How to Disable Keyboard or Mouse in Notebook or Mac

If you are going to clean your computer or use it on a desk with external devices, it may be a good idea to disable the keyboard or mouse on your notebook or Mac to not accidentally press a key. You can do this by the system, so you do not modify any internal components and preserve your computer.

Note that it is not recommended to disable the keyboard and mouse at the same time, unless you have an external keyboard or mouse or your notebook has a touch screen. The reason is obvious: you will not be able to activate them again. Normally, I just need to disable the keyboard when I clean the notebook. Let’s take the steps.

How to Disable the Notebook Keyboard or Mouse (Windows)

1. Access the Device Manager by searching the Windows 10 taskbar or the Control Panel;
2. Tap the arrow next to Human Interface Devices;
3. Right-click HID-compatible touchpad (or something similar);
4. Click Disable device
5. If necessary, confirm the operation. Ready!

Now, here’s how to disable the mouse. This option is only possible (and recommended) if you connect an external mouse:

1. Enter the settings of Windows 10;
2. Enter Devices and select Mouse and touchpad on the left side;
3. Turn off Leave the touchpad on when a mouse is connected;
4. Ready! Now connect a mouse. If it does not work, try turning it off in Device Manager.

How to Disable the MacBook Keyboard or Mouse (Mac)

1. Click the Apple logo in the upper right corner and enter System Preferences;
2. Enter the Accessibility section;
3. Scroll the left side until you find the Keyboard option;
4. Check the Enable Slow Keys option and click Options …;
5. Leave the Acceptance Interval on Long;
6. Ready! Your keyboard has been disabled.

Here’s how to disable the mouse, and remember, it’s not recommended to disable the keyboard and mouse at the same time, unless you have an external keyboard or mouse:

1. Click the Apple logo in the upper right corner and enter System Preferences;
2. Enter the Accessibility section;
3. Scroll left side until you find the Mouse and Trackpad option;
4. Check Enable MouseKeys and click Options…;
5. Check Ignore integrated trackpad when enabling this feature;
6. Ready! To activate the mouse again, press the option key on the keyboard 5 times.