Enable Numpad on Windows 10/11 – 3 Easy Ways

Key Takeaways:

• Pressing the num lock key on your keyboard toggles the Numpad state.
• You can modify the registry to enable Numpad automatically on startup.
• You can also modify the BIOS/UEFI settings to enable Numpad automatically on startup.

Is your number pad disabled? Here are three easy ways to enable Numpad on Windows and ensure the num lock is always turned on in Windows.

The Numpad on your keyboard is way more useful than you think. For example, you can perform calculations quickly, move the mouse cursor with Numpad, press alt codes to type special characters, assign keyboard shortcuts, and more. For example, you need to use Numpad to create an invisible folder in Windows.

To put it simply, you are missing a whole world of convenience if your Numpad is disabled on your Windows computer.

Thankfully, it is super simple to enable the Numpad on Windows. Let me show you how to do it in three different ways.

Table of contents:

• Turn on Num Lock to enable Numpad
• How to Enable Numpad on startup using Registry
• How to Enable Numpad in BIOS/UEFI
• Conclusion

The steps below work the same in Windows 10 and 11.

Turn on Num Lock to enable Numpad on Windows

To enable the Numpad on your laptop or keyboard, you have to turn on the num lock. It is pretty easy to do.

1. Find the num lock key on your keyboard.
2. Press the “Num lock” key once.
3. This should enable the Numpad on Windows.
4. You will see a corresponding light turn on when the Numpad is enabled.

Steps with more details:

Laptops and keyboards that have a Numpad have a special key called “Num Lock.” Typically, it will be right above or somewhere around the Numpad. It is a toggle switch to change the Numpad state. i.e., if the num lock is turned off, the Numpad is disabled, and vice-versa.

To enable Numpad on Windows, press the “Num lock” key on your keyboard. If the num lock is turned on, you should see a small light turn on or a notification of the num lock state in Windows.

When the num lock is turned on, the Numpad is enabled on Windows. You can immediately start using the Numpad.

How to Enable Numpad on startup using Registry

Back up the registry before making changes. The backup helps in restoring the registry if something goes wrong.

Generally, Windows or the keyboard itself will remember the last num lock state and keep the Numpad enabled if it is already turned on. However, if it doesn’t or to ensure the Numpad is always enabled, you can modify the registry to enable Numpad automatically on startup in Windows.

Here’s how to enable Numpad automatically on startup in Windows:

1. Press the “Windows logo key + R” shortcut.
2. Type “regedit” in the blank field.
3. Press the “Ok” button to open Registry Editor.
4. Follow the below path to go to the “Keyboard” folder. HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
5. Right-click on the “InitialKeyboardIndicators” value.
6. Choose the “Modify” option.
7. Type “2” in the “Value data” field.
8. Press the “Ok” button.
9. Close the Registry Editor and reboot the system.
10. With that, the Numpad will be enabled automatically on startup.

Steps with more details:

First, we must open the Registry Editor. To do that, search for “Registry Editor” in the Start menu and open it. Alternatively, press the “Windows logo key + R” keyboard shortcut to open Run, type “regedit,” and click on the “Ok” button.

Once the Registry Editor opens, go to the “HKEY_USERS -> .Default -> Control Panel -> Keyboard” folder. To move quickly, copy the below path, paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar, and press “Enter.”

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard

In the keyboard folder, right-click on the “InitialKeyboardIndicators” value and choose the “Modify” option. You can also double-click on the value. This action lets you change the value data of the value, which in turn changes the behavior.

Once the Edit Value window opens, set the “Value Data” field to “2.” If you want, save the current value somewhere safe before replacing it with “2.” Click on the “Ok” button to save the modification you just made.

Finally, close the Registry Editor and reboot the computer.

With that, the Numpad is enabled on startup in Windows.

How to Enable Numpad in BIOS/UEFI

Note: Be cautious when editing BIOS/UEFI settings on your Windows computer. Incorrect changes can cause malfunction or make the system unbootable.

On some laptops and motherboards, you can enable the Numpad in BIOS/UEFI to make sure it is turned on at the startup. This method is particularly useful if you want the Numpad as soon as the system start. i.e., before it boots into Windows.

Here’s how to enable Numpad in BIOS/UEFI:

1. Open the PC Settings app.
2. Click on “System.”
3. Go to the “Recovery” page.
4. Click the “Restart Now” button next to “Advanced Startup.”
5. Click on the “Troubleshoot” option.
6. Press the “Advanced Options” option.
7. Click on the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
8. The system will reboot into BIOS/UEFI.
9. Go to the “Advanced Boot” options page.
10. Find and enable the “Numpad” option.
11. Save the changes.
12. Exit the BIOS/UEFI screen.
13. Reboot the computer.
14. With that, you’ve enabled Numpad in BIOS/UEFI.

Steps with more details:

First, we must boot into the BIOS/UEFI screen. You can do that from the Advanced Options screen. To start, open the Settings app with the “Windows logo key + I” shortcut.

After opening it, go to the “System -> Recovery” page. This page has all the options to recover and reset Windows. Once you are on this page, click the “Restart Now” button next to the “Advanced Startup” option.

Next, go to the “Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options” page and click on the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.

This action will take you to the UEFI/BIOS screen. Once you are here, go to the “Advanced Boot Options” tab, and enable the Numpad option.

Note: Each BIOS/UEFI is different. That means the option you are looking for might be in a different tab or with a different name. It is also possible that your specific BIOS/UEFI doesn’t have the option to control the Numpad state. I recommend you consult the Laptop or Motherboard manual if you can’t find the option.

Finally, save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI screen. As soon as you exit, the system reboots into Windows.

With that, the Numpad is enabled in BIOS/UEFI. From now on, the Numpad is enabled as soon as you turn on the computer.

Easily enable Numpad on Windows — Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to enable the Numpad on a Windows computer. These include using the num lock key on the keyboard, editing the registry settings, and making changes in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and availability.

I recommend you stick with the first two methods to enable Numpad in Windows. Only follow the BIOS/UEFI method if you are sure that you can navigate and make necessary changes without messing up the BIOS/UEFI settings.

That is all. It is that simple to enable Numpad on Windows.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.