Keeping the Num Lock key on permanently in Windows 11 can save you from the hassle of toggling it every time you boot up your computer. By changing a few settings in both the Windows registry and your computer’s BIOS, you can ensure that the Num Lock key stays on. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve this, ensuring a smoother experience in your daily computer use.
Keeping Num Lock On Permanently in Windows 11
Let’s dive into the steps you need to keep the Num Lock on in Windows 11. These instructions will help you configure your system to remember your preference.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R and type “regedit” to open the Registry Editor.
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to make changes to the system configuration of Windows. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully, as incorrect changes can affect your system.
Step 2: Navigate to the Keyboard Settings
Go to HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelKeyboard.
The path in the Registry Editor is like a directory tree in File Explorer. Each section is a folder that you need to open to find the Keyboard settings.
Step 3: Modify the InitialKeyboardIndicators Value
Double-click on “InitialKeyboardIndicators” and set the value to “2147483650.”
This value tells Windows to turn on the Num Lock key when the system starts. Make sure to type the value exactly as shown to avoid any issues.
Step 4: Access the BIOS During Startup
Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, or Delete) during startup.
The BIOS is a firmware interface that starts when your computer is powered on. Each computer brand may have a different key to access BIOS, so check your computer’s manual if you’re unsure.
Step 5: Enable Num Lock in BIOS
Find the option for Num Lock and set it to “On.”
The BIOS menu layout can vary, but you’ll typically find the Num Lock setting under the Boot or Advanced tabs. After making changes, save and exit the BIOS.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer should boot up with Num Lock activated. You won’t need to worry about turning it on each time you start your computer.
Tips for Keeping Num Lock On Permanently in Windows 11
- Double-check the value: Always ensure the Registry value is set correctly to avoid startup issues.
- Backup your registry: Before making changes, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your registry in case you need to restore it.
- Know your BIOS key: Familiarize yourself with the key to access BIOS, as it can save time during troubleshooting.
- BIOS updates: Keep your BIOS updated to ensure compatibility with Windows settings.
- Test after changes: Restart your computer to confirm Num Lock stays on, ensuring the settings are applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I enter the wrong value in the Registry?
Entering the wrong value can lead to system errors. Always double-check your entries and create a backup of the registry before making changes.
How do I reset changes if something goes wrong?
You can restore your system to a previous state using a registry backup or system restore point.
Why won’t my BIOS changes save?
Make sure to follow the correct process for saving changes in BIOS, which typically involves pressing the F10 key.
Do all keyboards support Num Lock?
Most desktop keyboards have a Num Lock key, but some laptops might not. Check your keyboard layout.
Can I access BIOS on a laptop?
Yes, laptops also have a BIOS menu, but the key to access it might differ from desktops. Refer to your laptop’s manual for guidance.
Summary
- Open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to Keyboard settings.
- Modify InitialKeyboardIndicators value.
- Access BIOS during startup.
- Enable Num Lock in BIOS.
Conclusion
Keeping Num Lock on permanently in Windows 11 can streamline your computing routines, especially if you frequently use the numeric keypad. By adjusting both your system’s registry settings and BIOS, you give yourself one less thing to worry about each time you start your machine. Remember, tinkering with these settings should be done carefully, so always back up your registry first.
If you’re not comfortable diving into the depths of your system, consider consulting a professional or tech-savvy friend. Once you’ve made these changes, you’ll find your computer starts up with Num Lock ready to roll, letting you jump straight into tasks without a hitch.
For further reading, explore articles on BIOS management and Windows registry tweaks to enhance your system’s performance. If this guide helped you, share it with others who might benefit from a smoother startup experience!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.