Here’s a look at how the Num Lock key works, how to find it and turn it on, and how to use it.
What Does Num Lock Do?
A number-lock key replaces the functions of certain keys on the keyboard with a numeric keypad. Some computers automatically turn on number lock during startup, but you’ll have to enable the feature manually on most compact keyboards. This often-ignored feature can be helpful in several situations. For example, some people find it easier to type long sequences of numbers using a keypad, such as those found on phones and calculators. Also, you’ll need to activate Num Lock sometimes to type special characters like curly quotes.
Where Is the Num Lock Key?
Traditional keyboards for desktop computers have a keypad on the right side in addition to the horizontal row of number keys above the letter keys. This is called the numeric keypad. The Num Lock key is usually located in the upper-left corner of the keypad. If you’re using a laptop with a numeric keypad, the Num Lock key will be in the same place as a desktop keyboard. Compact laptop keyboards, however, don’t have a numeric keypad, so number-lock functionality usually shares a key with another key, such as the Scroll Lock key, near the Backspace key. If a key has two functions, the alternate function might be labeled in a different color. Hold down the Fn (function) key and press Num Lock to activate it. On some keyboards, there’s a designated key just for number lock, but you still must hold down Fn as you press it. If Num Lock is labeled the same color as the Fn key, then this is probably the case.
What About Macs?
On Mac keyboards with a numeric keypad, the number keys function only as number keys, so there’s no need for a separate number-lock function. The Clear key is typically located where the Num Lock key would be on a PC keyboard. Although they don’t technically support number lock, most Macs have a built-in accessibility feature called Mouse Keys that lets users control the cursor with the number pad. If your keypad stops working because Mouse Keys is activated, try pressing Clear or Shift+Clear to reset it.
How to Turn Num Lock on and Off
Press the Num Lock key on your keyboard to toggle on the number-lock feature. Many keyboards have an LED that lights up when Num Lock is enabled. Some computers turn on number lock automatically during startup, in which case pressing the Num Lock key will disable it. Once enabled, the number lock key will remain active until you disable it. Num Lock works like the Caps Lock feature in that it can be toggled on and off by pressing the appropriate key. No matter which keyboard you’re using, turn off Num Lock the same way you turn it on.
How to Use Num Lock in Windows 10 With the On-Screen Keyboard
If your Num Lock key is broken or missing, it’s still possible to enable the number lock feature with the Windows On-Screen Keyboard:
