Change the Default Numlock State

The NumLock key is usually only turned on before the user has logged into the computer, this can cause problem for people with portable computers that do not check the status of the NumLock key before typing their password. The default behavior can be changed with this setting.

Steps

  1. Click 'start' and go to 'Run'.
  2. Type in 'regedit' (without quotes) and hit 'enter' or click 'OK.'
  3. There are two methods to complete step 3. Method 2 is strongly recommended.
    • Now click 'Edit<tt>' and then 'Find' (or hit Ctrl F) and type in '<tt>InitialKeyboardIndicators<tt>'.
    • Or you can click the ' ' on <tt>HKEY_CURRENT_USER<tt> , then the ' ' on '<tt>Control Panel<tt>', then click keyboard. (If using the first method in this step, after you have searched, make sure leads you to the same place as the second method. The second method is recommended.)
  4. Now right-click '<tt>InitialKeyboardIndicators<tt>', then click 'Modify'. To turn NumLock on at startup, type in '2' (no quotes) and to turn Numlock off at startup, type in '0'.
  5. This might not work because some computers will not override the BIOS. If it doesn't work then restart your computer.
  6. As your computer starts up press '<tt>F2<tt>' on the keyboard. (you might have to press a different button, look at the top of your screen for 'Setup' the second you cut your computer on. The button beside setup is the one you need to push.)
  7. Scroll down through the BIOS menu until you see 'Keyboard NumLock'. Highlight this item and change the Numlock setting to what you want (usually by pressing the spacebar).
  8. Now exit saving changes (In some bios you can just press 'Esc') and save changes.

Tips

  • When editing 'InitialKeyboardIndicators' make sure you only type in one number (2 or 0)
  • In step 3, the second method is recommended.

Warnings

  • Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. I cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Things You'll Need

  • Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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