The number pad is essential for people who tend to collect numbers on a daily basis. But when the numpad suddenly stops working, you have to look for alternative methods such as using the function class. However, you can fix the number pad not working on a keyboard in Windows 11.
How To Fix Number Pad Not Working On The Keyboard
Whether you deal with Excel or write numbers regularly for other work, the number pad can really save time. Let’s go ahead and fix the number pad on the keyboard.
1. Enable Num Lock on the keyboard
Most keyboards come with a dedicated Num Lock key. When turned off, the number pad stops working. Most prefer to turn it off when not working with numbers to avoid unintended pressing.
So check if you need to re-enable the Num Lock key and type in numbers. Some keyboards come with an LED light to indicate the active mode.
2. Turn on Mouse Keys
When Mouse Keys is enabled on Windows 11, you can use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer. This is very useful when the mouse has stopped working on your computer, and you need to get some quick work done.
Once you return to using a functional mouse on your computer, you will need to turn off Mouse Keys.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + I together to open Windows 11 Settings.
Step 2: Go to the Accessibility menu.
Step 3: Select Mouse and turn off Switch Mouse Keys from the following menu.
3. Clean the number keys
If the keypad keys are full of dust particles, you may have problems with them. If you are using a mechanical keyboard, you can remove these keys using a dedicated key puller (that comes with the keyboard) and keyboard cleaning.
Those who use regular laptops or keyboards can remove dust with an air blower under the keys. Make sure the keyboard is tilted a certain degree when dusting the number keys.
4. Update keyboard drivers
Windows 11 update may have developed incompatibility with keyboard drivers. You need to download the latest keyboard drivers from the official website of the keyboard maker and install them on your computer. Once you have downloaded the required keyboard drivers from the website, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key on the taskbar and open the Device Manager menu.
Step 2: Click on the arrow in front of the Keyboards option to expand it. Then, right-click on the keyboard and select Update driver software.
Step 3: Select the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
The system will find and install the latest driver that has been verified by Windows Update.
5. Run the keyboard troubleshooter
If the number pad suddenly stops working, you can run the keyboard troubleshooter and fix the problem.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings after pressing Windows Key + I and go to System menu.
Step 2: Select Troubleshoot and open other troubleshooting tools.
Step 3: Scroll down and run the keyboard troubleshooter.
Let Windows fix the problem and try using the number pad again.
6. Reinstall keyboard drivers
If you do not find any update for your keyboard drivers, you can reinstall the existing drivers on your computer. First, you will need to uninstall the old keyboard drivers and reinstall the latest ones again.
Step 1: Open the Device Manager menu (see section 4 above).
Step 2: Expand the Keyboards list and right-click on Keyboard.
Step 3: Select Uninstall device.
Restart the computer and the system will install the required drivers after the computer boots up.
7. Check for damage to the keyboard
If you accidentally damage the keyboard, you may end up with a broken number pad. You need to replace the keyboard with another keyboard from Amazon. Until the new keyboard arrives, you can choose the Windows 11 on-screen keyboard on your computer.
8 Use the Windows 11 Virtual Keyboard
Windows 11 has a redesigned on-screen keyboard for touchscreen devices. Here’s how to use it and activate a numeric keypad on it.
Step 1: Press the Windows key to start the search and type on screen keyboard.
Step 2: Press the Enter key and open the On-Screen Keyboard application. By default, it does not hold the number pad on the right side. You need to enable it from the options menu.
Step 3: Click on Options in the bottom right corner.
Step 4: Check the box next to Turn on the numeric keypad and press OK at the bottom.
