The Num Lock key on your keyboard helps switch between the functions of the numerical keys on the Numpad. If the Num lock is not working properly, you need to utilize the number keys above the alphabet keys or the navigation keys on separate clusters (Arrow and Home clusters)—both may not be convenient.
If this button fails to register a keystroke, it indicates a particular option called “Mouse Keys” on the Accessibility setting is on. But it can also happen due to physical damage to the Num Lock key.
Check if Num Lock is a Dual Function Key
Some laptops have dual functions for keys like Print Screen or Num Lock. So, directly pressing the Num Lock button may trigger the other function instead of the NUM LOCK.
If you are encountering this issue on a laptop, you should check official sources or user manuals to figure out if this scenario applies. These documents should tell you what you need to do to utilize the NUM LOCK function. For instance, on some laptops, you need to press Shift + Num Lock to toggle NUM LOCK.
Windows includes a setting to enable moving the mouse cursor using the Numpad keys. This setting is called Mouse Keys, and when it is on, the Num Lock button actually toggles whether you may move the mouse with the Numpad keys or not.
you may specify whether the Mouse Keys option works when NUM LOCK is on or off. If you enable the former option, NUM LOCK switches between controlling the mouse cursor and typing the Numpad numbers. For the latter, NUM LOCK switches between using the Numpad buttons as navigation keys and enabling mouse keys.
You need todisable Mouse Keysso that the Num Lock or Numpad buttons work as expected, i.e., toggling between the navigation and the number keys.
Use On-Screen Keyboard
The Num Lock in the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) always uses the default functionality of this key. Even if you enable Mouse Keys, the OSK Num Lock will only toggle between the navigation functions and the number keys.
So, you may utilize the Num Lock key onthe On-Screen Keyboardto bypass any potential issues that are preventing the physical key or its mapped function from working properly.
It is more of a workaround than an actual fix. But you may still use it temporarily or if other methods don’t work.
Troubleshoot Physical Hardware Issues
It is also possible that the Num Lock key is not working because your computer is not detecting any keystrokes on this key. you may check this situation by using the On-Screen Keyboard. The OSK will highlight the Num Lock key if you turn on NUM LOCK by pressing this button on the physical keyboard. If the key press doesn’t highlight the OSK key, it indicates a hardware fault.
First, trycleaning the key or the keyboardin this case. you may use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust inside the keys. Also, use a brush or a lint-free cloth to remove any grime from the edges or seams of the button.
