If the built-in Windows Laptop keyboard or an external keyboard attached to a desktop computer is not typing numbers, the problem could simply be due to the Number Lock key being disabled.
In addition to this, the problem of a Windows keyboard not typing numbers could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from Filter/Mouse keys being enabled to keyboard drivers becoming outdated or corrupted.
Keyboard Not typing Numbers in Windows 11/10
If your computer has a full sized keyboard, it will have a dedicated Number Pad area in addition to Number keys in the main keyboard area.
The troubleshooting steps as provided below are applicable for fixing the problem of Keyboard not typing numbers while using Number Keys (main keyboard area) and also while using the dedicated Number Pad keys.
1. Enable Number Lock
As mentioned above, a common reason for Laptop keyboard not typing numbers is due to Number Lock (Num Lock) key being accidentally disabled.
If you are unable to type numbers, press the Num Lock key once to enable the Number pad. On most computers, you will see the LED light glowing, indicating that the Number Pad is now working.
If there is no LED Light on the keyboard, you may see a passing message on the screen, confirming that the number pad has been activated.
2. Turn OFF Mouse Keys
As mentioned above, the use of Mouse keys can sometimes lead to keyboard problems.
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Mouse tab under “Interaction” section.
2. On the next screen, move the toggle next to Mouse keys to OFF position.
After this, try to type numbers and see if the keyboard is now typing numbers.
3. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
The built-in Keyboard troubleshooter on a Windows computer can help in finding and fixing the reason for the problem with the keyboard on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > System > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. On Other Troubleshooters screen, click on the click on the Run button located next to Keyboard.
Wait for the Troubleshooter to find and fix Keyboard related problems on your computer.
4. Update Keyboard Drivers
Another reason for keyboard not typing numbers (especially on external keyboards) is due to keyboard drivers becoming outdated or corrupted.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Keyboards entry > right-click on the problematic Keyboard and select Update driver option in the contextual menu.
3. On the next screen, click on Search Automatically for updated driver software option.
Restart the computer and see if the keyboard is now typing numbers.
5. Disable Filter Keys
Similar to Mouse Keys, the use of Filter Keys setting can sometimes cause problems, including the issue of keyboard not typing numbers.
1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Keyboard tab located under “Interaction” section.
2. Scroll down in the right-pane and move the toggle next to Filter keys to OFF position.
After this, see if the keyboard is now typing numbers.
6. Use Different User Account
If the none of the above methods worked, sign-in using another User Account and see if the keyboard types numbers.
If the keyboard works normally from another user account, the problem is most likely due to your user account being corrupted.
In this case, you can either create a New User Account or try to repair your corrupted User account.
7. Use External Keyboard
Connect an external keyboard to your laptop and see if you can type numbers.
If the external keyboard works, the problem is most likely hardware related and you should consider getting the keyboard examined by a technician.