How to Open On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 10 & 11

Many don’t know this, but both Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in on-screen keyboard a.k.a a virtual keyboard. You can activate the on-screen keyboard in multiple ways and use it as if it’s a regular physical keyboard.

Whether your physical keyboard is damaged, you’re using Windows in tablet mode without a keyboard, or you need it as an accessibility option, the on-screen keyboard is a very useful tool.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you three methods to open the on-screen keyboard. These include:

1. Using a keyboard shortcut
2. Using the Settings app
3. Using the Start menu

Depending on your needs, follow the method of your choice.

Keyboard Shortcut to Display On-Screen Keyboard

Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, the easiest way to display the on-screen keyboard is by using a shortcut. Simply press the following keys simultaneously:

Windows key + Ctrl + O

The on-screen keyboard will launch immediately.

To close the on-screen keyboard, you can use the same shortcut again:

Windows key + Ctrl + O

This method is very useful when you need quick access to the virtual keyboard.

Open On-Screen Keyboard Using Settings

On Windows 11:

1. Press “Windows key + I” to open the Settings window.
2. Navigate to the “Accessibility” tab on the sidebar.
3. Scroll down the right page and click on “Keyboard“.
4. Turn ON the “On-screen keyboard” toggle.
5. The on-screen keyboard launches instantly.

On Windows 10:

1. Launch the Settings app by pressing “Windows key + I”.
2. Click the “Ease of Access” option.
3. Go to the “Keyboard” tab on the sidebar.
4. Turn ON the “Use the On-Screen keyboard” toggle.
5. You will instantly see the on-screen keyboard.

Open On-Screen Keyboard Using Start Menu

The on-screen keyboard is just another tool in Windows. That means you can open it from the Start menu. To do that, press the Start button on the taskbar, search for “on-screen keyboard” and click the “Open” option. This works in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Open On-Screen Keyboard on the Login Screen (Lock Screen)

Sometimes, you might have to use the on-screen keyboard on the login screen (lock screen). For example, I use a Bluetooth keyboard and sometimes, it struggles to connect. In that case, I type the pin using the on-screen keyboard to log in. Here’s how you too can do it.

On Windows 11:

1. On the login screen, click the “Accessibility” icon.
2. Turn ON the “On-screen keyboard” toggle.
3. With that, the on-screen keyboard opens.

On Windows 10:

1. On the login screen, click the “Accessibility” icon.
2. Click the “On-screen keyboard” option.
3. With that, the on-screen keyboard opens.

Wrapping Up — Displaying the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows

As you can see, it is pretty simple to open and display the on-screen keyboard on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Each method shown above has its advantages. For instance, the settings method is great when your physical keyboard is not working, while the Start menu option and keyboard shortcut are perfect for quick access. Whichever method you use, you’ll have access to the on-screen keyboard instantly. Also, as an added benefit, the on-screen keyboard even has text predictions to help you type fast.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.