If your number pad stops typing, first turn Num Lock on and check whether Mouse Keys is using the keypad to move the pointer. Then test in a simple text app. A keypad that works on the sign-in screen but fails after login often needs a Windows or app-setting check before you replace the keyboard.
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Use the symptom to choose a first check
| What happens | First thing to check |
|---|---|
| Keys move the text cursor | Num Lock may be off. |
| Keys move the mouse pointer | Mouse Keys may be enabled. |
| Works at sign-in, not on the desktop | Accessibility settings and software that starts after login. |
| Fails only in one program | That program’s input or shortcut settings. |
| No response on more than one device | Connection, battery or keyboard hardware. |
1. Check Num Lock
Press Num Lock once and type in Notepad or another plain text field. On some laptops, the keypad shares letter keys or uses an Fn combination. Follow the markings or the keyboard’s own manual rather than trying random combinations.
If your keyboard has no status light, test the result in text. The indicator alone is not the goal: you want the keys producing the expected digits.
2. Turn off Mouse Keys if it is taking over
Open Settings with the mouse. In Windows 11, look under Accessibility > Mouse; in Windows 10, look under Ease of Access > Mouse. Check the option that controls the pointer with the numeric keypad and turn it off if you do not use it.
Microsoft‘s Mouse Keys guide explains this feature. If you intentionally rely on it, review its Num Lock behavior instead of disabling an accessibility tool you need.
3. Compare apps and sign-in behavior
Try digits in Notepad, then in the app where the problem appears. If only one app fails, check its shortcuts, extensions and input settings. If the problem begins after login, check keyboard-remapping or gaming software that loads with your account.
Our key-remapping guide explains why software mappings can change behavior only while the utility is running. Turning Num Lock off is not a general fix for a keypad that should type numbers.
4. Check the connection and hardware
For a wired keypad, reconnect it directly to the computer instead of a hub. For a wireless one, check the battery, connection mode and pairing. Try another port or another computer when available. Microsoft’s keyboard troubleshooting guide covers these basic checks.
You can use the On-Screen Keyboard temporarily while testing. If the fault follows the physical keyboard across devices, a hardware problem becomes more likely. For other accidental shortcut changes, see our quick keyboard-fix table.
Frequently asked questions
Should Num Lock be on to type numbers?
Usually yes for a separate numeric keypad. Shared laptop keys may use a model-specific mode.
Why does the keypad move the mouse?
Mouse Keys can assign pointer control to it. Review that accessibility setting if it is not intentional.
Why does it work before login but fail afterwards?
Check account-specific accessibility settings, remaps and software that starts after login.
Should I replace the keyboard immediately?
Compare another app, connection or device first. A fault that follows the keyboard makes hardware more likely.