Enabling Windows numeric keypad - how to do it

There is good news for Windows users: Windows also has a function in the registry editor that allows you to permanently enable the numeric keypad. If, on the other hand, you only use the corresponding key on the keyboard, you will have to reset the function the next time you restart.

How to enable Windows numeric keypad permanently

To enable Windows numeric keypad permanently for the entire system, first launch Regedit with administrator privileges.

1. Navigate then to the settings for the keyboard: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
2. Under "InitialKeyboardIndicators" you must now add the value +2.
3. So if the value is 0, make it a 2; if it is 2147483648, change to 2147483650.
4. Then close the editor and restart Windows.
5. Normally, the numeric keypad is now enabled at every system restart.

Note: If you have enabled Windows Quick Start, disable it briefly. This setting prevents a complete system reboot, so your changes in Regedit will not be applied. Only when completely booting, the current registry entries are also loaded.

Tips on the numeric keypad

If you only want to activate the numeric keypad once, simply press the NumLock (also num) key directly next to the numeric keypad. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to activate the numeric keypad again the next time, for example to enter your password during the startup process.