If you’re someone who frequently uses the number pad on your keyboard, you may have noticed that the num lock key on windows 11 turns off automatically after a period of inactivity. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a task and need to use the number pad. In this article, we’ll discuss How to keep num lock on permanently on Windows 11, so you can avoid this inconvenience.
Understanding Keyboard Layouts
Before we dive into the solution, it’s important to understand the concept of keyboard layouts. A keyboard layout is a specific arrangement of keys on a keyboard, which determines how characters and symbols are typed. There are different keyboard layouts for different languages and regions, and they can also vary based on the type of keyboard (e.g. laptop vs. desktop).
The Num Lock Key
The num lock key is a toggle key on the keyboard that allows you to switch between using the number pad for numbers or for navigation. When the num lock key is on, the number pad will function as a calculator, and when it’s off, the number pad will function as arrow keys. By default, the num lock key is turned off on Windows 11 after a period of inactivity, which can be frustrating for those who frequently use the number pad.
Keeping Num Lock On Permanently
To keep num lock on permanently on Windows 11, you’ll need to make a simple change in your computer’s registry. The registry is a database that stores important settings and configurations for your computer. Here’s How to make the change:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
- On the right side, double-click on the “InitialKeyboardIndicators” key.
- In the Value data field, change the value from “0” to “2” and click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
This change will ensure that the num lock key is always on when you start your computer, and it won’t turn off after a period of inactivity.
Other Tips for Managing Num Lock
If you don’t want to make changes to your computer’s registry, there are a few other tips you can try to keep num lock on permanently on Windows 11:
- Press the num lock key before entering your password on the login screen. This will ensure that num lock stays on after you log in.
- Some keyboards have a dedicated num lock key, while others require you to use the “Fn” key + another key to toggle num lock. Make sure you’re using the correct key combination for your keyboard.
- If you’re using a laptop, you may need to adjust your power settings to prevent the num lock key from turning off when your computer goes to sleep.
By following these tips, you can ensure that the num lock key stays on permanently on Windows 11, making it easier for you to use the number pad whenever you need it.
Have you had any issues with the num lock key on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments.
