Keyboard Not Typing Numbers? 9 Easy Fixes That Work September 2025

Your keyboard suddenly won’t type numbers, and you’re stuck copying and pasting digits from somewhere else. This frustrating problem happens to thousands of users daily, but here’s the good news: you can fix it in just a few minutes.

Whether you’re dealing with a laptop keyboard not typing numbers or your desktop’s number pad has stopped working, this guide will show you exactly how to fix numbers not working on the keyboard. We’ll cover every possible cause and give you simple solutions that actually work.

Why Your Keyboard Won’t Type Numbers?

The most common reason for a keyboard not typing numbers is that Num Lock is turned off. Press the Num Lock key once to enable it. If that doesn’t work, Mouse Keys might be on (which turns your number pad into a mouse controller), or you might have outdated keyboard drivers. We’ll walk you through fixing all of these issues below.

Understanding Why Number Keys Stop Working

Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why my numbers are not working on the keyboard. This problem can happen for several reasons:

Software Issues:

• Num Lock is turned off (most common)
• Mouse Keys are enabled
• Outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers
• Windows settings conflicts
• Recent Windows updates causing problems

Hardware Issues:

• Stuck or damaged keys
• Dirt and debris under keys
• Faulty keyboard connection
• Keyboard hardware failure

The good news? Most of these problems are easy to fix without buying a new keyboard.

Fix 1: Check Num Lock (The Most Common Fix)

This is the #1 reason for number keys not working. Num Lock controls whether your number pad types numbers or works as arrow keys.

For Desktop Keyboards:

1. Look for the “Num Lock” key (usually top-left of the number pad)
2. Press it once
3. Check if a small LED light turns on
4. Try typing numbers again

For Laptop Keyboards:

1. Find the Num Lock key (might be combined with another key)
2. Press Fn + Num Lock together
3. Some laptops show an on-screen indicator
4. Test your number keys

Pro Tip: If Num Lock is already on but numbers still don’t work, try holding the Num Lock key for 5 seconds. This weird trick has worked for many users!

Fix 2: Turn Off Mouse Keys

Mouse Keys is a Windows feature that lets you control your mouse pointer using the number pad. When it’s on, your number keys move the cursor instead of typing numbers.

Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type control and press Enter
3. Click “Ease of Access”
4. Select “Change how your keyboard works”
5. Make sure “Turn on Mouse Keys” is unchecked
6. Click OK

Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Click “Accessibility” in the left panel
3. Select “Mouse” under Interaction
4. Turn OFF the “Mouse keys” toggle

You’ll know Mouse Keys was the problem if your cursor was moving when you pressed the number keys!

Fix 3: Update Your Keyboard Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common cause when you’re wondering how to fix number keys not working. Here’s the easiest way to update them:

Method 1: Through Device Manager

1. Right-click the Start button
2. Select “Device Manager”
3. Expand “Keyboards”
4. Right-click your keyboard
5. Choose “Update driver”
6. Select “Search automatically for drivers”

Method 2: Reinstall the Driver

1. In Device Manager, right-click your keyboard
2. Select “Uninstall device”
3. Restart your computer
4. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

For the latest drivers, visit your keyboard manufacturer’s website. This is especially important for a Logitech keyboard not typing numbers or other gaming keyboards.

Fix 4: Disable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

These accessibility features can interfere with normal typing. Here’s how to turn them off:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Ease of Access (Windows 10) or Accessibility (Windows 11)
3. Click “Keyboard”
4. Turn OFF these options:
   • Use Sticky Keys
   • Use Filter Keys
   • Use Toggle Keys

These features are meant to help people with disabilities, but they can cause problems if turned on accidentally.

Fix 5: Try a Different User Profile

Sometimes a corrupt user profile causes keyboard problems. Testing with a new profile helps identify this issue:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users
3. Click “Add someone else to this PC”
4. Create a test account
5. Sign in with the new account
6. Test if numbers work

If numbers work in the new profile, your main profile might be corrupted. You can transfer your files to the new account.

Fix 6: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can find and fix keyboard problems automatically:

Windows 10:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
3. Click “Additional troubleshooters”
4. Select “Keyboard” and run it

Windows 11:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot
3. Click “Other troubleshooters”
4. Find “Keyboard” and click Run

The troubleshooter will check for common problems and try to fix them automatically.

Fix 7: Check for Windows Updates

Recent Windows updates have been known to cause keyboard issues. Here’s what to do:

Check for New Updates:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click “Check for updates”
4. Install any available updates
5. Restart your computer

If Problems Started After an Update:

1. Go to Windows Update > Update history
2. Click “Uninstall updates”
3. Find the recent update
4. Uninstall it and restart

Many users reported issues after the Windows 11 24H2 update, so this might be your problem.

Fix 8: Clean Your Keyboard

Physical problems need physical solutions. Here’s how to safely clean your keyboard:

1. Turn off your computer
2. Unplug the keyboard (if external)
3. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake
4. Use compressed air between keys
5. Clean around problem keys with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol
6. Let it dry completely before reconnecting

For laptops, be extra gentle and consider professional cleaning if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

Fix 9: Test Hardware Problems

If nothing else works, you might have a hardware issue. Here’s how to check:

Test 1: Try Another USB Port

• Unplug your keyboard
• Try a different USB port
• Test the number keys

Test 2: Use On-Screen Keyboard

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type osk and press Enter
3. Click number keys on the virtual keyboard
4. If these work, your physical keyboard has issues

Test 3: Try Your Keyboard on Another Computer

• Connect to a different PC
• If numbers don’t work there either, the keyboard is faulty
• Time for a keyboard not typing numbers fix: replacement

Special Cases and Brand-Specific Issues

Laptop-Specific Issues

If your laptop keyboard is not typing numbers, check these:

• Look for an Fn Lock key
• Check if your laptop has a dedicated number pad mode
• Some laptops use letter keys as a number pad when Num Lock is on

Logitech Keyboards

For a Logitech keyboard not typing numbers:

• Update Logitech Options software
• Check battery level (for wireless models)
• Re-pair the keyboard with your receiver
• Visit the Logitech support hub for model-specific help

Only Some Numbers Work

If only certain numbers work (like 5 and 6), you likely have:

• Physical key damage
• Liquid damage to specific circuits
• A motherboard issue (for laptops)

This usually requires professional repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A keyboard not typing numbers can be incredibly frustrating, but as you’ve seen, most fixes are simple. Start with the easy solutions like checking Num Lock and disabling Mouse Keys. These solve the problem for 90% of users.

If you’re still having trouble after trying everything, don’t give up! Sometimes a combination of fixes does the trick. For persistent hardware issues, consider that keyboards are relatively inexpensive to replace, and this might be the perfect excuse to upgrade to that mechanical keyboard you’ve been eyeing.

Remember to check your computer’s other settings if you’re experiencing multiple issues. Sometimes keyboard problems are part of a larger system issue that needs attention.