Num Lock number keys no longer work on Windows

Problem:

You have a keyboard or laptop keyboard with numeric section where the right number keys no longer work. The cursor does move around on the screen. The light associated with the Num Lock key does work. This goes off or on. If you turn it on then the number keys still do not work.

Solution a:

You can turn the Num Lock key on or off in the BIOS. This doesn’t just happen and someone deliberately changed it or you installed an update to the BIOS.

The BIOS is the software on the motherboard that controls the computer’s components. Consult the motherboard manual to see how to get into the BIOS. Not every BIOS offers an option for this.

Solution b:

There is an option in Windows to disable the Num Lock number keys regardless of whether the light is on or off. If you have this functionality enabled, you will hear a beep sound when you press the Num Lock key. This requires the sound to be on.

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click on “Mouse Keys” in the upper right corner of the screen
3. Click on “Moving the pointer via the keyboard…”
4. Make sure “Enable mouse keys” is unchecked
5. Click “OK” and test the number keys

> Read more blogs about Windows 10

Solution tested on:

Windows 8.1 and Windows 10