(FIXED) Keyboard Number Pad Not Working on Windows 10

A number pad may seem frivolous especially if you have to buy a larger laptop to get one. Many users work with the numbers keys at the top of the alphabet keys and don’t need a dedicated number pad. 

For users who work with numbers e.g., spreadsheets or accounting software, a number pad is a must-have. Users can get keyboards with a built-in number pad or they can attach an external one to their system via a USB port.

Number Pad Not Working in Windows 10

The number pad, more often than not, is a part of the keyboard. If the keyboard on your system is working, it stands to reason that the number will work too. In the event that the number pad is not working, run the basic checks below and then try the fixes listed further below.

Basic checks

• Try to enter numbers from the number pad in an app like Notepad. If you’re able to enter numbers in Notepad, but not in another app, chances are the app is to blame. It may not be able to accept numerical input.
• Try connecting a different keyboard to your system. It’s possible that the number pad is damaged. 
• Use the number keys at the top of the alphabet keys to enter numbers and check if they work.
• Restart the system.

If you’re unable to enter numbers in Notepad, and when you’ve connected a different keyboard to the system, try the fixes listed below.

1. Turn on Numlock

The number pad on most keyboards can be toggled On or Off. There is a dedicated key for it on the keyboard. Look for the key, and tap it. Try entering numbers from the number pad. If it works, you can set Windows 10 up to keep num lock on at all times.

2. Disable scripts

If you’re running scripts that modify the behavior of the keys on the keyboard, add custom keyboard shortcuts, or remap one key to another, disable them all. They may not have been written correctly, or they may be disabling the number pad in order to work.

3. Check Ease of access settings

Make sure the Ease of access settings are not preventing the number pad from working.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Ease of Access. 
3. Select the Mouse tab.
4. Turn the ‘Control your mouse with a keyboard’ switch off.

4. Hardware check

Keyboards can be damaged physically. If the number pad isn’t working but all the other keys are, check if any input is detected when they are pressed with a keyboard test. 

1. Visit the keyboard test tool here.
2. Make sure num lock is on i.e., the number pad is enabled.
3. Tap the keys and check if the app detects input. 
4. If input is detected, an app is likely interfering with it and preventing you from entering numbers. Check your start-up apps or try booting into safe mode.
5. If input is not detected, your keys are likely physically damaged. Try a different keyboard.

Conclusion

Users who are used to a number pad will find working without one is tedious. Unfortunately, with laptops, a number pad will almost always mean buying a laptop with a larger screen and a bigger price tag. You can use an external keyboard with a laptop that doesn’t have a number pad on the internal keyboard but it’s a clumsy solution. 

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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