Fix Laptop Keypad Not Working In Windows 10/8/7 (Easy Guide)

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5 min. read

Published on October 12, 2025

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Having your laptop keypad stop working can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to type quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re using Windows 10, 8, or 7, there are several reasons why your keypad might be malfunctioning, ranging from simple settings adjustments to more complex hardware issues. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and provide easy-to-follow solutions to get your laptop keypad back in working order.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and fixing a non-functional laptop keypad. We’ll cover everything from checking basic settings and drivers to addressing potential hardware problems. By following these instructions, you should be able to quickly identify the cause of the problem and restore your keypad’s functionality.

How Do I Fix My Laptop Keypad?

Check Your Num Lock Key

The Num Lock key toggles the numeric keypad on and off. Accidentally pressing it can disable the keypad without you realizing it.

Locate the Num Lock key on your keyboard. It’s often labeled “Num Lk” or something similar.
Press the Num Lock key once.
Try using the keypad again to see if it’s working.

Disable Mouse Keys

Mouse Keys is a Windows feature that allows you to control the mouse pointer using the numeric keypad. If Mouse Keys is enabled, it can interfere with the keypad’s normal function.

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Ease of Access.”
Select “Mouse” from the left-hand menu.
Under “Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen,” make sure the toggle is set to “Off.”

Update or Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver

An outdated or corrupted keyboard driver can cause the keypad to malfunction. Updating or reinstalling the driver can often resolve the issue.

Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager.”
Expand the “Keyboards” category.
Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver.”
Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
If Windows doesn’t find an update, right-click on your keyboard again and select “Uninstall device.”
Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix hardware problems.

Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
Type “troubleshooting” in the search bar and select “Troubleshooting settings.”
Click “Additional troubleshooters.”
Select “Keyboard” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above solutions work, there may be a hardware problem with your laptop keypad.

Inspect the keypad for any physical damage or debris.
Try gently cleaning the keypad with compressed air to remove any dust or dirt.
If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, you can check the keypad’s connection to the motherboard. However, this should only be done if you have experience with laptop repair.

Tips

Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing the keypad to malfunction.
Check for conflicting software: Some software programs can interfere with the keypad’s function. Try closing any recently installed or running programs to see if that resolves the issue.
Test with an external keyboard: If you have an external keyboard, try connecting it to your laptop to see if it works. This can help you determine whether the problem is with the laptop’s keypad or with your computer’s software.

Comparing Common Solutions

Here’s a quick comparison of the solutions we’ve discussed.

Solution	Difficulty	Effectiveness	Notes
Check Num Lock	Easy	Low	First thing to check.
Disable Mouse Keys	Easy	Medium	If you use Mouse Keys, this might be the culprit.
Update Keyboard Driver	Medium	High	Outdated drivers are a common cause of keypad issues.
Run Hardware Troubleshooter	Easy	Medium	Built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix problems.
Check for Hardware Issues	Hard	High	Requires opening the laptop; should only be done by experienced users.

Getting Your Keypad Working Again

By methodically working through these steps, you’ll likely find the solution to your laptop keypad issue and be back to typing in no time. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first before moving on to more complex troubleshooting steps.

FAQ

Why is my laptop keypad not working? There are several reasons why your laptop keypad might not be working, including a disabled Num Lock key, enabled Mouse Keys, outdated keyboard drivers, hardware issues, or software conflicts.

How do I enable my laptop keypad? Make sure the Num Lock key is enabled. Press the Num Lock key once to toggle the keypad on and off.

How do I update my keyboard driver? Press Windows Key + X, select “Device Manager,” expand the “Keyboards” category, right-click on your keyboard, and select “Update driver.”

Can a virus cause my keypad to stop working? While less common, it’s possible for malware to interfere with your keyboard’s functionality. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.

What if none of these solutions work? If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your keypad is still not working, there may be a hardware problem with your laptop. Consider taking your laptop to a qualified repair technician for further assistance.