The issue arises because many laptop keyboards don’t have a separate numeric keypad, so they use part of the standard keyboard for numeric input when Num Lock is engaged. The most common reason for this problem is having Num Lock turned on, but it can also occur due to keyboard layout settings, driver problems, or even faulty hardware. Additionally, some systems may let you modify the behavior through accessibility settings if toggling Num Lock doesn’t work. Here are some methods that can help in solving the problem.
1. Turn off Num lock from your laptop keyboard
If you’re seeing numbers instead of letters when typing, it’s likely that Num Lock is on, turning part of your keyboard into a number pad. By turning off Num Lock, you switch the keys back to typing letters. On many laptops, the same keys are used for both numbers and letters, and toggling Num Lock changes between these modes. Simply hit the Num Lock key and it will turn off. A light beside the key or on the top or sides of the laptop will go off to confirm this action.
On certain keyboards, you may need to hold down the fn key or the combination of shift key and num lock in order to turn off the num lock.
2. Turn off Num lock using the windows on-screen keyboard
If you can’t use the Num Lock key on your keyboard, the Windows on-screen keyboard can help turn it off. This virtual keyboard lets you toggle Num Lock, fixing the typing issue by switching back to letters. It works just like a regular keyboard.
3. Turn off Num lock using an external keyboard
If typing still shows numbers instead of letters, try using an external keyboard. An external keyboard with a Num Lock key lets you turn off Num Lock easily, without searching for the right key combo on your laptop.
