Num Lock is a toggle key that switches your number pad between numbers and navigation

Num Lock is a key on your keyboard that changes what the number pad on the right side does. When Num Lock is on, the number pad types numbers. When it is off, those same keys move your cursor around the screen instead — up, down, left, right, and page functions. You toggle it on and off by pressing the Num Lock key once.

Most keyboards have the Num Lock key in the top-left corner of the number pad. On laptops and compact keyboards without a separate number pad, Num Lock may be combined with another key, usually marked with a small lock icon or the letters "Num" printed above or below the key.

Whether Num Lock starts on or off depends on your computer's settings and what happened the last time you shut down. Some computers remember the state you left it in; others reset to a default. If your number pad is not doing what you expect, Num Lock is usually the reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Num Lock key once to turn it on; press it again to turn it off.
  • On most keyboards, Num Lock is located at the top-left of the number pad, often marked with a lock icon.
  • When Num Lock is on, the number pad types numbers; when off, those keys navigate your cursor.
  • A light on the key or keyboard usually shows whether Num Lock is currently on or off.
  • On laptops, Num Lock may be combined with another key and require holding Fn at the same time.

Finding the Num Lock key on a standard desktop keyboard

On a full-size desktop keyboard, the Num Lock key sits at the top-left corner of the number pad — the block of keys on the far right. It is usually the first key in that section, above the 7 key. The key is often labeled "Num Lock" or "Num Lk", and many keyboards print a small lock icon on it as well.

Look for a small light on the key itself or elsewhere on your keyboard. This light turns on when Num Lock is active and off when it is not. Some keyboards place this indicator light near the top of the board instead of on the key. If you do not see a light, your keyboard may not have one — that is normal on older or budget models.

Turning Num Lock on and off on a laptop or compact keyboard

Laptops and small keyboards often do not have a separate number pad. Instead, Num Lock is usually combined with another key, often in the top-right area of the keyboard. Common locations are the Backspace key, the 7 key, or a key marked with both a number and a lock symbol.

To use Num Lock on a laptop, hold down the Fn key (usually in the bottom-left corner) and press the Num Lock key at the same time. Release both keys. Some laptops have Num Lock as a standalone key without needing Fn, but checking your keyboard's label or your computer's manual will tell you which applies to yours.

Once Num Lock is on, you can type numbers using the letter keys that have numbers printed above them. For example, on many laptops, holding Shift and pressing U types 4. This layout varies by brand and model, so look at the small numbers printed on your letter keys to see which ones double as number pad keys.

What to do if Num Lock will not stay on

Some computers are set to turn Num Lock off automatically when you start them up, or to remember whatever state it was in when you shut down. If you want Num Lock to stay on by default, you can change this in your computer's settings.

On Windows, open Settings, go to Ease of Access, then Keyboard. Look for an option called "Use NumLock" or "Turn on NumLock" and toggle it on. On a Mac, Num Lock behavior is less common because most Mac keyboards do not have a traditional number pad, but if you are using an external keyboard, the same Fn + Num Lock combination applies.

If Num Lock turns off on its own even after you change the setting, your keyboard may have a hardware issue or the key itself may be stuck. Try pressing the key firmly a few times. If it still does not work, the key may need replacement.

Why your number pad is not typing numbers

If you press keys on the number pad and nothing appears on your screen, or your cursor moves instead of numbers appearing, Num Lock is off. Press the Num Lock key once and try again. The number pad should now type numbers.

If Num Lock is already on (the light is lit) but the number pad still will not type, check whether your keyboard is connected properly. Unplug it and plug it back in, or if it is wireless, check that the batteries are not dead and that it is paired with your computer. If the problem continues, one or more keys on the number pad may be broken.

Num Lock on external keyboards connected to a laptop

If you have plugged an external keyboard into your laptop, Num Lock on that keyboard works independently from any Num Lock setting on your laptop itself. Press Num Lock on the external keyboard to toggle it — you do not need to hold Fn unless the external keyboard's design requires it.

Some external keyboards remember whether Num Lock was on or off the last time they were used, even if you unplug them and plug them into a different computer. If an external keyboard's number pad is not working the way you expect, try pressing its Num Lock key first before troubleshooting anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Num Lock is on or off?

Look for a small light on the Num Lock key or on your keyboard. If the light is on, Num Lock is active and the number pad will type numbers. If the light is off or not lit, Num Lock is off and the number pad will move your cursor instead. Not all keyboards have a light, so if you cannot see one, press a number pad key and watch what happens on your screen.

Why does my number pad have letters on the keys?

On laptops and compact keyboards, the number pad keys are shared with letter keys. When Num Lock is off, pressing those keys types letters or moves your cursor. When Num Lock is on, the same keys type numbers. Look at the small numbers printed above or below the letters to see which number each key produces when Num Lock is on.

Can I disable Num Lock so it never turns on?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, Ease of Access, Keyboard, and toggle off the "Use NumLock" option. This tells your computer not to turn Num Lock on when it starts up. You can still press the Num Lock key manually to turn it on if you need it, but it will not be on by default.

Does Num Lock work the same way on Mac and Windows?

The Num Lock key works the same way on both, but most Mac keyboards do not have a traditional number pad. If you connect an external keyboard with a number pad to a Mac, Num Lock works the same as on Windows — press it to toggle between numbers and navigation.

What if my keyboard does not have a Num Lock key?

Some very small keyboards or specialty keyboards do not include Num Lock. If your keyboard has no number pad and no Num Lock key, you cannot use Num Lock at all. You can still type numbers using the number row at the top of your keyboard, or use an on-screen keyboard if you need number pad functions.