Keeping the Num Lock key on all the time in Windows 11 can really save some annoyance, especially if you’re tired of toggling it every time you power up. Sometimes, Windows just doesn’t remember your preference, and you find yourself stuck with Num Lock off by default — which is a pain if you rely on the numeric keypad for quick number entry. Luckily, you can tweak a couple of things to make sure it stays on, almost like magic. This involves diving into the Registry and, if needed, changing a setting in your BIOS. It’s not super complex, but you do have to be careful; a tiny mistake in the registry can cause headaches. The good news is, once it’s set up, your system will boot with Num Lock enabled, making your mornings just a little bit smoother.
Keeping Num Lock On Permanently in Windows 11
These steps should help you keep that Num Lock activated whenever you start your computer. It’s like telling Windows, “Hey, please remember I want the keypad on by default.” The process involves a quick registry tweak and possibly a BIOS setting change—depends on your setup. If those sound intimidating, no worries, just follow along step-by-step. Usually, these changes work pretty reliably, but on some setups, you might need to do both to get consistent results.
Open the Registry Editor to Change the Keyboard Settings
- Press Windows key + R, then type
regeditand hit Enter. This opens the Registry Editor, which is like the system’s control panel for all sorts of low-level stuff. Be cautious here — messy changes can cause boot issues. - Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard.
This path can sometimes be a little hidden if you’re not used to registry paths, but following the folder structure in regedit is straightforward once you get the hang of it. On some machines, the key might reside under other HKU profiles, but for default startup, this is the usual spot.
Modify the InitialKeyboardIndicators Value
- Double-click on InitialKeyboardIndicators.
- Set the value to 2147483650.
Yeah, that looks like a weird number, but this value is what tells Windows to turn Num Lock on when you boot. On one setup it worked right away, on another, it took a reboot to kick in. Sometimes, setting it to
2or2147483648also works, but this larger value is more reliable for some.
Make sure you type the number exactly, because if you mess up here, Num Lock might not behave as expected. It’s a small tweak, but worth it. I’ve seen systems where the registry change alone didn’t stick, so moving to the BIOS fix sometimes helps.
Head into BIOS and Enable Num Lock
- Restart your PC and tap the key to get into BIOS — usually F2, F10, or Delete. It varies by manufacturer, so check your manual if you’re unsure.
- Once inside, look for the setting labeled Num Lock or Keyboard Num Lock State.
On many BIOS menus, this setting is somewhere under the Boot or Advanced tabs. It’s kind of hidden sometimes, but if you can’t find it, a quick search in your BIOS manual or online might help.
- Set it to On, then save and exit. Usually, that’s pressing F10.
After these steps, your PC should start up with Num Lock enabled, saving you the hassle of turning it on every time. Again, some BIOS menus are weird, so the option might be called something like ‘Boot Up Num Lock State’ or similar, but the goal is the same.
Tips for Keeping Num Lock On in Windows 11
- Double-check your registry value—making sure it’s the right number can save multiple reboots.
- Consider backing up your registry first, just in case you slip up. In regedit, you can export the current registry hive under File > Export.
- Get familiar with your BIOS key — sometimes you need to hit it fast or repeatedly during startup, so make a note of it.
- Update your BIOS if possible — manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve compatibility, which can sometimes fix weird Num Lock issues.
- After making changes, restart a couple of times to see if Num Lock stays on. If not, revisit the registry or BIOS, because sometimes one fix isn’t enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I enter the wrong number in the Registry?
Kinda risky — it could cause Windows startup issues or weird behavior. Always double-check, and better yet, back up your registry before making changes. On some systems, incorrect values might disable Num Lock entirely or cause boot loops.
How do I undo if something breaks?
Simple — restore your registry backup (if you made one) by importing it back in regedit. Or, use a system restore point created beforehand. Just don’t panic if things go sideways, these fixes can usually be undone pretty easily.
Why don’t my BIOS changes stick?
Because of course, BIOS has to be tricky. Usually, you need to make the change, then save explicitly (usually with F10) — some systems also require a BIOS update or clearing the CMOS if settings aren’t saving. Check your manual if this happens often.
What about laptops without Num Lock keys?
Yeah, some laptops skim over the Num Lock key. They might have the setting only in BIOS or require a special key combo (like Fn + Num Lock) to toggle it. Not all keyboards support Num Lock, but most desktop keyboards do.
Summary
- Open Registry Editor and jump to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
- Change InitialKeyboardIndicators to 2147483650
- Reboot into BIOS and enable Num Lock in the settings
- Save and exit, then restart to test
Wrap-up
This whole process might seem a little involved, but once it’s done, your Windows 11 should keep Num Lock on from the get-go. It’s kinda satisfying when you don’t have to manually turn it on every time you wake your PC, especially if you rely on the number pad for data entry. Just be cautious with registry edits — always back up first. In my experience, doing both the registry tweak and BIOS setting gives the best chance of consistency. Fingers crossed this helps, and your Num Lock stays on forever!