Numpad seems like a rare bread now. A lot of manufacturers try to make their devices compact by excluding a numpad from their keyboards or laptops. This can be not a big deal for some users, but a lot of users miss having the convenience of a numpad. They look for alternate ways and want to emulate Numpad on keyboards in Windows. If you are one such user, this post is for you.
Emulate Numpad on keyboard in Windows
If there’s no Numpad and you are stuck while typing numbers, try the ways mentioned below to emulate Numpad on a Keyboard in Windows 11/10:
- Windows on-screen keyboard
- Numeric keypad emulators
- Laptop Numlock
- iPhone and iPad number pads
- Using AutoHotkey as a Number pad
- Get a separate Numpad accessory
Let’s talk about these methods in detail.
1] Use the Windows on-screen keyboard
One of the well-known ways to access Numpad in Windows is through their On-screen keyboard facility. The shortcut key to access the on-screen keyboard whenever wherever you want is Win + O+ Ctrl, however, there is a different method to access the on-screen keyboard, and it is as follows:
- Click Win + I to open Settings.
- Now go to Ease of Access and Accessibility in Windows 10 and Windows 11 respectively and then select Keyboard.
- Under the On-screen keyboard, access keys, and print screen, turn on the toggle key of the On-screen keyboard.
If the number pad is not visible, click on the Options button, check the box next to Turn on the numeric keypad, and then hit the Ok button.
2] Download and use Numeric keypad emulators
Apart from Windows on-screen keyboard, Numeric keypad emulators are one of the most customizable free apps that users can download. Aside from the basics, we can decide the button size, which key should be on the keyboard and its placement, and last but not least, we can also add special symbols via alt codes. So, go to sourceforge.net and download the tool.
3] Use Laptop Numlock
A lot of laptops acknowledge the Number pad issue and provide a hidden Numpad located near the NumLock key. They will be coated with a different color, so, look for them and press them alongside Fn or Alt keys. If the NunLock, NumLk, or Num key lights up, you know that you have successfully enabled Numpad. Do keep in mind that this feature is seldom seen on modern laptops. But if yours happen to have this feature, you don’t have to go any further, your manufacturer has thought about your liking for Numpad.
4] iPhone and iPad number pads
If you have an iPhone or iPad then there are some apps that transform them into a Numpad emulator, however, the only drawback is the lack of direct support for Windows.
In order to connect to the Numpad, it’s necessary to have a VNC server, although while the app demands a small amount, it is still more cost-friendly and takes less space than actually buying external Numpad emulators. However, we would recommend going for TightVNC which is a free app and will get the job done. You should know that this method is not recommended as it is a hassle to connect your phone or tablet every time just to access the Numpad.
Read: How to use Alt Codes without a Numpad on Windows
5] Using AutoHotkey as a number pad
If you are looking for something like Numeric keypad emulators, AutoHotkey is one of the best options available in the market. It let the users remap keys, create customized shortcuts, and run macros to automate repetitive tasks, among other things. We recommend you check our guide on how to use AutoHotkey to get started with the tool. You can then use the script mentioned below that will change your number keys to numpad keys after clicking on the Capslock button.
SetCapsLockState, AlwaysOff
#If GetKeyState("CapsLock", "P")
1::Numpad1
2::Numpad2
3::Numpad3
4::Numpad4
5::Numpad5
6::Numpad6
7::Numpad7
8::Numpad8
9::Numpad9
0::Numpad0
The only problem with this is that it stops you from using the Capslock as it should be used, but that’s why we have the Shift key.
6] Get a separate Numpad accessory
Last but not least, we recommend you go for a permanent solution which is getting a Numpad device. The device will get attached to your computer and will function just like a Numpad should.
That’s it!
How do I use numpad without numpad in Windows?
There are various ways to use Numpad without the physical numpad. You can use AutoHotKey, download an application, connect your phone, or better, get a working external numpad. We have mentioned everything you should know about the topic, do check them out.
Read: How to use Windows computer without keyboard or mouse
How do I get the numpad on my On-Screen Keyboard?
In order to get Numpad on your On-Screen Keyboard, first of all, open the on-screen keyboard and click on Options. Now, you will see a box for Turn on numeric key pad, tick the box and click Ok. You will see a numpad on the keyboard.
Also Read: Keyboard wont type numbers OR will only type numbers.
