In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to keep Num Lock on permanently in Windows 11. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that the Num Lock key stays enabled every time you start your computer. This is great for anyone who regularly uses the numeric keypad and finds it a hassle to turn Num Lock on manually each time.
How to Keep Num Lock On Permanently in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll go step-by-step through the process of making sure that Num Lock stays on when you boot up your computer. It involves tweaking some settings in the BIOS and making a small adjustment in the Windows Registry.
Step 1: Access BIOS Settings
The first step is to enter your computer’s BIOS settings.
Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually F2, Delete, or Esc) to enter the BIOS setup. The exact key depends on your computer’s manufacturer, and it will often be displayed on the screen during startup.
Step 2: Navigate to Boot Settings
Once in the BIOS, navigate to the Boot settings.
Use the arrow keys to move around in the BIOS menu. Look for an option related to boot settings or behavior, which is where you’ll likely find Num Lock settings.
Step 3: Enable Num Lock on Boot
Find and enable the option to turn Num Lock on at boot.
The option might be labeled something like “Boot Up NumLock Status.” Use the arrow keys to enable it, then save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Step 4: Access Windows Registry Editor
Next, access the Windows Registry Editor to make further adjustments.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type “regedit,” and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor, where you can tweak various Windows settings.
Step 5: Navigate to Appropriate Registry Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the appropriate key.
Go to HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelKeyboard. This is where you will find the settings related to the keyboard, including Num Lock.
Step 6: Modify InitialKeyboardIndicators Value
Change the InitialKeyboardIndicators value.
Double-click on InitialKeyboardIndicators, set its value to 2, and click OK. This setting tells Windows to turn Num Lock on every time you boot up.
After completing these steps, your computer will automatically enable Num Lock every time you start it up. No more annoying manual activation each time!
Tips for Keeping Num Lock On Permanently in Windows 11
- Ensure you save changes in BIOS: Always remember to save your changes before exiting the BIOS to ensure they take effect.
- Back up your Registry: Before making any changes in the Registry Editor, it’s a good idea to back it up to prevent any mishaps.
- Double-check the BIOS key: The key to enter BIOS can be different depending on your computer. Look it up if you’re unsure.
- Look for Num Lock light: After making changes, check the Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard to confirm it’s enabled.
- Restart to confirm: Restart your computer after making all the changes to ensure everything is working as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Num Lock?
Num Lock is a key that toggles the numeric keypad on the right side of most keyboards between numbers and cursor-control functions.
Why won’t my Num Lock stay on?
This could be due to BIOS settings or Windows registry settings not being configured to keep Num Lock on at startup.
Can I keep Num Lock on for all users?
Yes, by editing the Registry under HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelKeyboard, the setting should apply to all users.
Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
Yes, but always back up your Registry before making any changes to avoid potential issues.
Do all BIOS have Num Lock settings?
Most do, but it can vary by manufacturer. If you don’t see it, consult your computer’s manual or support website.
Summary
- Restart and enter BIOS settings.
- Navigate to Boot settings.
- Enable Num Lock on boot.
- Access Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the appropriate registry key.
- Modify InitialKeyboardIndicators value to 2.
Conclusion
Keeping Num Lock on permanently in Windows 11 may seem like a small tweak, but it can save you time and hassle in the long run. By making changes both in your BIOS and the Windows Registry, you ensure that your numeric keypad is always ready to go when you start your computer.
These steps are straightforward, but always remember to back up your settings and proceed carefully, especially when diving into the BIOS and Registry Editor. If you run into any issues or have more questions, don’t hesitate to consult your computer’s documentation or seek advice from a tech-savvy friend.
And there you have it! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to keep Num Lock on permanently in Windows 11. Happy computing!
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.