How to Keep Num Lock Permanently Turned On in Windows 11

By default, Num Lock controls whether the numeric keypad on your keyboard enters numbers or performs navigation functions. On many Windows 11 systems, Num Lock automatically turns off after restart, shutdown, or sign-out, which can be frustrating if you frequently use the number pad.

This behavior is usually controlled by BIOS/UEFI settings, Windows registry values, or fast startup features. Fixing it ensures Num Lock stays permanently enabled every time Windows starts.

Below are the most effective solutions to keep Num Lock turned on in Windows 11.

Why Num Lock Turns Off Automatically in Windows 11

Windows does not directly manage Num Lock at startup in all cases. Instead, the setting is influenced by:

• BIOS or UEFI keyboard initialization
• Fast Startup behavior
• Registry values tied to keyboard state

Changing the correct setting ensures Windows remembers the Num Lock state properly.

How to Keep Num Lock Permanently Turned On in Windows 11

Follow the fixes below in order, starting with the simplest solution.

1. Enable Num Lock Before Logging In

Windows can remember the Num Lock state from the sign-in screen.

1. Restart your PC
2. At the Windows sign-in screen, press the Num Lock key
3. Ensure the Num Lock indicator light is on
4. Sign in normally

In many cases, this alone keeps Num Lock enabled after future restarts.

2. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can override keyboard state settings.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Power Options
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do
4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable
5. Uncheck Turn on fast startup
6. Click Save changes
7. Restart your PC

Disabling Fast Startup allows Windows to properly apply keyboard settings during boot.

3. Change Num Lock Registry Setting

Windows stores Num Lock preferences in the registry.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
3. Double-click InitialKeyboardIndicators
4. Change the value to: 2
5. Click OK
6. Restart your PC

This value tells Windows to keep Num Lock enabled at startup.

4. Apply Registry Setting for Current User

Some systems require setting Num Lock for the logged-in user as well.

1. In Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
2. Double-click InitialKeyboardIndicators
3. Set the value to: 2
4. Click OK
5. Restart your PC

This ensures Num Lock remains enabled after sign-in.

5. Enable Num Lock in BIOS or UEFI

Many systems control Num Lock behavior at the firmware level.

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10)
2. Look for settings such as:
   • Num Lock State
   • Boot Up NumLock Status
3. Set it to Enabled
4. Save changes and exit

This ensures Num Lock is enabled before Windows even loads.

6. Use Task Scheduler to Force Num Lock On

If Windows continues to ignore Num Lock settings, Task Scheduler can enforce it.

1. Create a startup task that simulates pressing the Num Lock key
2. Set the task to run at user logon with highest privileges

This method works as a fallback when registry and BIOS options fail.

7. Check Keyboard or Laptop-Specific Software

Some laptops override Num Lock behavior using manufacturer utilities.

1. Keyboard control software
2. Laptop hotkey utilities
3. OEM system management tools

Update or disable conflicting utilities if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Keeping Num Lock permanently turned on in Windows 11 usually requires adjusting registry values, disabling Fast Startup, or enabling the setting in BIOS/UEFI. In most cases, modifying the InitialKeyboardIndicators registry entry resolves the issue permanently.

Once configured, your numeric keypad will be ready for use every time Windows starts.