If you’re someone who frequently works with numbers, you know how important it is to have a number pad on your keyboard. It makes data entry, calculations, and other tasks much easier and faster. However, with the release of Windows 11, some users have noticed that their number pad is not working or is disabled by default. In this article, we’ll show you How to enable the number pad on your keyboard in windows 11.
Why is the Number Pad Disabled on windows 11?
Before we dive into the steps to enable the number pad, let’s first understand why it may be disabled on your Windows 11 device.
Laptop Keyboards
If you’re using a laptop, chances are your keyboard does not have a dedicated number pad. Instead, the numbers are integrated into the top row of your keyboard, and you have to use the “Num Lock” key to activate them. However, with Windows 11, the “Num Lock” key may not be enabled by default, causing the number pad to appear disabled.
External Keyboards
If you’re using an external keyboard with your Windows 11 device, the number pad may be disabled due to a driver issue. In this case, you’ll need to update your keyboard drivers to enable the number pad.
How to Enable Number Pad on Keyboard Windows 11
Now that we know why the number pad may be disabled, let’s look at the steps to enable it on your Windows 11 device.
Method 1: Using the “Num Lock” Key
The simplest way to enable the number pad on your keyboard is by using the “Num Lock” key. This method is applicable for both laptop and external keyboards.
- Locate the “Num Lock” key on your keyboard. It is usually located on the top row, above the number keys.
- Press the “Num Lock” key to enable it. You should see a light indicator on your keyboard indicating that the number pad is now active.
- Test the number pad by typing in numbers. It should now work as expected.
Method 2: Using the On-Screen Keyboard
If your keyboard does not have a “Num Lock” key or it is not working, you can use the on-screen keyboard to enable the number pad.
- Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
- Type “on-screen keyboard” and click on the “On-Screen Keyboard” app from the search results.
- The on-screen keyboard will appear on your screen. Click on the “Num Lock” key to enable it.
- You can now use the on-screen keyboard to type in numbers using the number pad.
Method 3: Updating Keyboard Drivers
If the above methods do not work, it’s possible that your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted. In this case, you’ll need to update your keyboard drivers to enable the number pad.
- Press the “Windows” key + “X” on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
- Click on “Device Manager” from the list of options.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the “Keyboards” category.
- Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your keyboard drivers.
- Once the drivers are updated, restart your computer and check if the number pad is now enabled.
How to Keep the Number Pad Enabled by Default
If you find yourself constantly having to enable the number pad every time you start your computer, you can change the settings to keep it enabled by default.
- Press the “Windows” key + “I” on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Accessibility” from the left-hand menu.
- In the Accessibility settings, click on “Keyboard” from the list of options.
- Toggle on the “Use the On-Screen Keyboard” option.
- This will keep the on-screen keyboard open at all times, allowing you to use the number pad without having to enable it every time.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the above methods do not work, here are some troubleshooting tips you can try to enable the number pad on your keyboard in Windows 11.
Check for Physical Damage
If you’re using an external keyboard, check for any physical damage or loose connections. Sometimes, a damaged keyboard can cause the number pad to not work.
Check for Updates
Make sure your Windows 11 device is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and issues, and updating your device may resolve the issue with the number pad.
Try a Different Keyboard
If you have access to another keyboard, try connecting it to your Windows 11 device and see if the number pad works. If it does, it’s possible that your original keyboard is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
Having a number pad on your keyboard can greatly improve your productivity, especially if you work with numbers frequently. With the methods mentioned in this article, you can easily enable the number pad on your keyboard in Windows 11. If you’re still facing issues, try the troubleshooting tips or consider getting a new keyboard. Happy typing!
