How to enable the right side keyboard. Instructions for enabling the side keyboard with numbers on a laptop

How to enable numbers on a laptop?

Master's answer:

Despite the portable dimensions of laptops, this property is not always convenient. Almost always, laptop keyboards are significantly smaller compared to standard models. Many portable computers - netbooks and laptops - do not have a number pad on the keyboard.

To enable numbers on the keyboard, you only need a netbook or laptop.

To many, this problem may seem completely trivial, because the numbers are on the second line of the keyboard. As a rule, they are used as usual. True, this arrangement of numbers is not always convenient for the user. The most inconvenience is experienced by the person who, due to the nature of his work, works with numbers for a long time and often, for example, uses a calculator on a laptop. The right special section of the NumPad keyboard will help. Finding this block on a standard external keyboard is not difficult. The same cannot be said for a laptop. However, in this situation there is a way out.

You can, for example, use a standard keyboard for work, which is connected to a laptop via a USB connector. When the device is connected to a laptop computer, it will automatically install the necessary drivers and the user will be able to work freely.

There is also a special Num Pad, which you'll have to visit computer stores to find. Having chosen the appropriate model, it is connected to the laptop via a USB port.

However, it is quite possible to do without all the previously mentioned devices. Based on existing keys, you can create a digital Num Pad. To do this, you need to switch the layout by simultaneously pressing the F11 button on the top line and Fn (located in the lower left corner). On some laptop models, the F11 key may not be active. In this case, you should try the Fn+NumLk key combination. When the transition to Num Pad mode occurs, a warning icon will appear on the laptop screen indicating that the set of numbers has changed.

The effect of special commands for going to the Num Pad can be checked using the keyboard. When you press one of the keys: “L”, “U”, “J”, “K”, “I”, “O” and others, numbers should be written instead of letters. To disable Num Pad mode, you need to use the Fn+F11 (or Fn+NumLk) keys.

You may find it more convenient to use the on-screen virtual keyboard. It can be called in several ways. In the first case, through the “Start” menu, you need to go to the “Standards” section, open the “Accessibility” tab, select “On-screen keyboard”. The second way is shorter: through the “Start” menu, go to the “Run” function and enter osk in the field.

The numeric keypad, which is located to the right of the main part of the keyboard, is a very convenient tool for quickly typing numbers. But, from time to time, users are faced with the fact that it stops working. In this article we will tell you why the numbers on the right side of the keyboard do not work and what to do to solve this problem.

The numbers on the right don't work because Num Lock is off

There is a Num Lock key in the upper left corner of the number pad. With its help, you can turn on and off the numeric register on the numeric keypad. Just above the Num Lock key there is an indicator with the same name. If the indicator is lit, it means that Num Lock is on and the numeric keypad is typing numbers, otherwise the numeric keypad works like arrows and controls the cursor. The picture below shows the location of the Num Lock key and its indicator.

Therefore, if the numbers on your keyboard that are located to the right of the main part of the keyboard do not work, then most likely the problem is that you have Num Lock turned off. To fix this, press the Num Lock key and check the indicator, it should light up. After this, check the operation of the keys on the numeric keypad, if this was the problem, then they should start working normally.

It should be noted that in some cases the location of the Num Lock key may differ from what is shown above. This is found on laptop keyboards and gaming keyboards. Also, in some cases, Num Lock can be combined with another key, for example, with the F11 key, as in the picture below. In this case, in order to press Num Lock you need to use the Fn-NumLock key combination.

If the keyboard is compact, then the name of the key itself can be abbreviated. Therefore, do not be surprised if you come across the designation NumLK or NmLk. This is the same key, only with an abbreviated name.

The numbers on the right don't work due to Windows settings

If the Num Lock key is turned on, but the numbers on the right still do not work, then the problem may be due to incorrect settings in the Windows operating system. The fact is that the “Control Panel” has an option that allows you to control the mouse pointer using the numeric keypad. If this option is enabled, you cannot enter numbers using the numeric keypad.

To check this option, go to the “Control Panel”. In Windows 10, you can do this by pressing the Windows-R key combination and executing the “control” command.

In the Control Panel you need to open the Accessibility section.

And then the subsection “Ease of Access Center”.

In the "Ease of Access Center" section, scroll down the page and go to "Make your mouse easier to use."

Here you need to turn off the option “Enable pointer control from the keyboard” and save the settings using the “Apply” button.

After that, check the operation of the numeric keypad, if this was the problem, then the keys should work.

It happens that the numbers on the right side of the keyboard do not work, despite the fact that all other keys are fully functional. There are several reasons why this problem occurred:

  1. The numeric part of the keyboard is disabled (Num Lock)
  2. Keyboard pointer control option enabled

How to enable numbers on the right side of the keyboard

Problem #1: The numeric part of the keyboard is disabled

This is the most common reason after which everyone starts digging into the search engine asking why the numbers on the keyboard don’t work.

The center of attention in this whole matter is the key. Num Lock.

What is Num Lock responsible for?

Num Lock or “Numeric Lock” (translated as “fixing numbers”) allows you to use the number keys, those on the right side of the keyboard. That is, if you press the Num Lock key and the indicator at the top right of the keyboard lights up, the numbers on the right will work when you press them.

If you press again and the indicator goes out, then the keys 2,4,6,8 will work like the down, left, right, up arrows. And you will also launch the cursor control system, including the Home, PgUp, End, PgDn keys. But with all this, the number keys, when pressed, will not work like numbers.

Then uncheck "Enable keyboard pointer control" and click OK.
Or enter the word “pointer” in the Windows search and click on “Control the pointer from the keyboard”

On Windows XP, this setting is located in the Accessibility section.

Follow the path: Start - Control Panel - Accessibility.

A window will appear in which you must go to the “Mouse” tab. Uncheck "Keyboard control" and click "OK".

Don't forget to press Num Lock. The button should now function.

The sidebar of the keyboard with numbers is easy to use. After all, the keys on it are arranged in the usual order, like on a calculator. Sometimes it is very convenient to quickly calculate something. If these keys fail or break, you have to spend a lot of time typing numbers using the main keyboard. What to do in this case? And how can you enable the set if you don’t have a sidebar on the right at all? Let's find out!

How to enable side numbers on the right keyboard

Any keyboard consists of several blocks. So, we can highlight:

  • Letter block;
  • Function key block (F1, F4, etc.);
  • Additional numeric keypad block.

In addition, of course, there are action keys (Shift, Ctrl).

In this article, we'll look specifically at the optional numeric keypad. On some computers and laptops it is allocated in a separate sector, on others it is in close proximity to the letter, and on others it is completely absent. However, the latter option is typical only for laptops.

On the computer

The keyboard for personal computers is usually larger than for laptops. Accordingly, manufacturers distribute free space in such a way that the user can work with all the keys as comfortably as possible. Therefore, the numeric keypad is often allocated to a separate sector.

In the photo, all the keys of the additional keyboard (on the right) are highlighted in a separate group. In the upper left corner of this group there is a NumLock button (the location may differ for different models). Pressing it turns on the numeric keypad.

When NumLock is turned off, the keys will behave differently. So, arrows are drawn under the numbers 8, 4, 6 and 2. This means that these keys will work like regular directional buttons (which are located to the left of the number pad).

In addition, the keys with numbers 7, 9, 1, 3, 0 and “,” are written with the names of the Home, PgUp, PgDown, End, Insert, Delete buttons, which can be found above the directional keys. When NumLock is turned off, these buttons will be responsible for the corresponding actions.

So, turning NumLock on/off does not completely disable the side keyboard, but changes the purpose of some keys.

Video: Using Additional Buttons

On a laptop

On laptops, the numeric keypad is usually located closer to the letter block. This allows manufacturers to save on the size of the entire device.

Otherwise, enabling/disabling the number keys is done in exactly the same way as on a computer keyboard. But it happens that there is no side panel for number keys on the laptop.

In this case, the developers have positioned the number keys slightly differently. They are on alphabetic ones as additional ones.

Moreover, the number keys can be applied to other buttons. It depends on the publisher.

To switch the keyboard to use additional numeric keys, you need to press a certain key combination.

It may vary on different laptops. For example, in our case, you need to press the Fn and Ins keys simultaneously (since NumLock is written in blue on the Ins button).

In general, this action is no different from the usual pressing of NumLock on a computer. Only in our case, when NumLock is turned off, the keys will print letters, and when NumLock is turned on, the corresponding numbers and mathematical signs.

How to disable

  • Disabling the numeric keys on the side keyboard on the right (or on the letter key for some laptops) is done in the same way as turning them on. Let us briefly describe the necessary actions:
  • If you have a side keyboard, pressing the NumLock key will disable it (more precisely, switch it to other functionality, as we indicated above).

If you don't have a side keyboard, look for the numbers on the letter keys. In order to disable these numbers (switch them to letters), you need to press a key combination, which may differ for different laptop models. Usually this is the Fn+[some function key] button.

Photo gallery: different keyboard shortcuts on different laptop keyboards without a sidebar

Press Fn+F11 Press Fn+Insert(Num) Press Fn+Num(Scr)

Possible problems and their solutions

It may well be that turning the side keyboard on/off does not affect its operation in any way: you press NumLock, but you still can’t enter numbers. Or one particular button may not work. Let's look at each problem separately and try to find optimal solutions.

If you want the sidebar with numeric keys to work immediately after turning on the operating system, you need to change the corresponding setting in the BIOS.

First of all, restart (turn on) the computer and press the enter button to the BIOS menu. This could be the Del, F12 or any other button, depending on the computer (laptop) model. You can find out which key you need to press on the screen that appears immediately after turning on the device.

In the window that opens, go to the “Boot” tab. There you will find the “NumLock Key” option (it may be called something else, such as “NumLock Enable”). Press Enter and toggle the value to "On" or "Enabled". Go to the Exit tab and exit the BIOS, saving the changes.

The next time you turn on the computer, the side keyboard will work immediately.

Side numbers on the right don't work

If the side numeric keypad doesn't work when you press NumLock (or another function key), that key is the problem. The contact has probably come loose or the keyboard is clogged. One way or another, you will need the help of a specialist.

Before contacting the service center, it makes sense to check whether there is really something wrong with a particular button. You can do this using the on-screen keyboard.

To open the On-Screen Keyboard program, which is built into Windows by default, open the Start menu. Click on "All Programs" and find the "Accessories" folder. It contains another folder - “Special Features”. The program you are looking for is here.“On-screen keyboard” is a full-fledged substitute for a regular one.

The keys in it are pressed with the left mouse button. To test whether each individual numeric keypad button works, in the program window, click Options and select Enable numeric keypad.

Now click on the “NUMLOCK” button in the program interface, and then try to enter numbers using the hardware side keyboard.

If numbers are entered, then the problem is specifically with the “NumLock” key. Contact a technician to clean the keyboard and check its serviceability.

By the way, using the On-Screen Keyboard program you can work without any hardware at all. For example, if you handed it in for repair. It will also help you if any keys are missing or are inconveniently located.

Video: what to do if the keyboard does not work at all

Letters are typed instead of numbers This problem may be familiar to laptop users. To turn it off, you need to press the key combination mentioned above. In addition, it may be that always after turning on the computer, the letter keys print numbers. In this case, you need to disable the “NumLock Key” option in the BIOS. How to do this is also described above.

The wrong letters are printed

This problem occurs equally often on both computers and laptops. The reason for this behavior of the keyboard is most often a malfunction associated with clogging.

Thus, several keystroke sensors could stick together or even fail after some liquid was spilled on the keyboard. Note that if your keyboard is printing the wrong letters, the reason is the same. In any case, you need to contact a specialist. It may well be that the device cannot be repaired at all. Then you'll have to buy a new one.

If you accidentally spilled any liquid on the keyboard, it is better to immediately take it to a service center. Even if it works now, the malfunction may appear weeks or even months later.

Always keep your computer or laptop clean. Wipe the screen and keyboard with a dry cloth or special wet wipes. This will help keep the device in good condition now and save money on repairs in the future.

Specifics of working with gaming peripherals

A gaming keyboard, of course, costs more (sometimes much more) than a regular one. It's not just about the brand, but also about functionality.

Keyboards for gamers have increased key responsiveness, which can even be customized. In addition, there are special drivers for controlling such delicate professional equipment. In such programs, you can configure different keyboard shortcuts for one button (macros). This is often necessary for shooter or strategy players, when everything needs to be done as quickly as possible.

Using macros, you can also assign some letter keys to enter numbers. This can be useful for different cases. For example, if you need to quickly change weapons in a game, or if the side keys on the right are broken.

Buying an additional keyboard

If your laptop does not have a side keyboard with numbers, and you are uncomfortable using the letter keys, it makes sense to purchase an additional keyboard.

You can connect this small device to your laptop via a USB cable. The convenience of using such a keyboard lies in the fact that it can be placed anywhere, even picked up as if it were a familiar calculator.

In addition, you can disable it if it is not needed. This is convenient when using a laptop on the go.

There are also special additional keyboards for gamers. But in this case, they are usually intended for functions other than entering numbers. These functions are configured in the driver.

Any problem with the side keyboard usually lies in the enabling/disabling of certain functions. If nothing suggested in the article helped you, then something is wrong with the mechanical part of the device. In this case, you can only take it for repairs. In any case, try to treat the keyboard with trepidation. Regular cleaning will help prevent a number of problems, including device failure. Keyboard malfunction issues computer It’s easier to decide - there’s always an opportunity check the keyboard you are using on another computer or vice versa - connect it to your PC exactly working properly

. Then act according to the circumstances. WITH laptop

Another situation is that the keyboard is built-in, that is, an integral part. In any case, try first reboot device and go to BIOS (usually the key2 F at the time of initialization for laptops, Del (usually the key10 or for desktop PCs). It didn’t work out - there’s a high probability device malfunction , most likely you will have to contact a service center. Before that we recommend check the contacts - they may be Del oxidized squeezed out (relevant for PS/2) or check cable integrity - perhaps he received damage

(for example, it was pinched). If you succeeded, then the keyboard OK

, we are dealing with a software glitch. In this case, boot the system, it would be better to do this in safe mode without starting drivers ( F8 while loading). The device is functioning, which means the problem is in the drivers. Start the OS in normal mode, right-click on the iconComputer.

Properties Find a section Keyboards

and delete everything that is in the subkey. Then reboot computer and check if the keyboard works. In normal condition, the driver should install automatically . Here in Dispatcher you can update or reinstall driver - this option is suitable if there is an indication of unidentified devices with yellow.

exclamation point The next option is to the restore point to the date when the keyboard was exactly working.

To do this we go Start/ Control Panel

Run the program here Recovery.

Launch system recovery– choose point, to which you should rollback.

A more radical way would be complete reinstallation operating system.

You can enter characters when the keyboard is not working using on-screen application.

Start/ Special abilities.

By clicking the cursor on the image of the virtual keys, information will be entered.

This is a temporary measure will simplify finding and solving the problem. For a laptop, another temporary solution would be connection a regular USB keyboard to any free port.

For more advanced users, of course you can disassemble And It’s easier to decide - there’s always an opportunity connection cable. We will not dwell on this in detail in this article.

The numbers on the right don't work

If only the numbers on the right do not work, first check if the Num Lock, some users may forget to turn it on.

Above is usually Num Lock mode enabled illuminated green LED turned on (in rare cases it may not be present).

If the numbers still do not print, check to see if the Num Lock button actually does this. Sometimes this mode includes a combination Num Lock + SHIFT or another.

Also check if you have the option enabled mouse control from keyboard.

Start\ Control Panel\ Special abilities\ Mouse

There should be no check mark on the “ Keyboard control«.

The f1-f12 keys do not work

If we are talking about laptop owners, the key is responsible for turning on the function keys Fn.

Some types of PC office devices have a " Office", you need to check its operation. In other cases it should help reinstallation drivers.