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 during startup in every situation. Instead, whether Num Lock turns on automatically is usually influenced by several system-level settings, including BIOS or UEFI keyboard initialization and Windows Fast Startup behavior. These features determine how your keyboard is initialized before and during the boot process.
Windows also relies on specific registry values tied to keyboard state, which can affect whether Num Lock remains enabled when you sign in. Because multiple components work together here, changing the correct setting is important to ensure Num Lock stays enabled every time your PC starts.
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, so the setting you use there may continue after you log in. If it’s turned off before sign-in, the numeric keypad may remain disabled on the desktop as well.
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 and load Windows with the previous keyboard state. This can sometimes prevent Num Lock changes from applying after startup.
1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Power Options
3. Click Change 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 and uses these values to decide whether Num Lock turns on or off at startup and sign-in. Incorrect entries here can stop the setting from working properly.
1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard3. 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, since Windows can use separate keyboard preferences for each account. If the setting only changes on the sign-in screen, updating it for your user profile can help keep Num Lock enabled after login.
1. In Registry Editor, go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard2. 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, which can affect whether the numeric keypad is enabled as soon as the PC starts. If it’s disabled there, Windows may not turn it on automatically.
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 after you update the registry or BIOS options, you can use Task Scheduler to enforce it at startup. This method creates an automated task that simulates pressing the Num Lock key each time you sign in, ensuring the key is enabled even if Windows does not apply the setting on its own.
To do this, create a startup task in Task Scheduler and set it to run at user logon with the highest privileges. This acts as a reliable fallback when normal settings do not work and can help keep Num Lock enabled consistently every time your computer starts.
7. Check Keyboard or Laptop-Specific Software
Some laptops can override Num Lock behavior through manufacturer-specific utilities, even when Windows settings are configured correctly. In these cases, keyboard control software, laptop hotkey utilities, or OEM system management tools may automatically manage key functions during startup and sign-in.
If Num Lock keeps turning off, it can help to update or temporarily disable these utilities and then restart your PC. Doing this allows you to check whether the manufacturer software is overriding Windows and helps ensure Num Lock stays enabled consistently after startup.
Final Thoughts
Keeping Num Lock permanently turned on in Windows 11 usually requires adjusting registry values, disabling Fast Startup, or enabling the option in BIOS or UEFI. In most cases, changing the InitialKeyboardIndicators registry entry is enough to resolve the issue permanently, as it tells Windows to keep Num Lock enabled during sign-in.
Once the correct setting is applied, the change typically remains in place after every restart. That means your numeric keypad will be ready to use as soon as Windows starts, without needing to manually turn Num Lock on each time.
