Functional keyboard is essential for daily computer use. Whether typing emails, creating documents, or browsing internet, having responsive keyboard makes all difference. One issue many users face is their keyboard numbers not working. This can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are various fixes that have helped regain functionality.
Table of Contents
Fixes for Keyboard Numbers Not Working
Check Num Lock and Function Keys
First step in addressing keyboard number issues is to verify that Num Lock key is enabled. On most keyboards, Num Lock key is located at top left corner of the numeric keypad. When activated, Num Lock key allows to use the numeric keypad for number input. Follow these steps to check Num Lock status:
Step 1 : Locate the Num Lock key on your keyboard.
Step 2 : Press the Num Lock key once. If issue persists, proceed to next step.
Step 3 : Check if your keyboard has a Function (Fn) key, usually found on the bottom row. If it does, try pressing the Fn key along with Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad.
If your keyboard numbers still aren’t working after enabling Num Lock, consider the following additional solutions.
Clean Your Keyboard
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on keyboard over time, causing certain keys to become unresponsive. Cleaning keyboard might resolve the issue. Follow these steps to clean keyboard:
Step 1 : Turn off computer and disconnect keyboard from USB port.
Step 2 : Use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and debris from between the keys.
Step 3 : Dampen a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently clean surface of the keys.
Step 4 : If necessary, use a cotton swab to clean around individual keys.
Step 5 : Allow keyboard to dry completely before reconnecting it to your computer.
If your keyboard numbers still don’t work after cleaning, try next solution.
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Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause keyboard issues, including unresponsive number keys. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can often fix the problem. Follow these steps to update or reinstall keyboard drivers:
Step 1 : Press Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from menu.
Step 2 : Locate Keyboards in the list and expand the category.
Step 3 : Right-click on the keyboard driver (usually named “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” or “HID Keyboard Device”) and select Update driver.
Step 4 : Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to update your keyboard driver.
If problem persists after updating driver, try reinstalling it:
Step 1 : Right-click on the keyboard driver in Device Manager and select Uninstall device.
Step 2 : Click Uninstall in the confirmation window.
Step 3 : Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver upon restart.
If updating or reinstalling the keyboard driver doesn’t resolve the issue, consider the next solution.
Adjust Keyboard Settings
Sometimes, keyboard settings can interfere with the functionality of your number keys. Checking and adjusting these settings might help. Follow these steps to adjust your keyboard settings:
Step 1 : Press Windows key + I to open Settings app.
Step 2 : Click on Devices and then select Typing from left-hand menu.
Step 3 : Ensure that “Use the numeric keypad to move the mouse around the screen” option is turned off.
Step 4 : Scroll down to “Advanced keyboard settings” link and click on it.
Step 5 : Click on “Language bar options” and make sure that “Use the desktop language bar when it’s available” is checked.
Step 6 : Click on “Advanced Key Settings” tab and ensure that no conflicting key combinations are assigned to the number keys.
If adjusting keyboard settings does not resolve the issue, proceed to the final solution.
Check for Hardware Issues
If none of above solutions work, it’s possible that your keyboard is experiencing hardware issue. In this case, you may need to replace keyboard or have it repaired by a professional. Before doing so, you can try these steps to rule out any other issues:
Step 1 : Test your keyboard on different computer to determine if problem is specific to your device.
Step 2 : If you’re using wireless keyboard, check that the batteries are not depleted and the keyboard is connected properly.
Step 3 : If you’re using laptop, try connecting an external USB keyboard to see if the number keys work on the external device. If they do, issue may be with your laptop’s built-in keyboard.
If it’s determined that problem is with your keyboard, consider purchasing a new one or seeking professional repair services.
Turn off Mouse Keys
Mouse Keys is feature in Windows that allows users to control mouse cursor using the numeric keypad. When enabled, it can cause the keyboard numbers to stop working as they take on a new function. Disabling Mouse Keys can help you regain the use of number keys. Follow these steps to turn off Mouse Keys:
Step 1 : Press Windows key + I to open Settings app.
Step 2 : Click on Ease of Access.
Step 3 : From left-hand menu, select Keyboard.
Step 4 : In Keyboard settings, scroll down to find “Mouse Keys” section.
Step 5 : Toggle “Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen” option to Off position.
Step 6 : Close Settings app.
Use a Different User Profile
Sometimes, keyboard issues like numbers not working can be specific to a user profile due to corrupted settings or configurations. In such cases, using different user profile can resolve the problem. Follow steps to create and switch to different user profile:
Step 1 : Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2 : Click on Accounts.
Step 3 : Select “Family & other users” from the left-hand menu.
Step 4 : Under the “Other users” section, click on “Add someone else to this PC.”
Step 5 : Follow on-screen prompts to set up new user account. If you don’t possess Microsoft account, simply click on “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.” Next, choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account” to create local user account instead.
Step 6 : After successfully creating new account, make sure to restart your computer.
Step 7 : On Windows login screen, select new user account and sign in.
Step 8 : Test your keyboard numbers to see if they are working in the new user profile.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several potential solutions to get your keyboard numbers working again. Start by checking the Num Lock and Function keys, clean your keyboard, update or reinstall keyboard drivers, adjust keyboard settings, and finally, check for hardware issues. With patience and persistence, one of these methods is likely to restore your keyboard’s number functionality, allowing you to type efficiently and effectively once more.
