Microsoft – Changing number lock status when Windows starts

Microsoft – Changing number lock status when Windows starts

Problem

A Windows user who has a desktop keyboard or a numeric pad may wish to specify what state te number lock is in when Windows starts.


Applies to

  1. Windows 11

Resolution

Please use the directions below to make the change to the number lock status when Windows starts.



Notes
Note
These changes do not affect the status of the number lock at the Windows sign in screen.  Those are controlled elsewhere in the Windows registry.


Idea
Tip
JAWS and Fusion users in particular may favour the setting to disable the number at start up if they are using a desktop keyboard with a numeric pad on the right which is assigned JAWS functions. 


Using the Mouse

  1. Click Start button then search Regedit.
  2. Then rightg click the entry and choose Run As Administrator
  3. In Regedit edit copy the address below:

    HKEY_USERS.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard

  4. Then right click on the address bar then choose Paste then press ENTER key.
  5. Then double click the option on the rgight named InitialKeyboardIndicators.
  6. Then click in the value data entry box and make the change for the desired state of the number lock shown below:

    0 = number lock off
    2 = number lock on

  7. Then click OK button, and close Regedit app.
  8. Restart Windows for the change to take effect.

Using the keyboard

JAWS/Fusion users can use the sinstructions below to disable the number lcok at startup themselves.

  1. Press WINDOWS+R and type the program name below, then press CONTROL+SHIFT+ENTER to run as Administrator :

    Regedit.exe

  2. In Regedit press F4 or CONTROL+L to focus the address bar and copy the key path below and paste it into the location bar, then press ENTER:

    HKEY_USERS.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard

  3. Press F6 key to move to the right name pane in Regedit and use arrow keys to locate the option InitialKeyboardIndicators then press ENTER to open it.
  4. In the new dialogue window change the value data according to the desired state of number lock when Windows starts.

    0 = number lock off
    2 = number lock on

  1. Press TAB to reach OK then press SPACEBAR to save the change.
  2. Then exit Regedit application.
  3. Restart Windows for the change to take effect

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