile, tactile keys designed to reduce noise without sacrificing speed. Ideal for shared offices, quiet home environments, or late-night productivity sessions.
- One-Receiver Connectivity: Save your USB ports with a single 2.4GHz Nano receiver that connects both the keyboard and mouse simultaneously. Enjoy a clutter-free workspace with a reliable, lag-free connection up to 30 feet.
- Precision Multi-Surface Mouse: The included ambidextrous mouse features high-resolution optical tracking for smooth, responsive cursor control. Its ergonomic, contoured shape ensures comfort for both left and right-handed users during long workdays.
- Universal Compatibility & Easy Setup: Truly plug-and-play with no drivers required. Fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
Rank #4
- Sleek, Minimalist Black Design: Elevate your desk setup with a modern, slim-profile keyboard and mouse combo. The crisp black finish and low-profile keys provide a clean, professional look that perfectly complements HP Pavilion, Envy, and All-in-One systems.
Rank #3
- STYLISH & QUIET PRODUCTIVITY – Sleek, ergonomic keyboard with full-sized numeric keypad features low-profile chiclet keys for accurate typing with minimal noise
- SHORTCUT COMBO KEYS – Wireless HP keyboard with integrated number pad and function key shortcuts provide instant access to 12 popular functions that can be activated with just one keypress
- GO WIRELESS – Eliminate cord clutter with easy 2.4GHz wireless keyboard connectivity (1) with data encryption and enjoy lag-free wireless movement, whether you're using a desktop computer or laptop PC
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN – With its natural contours and ergonomic shape, the HP 220 Wireless Keyboard is designed to fit the natural position of your wrist and hands for comfortable typing
- LED KEYLOCK INDICATORS – Illuminated LED Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock keys make it easy to see what is on or off at a glance
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