Symptoms
- Numpad keys move the cursor instead of typing numbers
- Numpad does nothing at all
- Numpad worked before, stopped after waking from sleep
- Num Lock light doesn't turn on
Likely causes
- CommonNum Lock turned offWhen Num Lock is off, numpad keys act as navigation keys (arrows, Home, End) instead of numbers.
- CommonNum Lock state not restored after sleep or restartSome systems don't remember the Num Lock state between sessions.
- PossibleBIOS setting controlling Num Lock at startupSome computers have a BIOS option that forces Num Lock off at every boot.
- PossibleDebris or a stuck key affecting the whole numpad sectionPhysical damage or debris under a cluster of keys can affect several numpad keys at once.
- Less commonExternal numpad connection issueA separate USB numpad can have its own connection problems distinct from the main keyboard.
What to do
- Press the Num Lock key (usually top-left of the numpad) and check if a corresponding light turns on.
- If there's no visible Num Lock light, try typing a number right after pressing Num Lock to test if it toggled anyway.
- Check BIOS settings for a 'Num Lock on boot' option and enable it if you want it on by default.
- Clean around the numpad keys with compressed air if specific keys don't respond even with Num Lock on.
- For an external numpad, check its USB connection and try a different port.
- Restart the computer, since some systems only apply certain keyboard settings after a fresh boot.
- Test the numpad on another computer if it's external, to rule out a device-specific fault.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
External USB numpadSearch: “USB numeric keypad”
When to call a pro
If Num Lock is confirmed on and specific numpad keys still don't respond after cleaning, the keyboard likely has a hardware fault in that section and needs replacing.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.