How to keep num lock ON in Windows 7

Whatever reason it may be sometimes you will run into problem with Num Lock under [easyazon-link asin=”0470525916″ locale=”us”] Windows 7 [/easyazon-link]. It is usually result of corrupted or overwritten registry key value and it is causing issue. Num Lock will turn off  anytime during work on computer and it becomes very annoying for some users especially if you need to work with numbers 🙁 You can easily fix it to enter the proper default value or simple change the value of registry key and keep the NUM LOCK always ON.

Here is a quick fix in registry or run a batch file that will turn on the Num Lock and keep it ON on your computer:

  1. Go to START and type Regedit
  2. Right click on Regedit and run as Administrator
  3. Registry Editor opens
  4. Press CTRL + F and in the popup enter to search for InitialKeyboardIndicators press Enter
  5. Click on the InitialKeyboardIndicators and set its value to 2  – this will keep the Num Lock always ON
  6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor

Default value for this key in Registry to keep it all healthy by default is:2147483648

 The others valid values are:

0 – Turn all indicators Off (NumLock, CapsLock, ScrollLock)
1 – Turn CapsLock On
2 – Turn NumLock On
3 – Turn CapsLock and NumLock On
4 – Turn ScrollLock On
5 – Turn CapsLock and ScrollLock On
6 – Turn NumLock and ScrollLock On
7 – Turn all indicators On (NumLock, CapsLock, ScrollLock)

Another way to set this up is create a simple batch file and run it as Administrator to set the value in Registry:

@ECHO OFF
CLS
REGEDIT.EXE /S "%~f0"
EXIT
[HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelKeyboard]
"InitialKeyboardIndicators"="2"

Or you can save this as NumLock.reg file and execute to make the change

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelKeyboard]
"InitialKeyboardIndicators"="2"

All solutions will work – however pay attention since you are making change in Registry, make backup before you change anything!! As well by changing the value to only “2” you will have the NUM LOCK always ON

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