When you rely on an external keyboard for your daily computing tasks, encountering issues can be frustrating. One common issue is when your keyboard suddenly stops typing numbers. This problem can be confounding, especially if you're working on tasks that require numerical input. Before you consider buying a new keyboard, let's explore some troubleshooting tips to solve this "External Keyboard Not Typing Numbers" issue.
1. Check Num Lock Key
The first and simplest step is to check whether the Num Lock key is on. The Num Lock, when turned off, disables the number keys on the right side of your keyboard. Simply pressing the key to turn Num Lock on may resolve your issue immediately.
2. Reboot Your Computer
Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as rebooting your computer. A reboot can resolve numerous issues by refreshing your system's state and potentially fixing any temporary software glitches causing your keyboard to malfunction.
3. Try a Different USB Port
If your external keyboard is connected via a USB port, the problem might be with the port itself. Try plugging your keyboard into a different USB port. This can help determine if the issue is related to a specific port on your computer.
4. Check Your Keyboard on Another Computer
To figure out if the problem lies with the keyboard or your computer, try connecting the keyboard to another computer. If the keyboard works fine on another system, the issue might be with your original computer’s settings or hardware.
5. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers might be the culprit. Follow these steps to update or reinstall your keyboard drivers:
- Right-click on the Start menu and open Device Manager.
- Locate your keyboard under "Keyboards". Right-click on it and choose "Update driver". Windows will search automatically for updated driver software.
- If updating doesn’t work, right-click again and choose "Uninstall device". Restart your computer; Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon boot.
Remember to ensure your internet connection is stable when allowing Windows to search for driver updates.
6. Check Keyboard Settings in Control Panel
Sometimes, specific settings in the Control Panel can affect the functionality of an external keyboard:
- Open Control Panel and navigate to "Ease of Access Center".
- Click on “Make the keyboard easier to use”.
- Make sure that the options under “Control the mouse with the keyboard” are unchecked, as they might interfere with the keyboard’s numerical input.
7. Disable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
Sticky Keys and Filter Keys are Windows features that help users with disabilities. However, they can sometimes interfere with normal keyboard operations:
- Go to Windows Settings > Ease of Access.
- Under "Keyboard", make sure Sticky Keys and Filter Keys are turned off.
8. Test for Hardware Issues
If none of the above solutions work, your keyboard might have a hardware issue. This could be due to wear and tear, spilled liquids, or other physical damages. If your keyboard is under warranty, consider reaching out to the manufacturer for a replacement or repair.
9. Check for Interference from Software
Certain software can interfere with peripheral devices. If you recently installed new software before experiencing the issue, try uninstalling it and see if that resolves the problem. Additionally, running a virus scan can help determine if malware is causing interference.
10. Use On-Screen Keyboard Temporarily
While you troubleshoot, if you need to type numbers, utilize the On-Screen Keyboard as a temporary workaround:
- Go to Windows Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard. You can now click on numbers via the virtual keyboard.
Conclusion
Solving the "External Keyboard Not Typing Numbers" issue often does not require technical expertise. Simple solutions like checking the Num Lock key or rebooting your computer often do the trick. However, if these tips don't solve your problem, you may need to delve deeper into updating drivers, checking hardware issues, or even considering a replacement if all else fails. Remember, being systematic in your approach helps you identify the issue more quickly, saving you time and potentially money on unnecessary replacements.