In this article, I will discuss how to fix the num lock not working issue and enable the numbers pad on your keyboard.
Disable Mouse Keys
1. Press the **Start menu** button on your computer.
2. Navigate to the **Control Panel (Windows)**.
3. Click on **Ease of Access**.
4. Select **Change how your keyboard works**.
5. Under the **Mouse keys** section, uncheck the box next to **Turn on Mouse Keys**.
6. Click on **Apply** and then **OK** to save the changes.
Enable the Key
- Press the Num Lock key on your keyboard
- Check if the Num Lock indicator light is on
- If the Num Lock indicator light is off, press the Num Lock key again
- Restart your computer
- Check if the Num Lock key is working now
Update Keyboard Drivers
To fix the Num Lock not working issue and enable the number pad on your keyboard, one of the first steps you can take is to update your keyboard drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause various keyboard-related problems, including Num Lock not functioning properly.
1. Go to the Start menu and type “Device Manager” in the search bar. Click on the Device Manager option that appears.
2. In the Device Manager window, locate the “Keyboards” category and expand it to see the list of keyboards connected to your computer.
3. Right-click on the keyboard that is experiencing the Num Lock issue and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will then search for the latest drivers for your keyboard and install them if available.
If updating the keyboard drivers does not resolve the Num Lock problem, you can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard drivers to see if that fixes the issue.
Keep in mind that if you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the batteries are not running low as this could also cause Num Lock to not work properly.
In addition to updating the keyboard drivers, you can also check the Num Lock key itself to ensure it is not physically damaged or stuck. Press the Num Lock key a few times to see if that resolves the problem.
If the Num Lock issue persists after updating drivers and checking the physical keyboard, you may need to consult a professional technician for further assistance.
Investigate Hardware Issues
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Num Lock not working | Issues with keyboard connection, driver problems, or hardware malfunction. | 1. Check keyboard connection and try reconnecting it. 2. Update keyboard drivers. 3. Test keyboard on another computer to check for hardware issues. |
| Numbers pad not enabled | Settings in the operating system or BIOS may have disabled the numbers pad. | 1. Check Num Lock key on keyboard to enable numbers pad. 2. Check BIOS settings to ensure numbers pad is enabled. 3. Access operating system settings to enable numbers pad. |
FAQs
Why is my Num Lock not working properly?
Your Num Lock may not be working properly because you may need to press a key combination to toggle it. Try pressing Fn+Num Lock to see if that resolves the issue.
Why is my number lock not locking?
Your number lock may not be locking because the Num Lock status at startup in the BIOS settings is not set to be active or enabled. You can check and adjust this setting by entering the BIOS during startup.
Why is my num key on my keyboard not working?
Your num key on your keyboard may not be working due to a missing or outdated keyboard driver. Try updating or reinstalling the keyboard driver to fix this issue.
