How to Use Mouse Keys with Num Lock in Windows 11

Mouse Keys in Windows 11 lets you control your mouse pointer using the number pad on your keyboard.

This handy accessibility tool turns your numeric keypad into a directional pad for your mouse. It’s especially useful if you find using a standard mouse or touchpad difficult.

You can turn on Mouse Keys through the Settings app, typically found under ‘Accessibility’ or ‘Ease of Access’. Once enabled, Num Lock needs to be on for the number keys to work as mouse controls.

What Can Mouse Keys Do?

Mouse Keys in Windows 11 lets you control your mouse pointer using your keyboard’s number pad, essentially acting like a virtual mouse. You can use the number pad keys to move the cursor around your screen. Then, you can press the 5 key on the number pad to click, or the + key to double-click, all without touching a real mouse.

• Press the 5 key to click
• Press the + key to double-click
• Use other number keys to move the mouse pointer around the screen

You can also choose to make Mouse Keys work only when Num Lock is turned on. This means you can toggle Mouse Keys on or off by pressing the Num Lock key, without disabling the entire Mouse Keys feature.

How to Turn On or Off “Only Use Mouse Keys When Num Lock is On”

For easier control, you can set Mouse Keys in Windows 11 to activate only when Num Lock is on. Open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and then Settings, or by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to Accessibility, then select Mouse. Finally, turn on the switch for ‘Mouse keys’ to ensure it only activates when Num Lock is active.

1. Open the ⚙️ Settings app. You can do this by clicking the ⊞ Start menu and then clicking Settings. Or just press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. In ⚙️ the Settings window, click Accessibility on the left side.
3. Scroll down and click on Mouse on the right side to open mouse settings.
4. Turn on the Mouse keys switch.
5. Below it, you will see the option “Only use mouse keys when Num Lock is on”. Check this box if you want Mouse Keys to work only when Num Lock is on. Uncheck it if you want Mouse Keys to work all the time.

Mouse settings in Windows 11 Accessibility options

Turning on Mouse Keys and enabling “Only use mouse keys when Num Lock is on”

6. When you are done, close ⚙️ the Settings app.

Why Use This Feature?

• It helps people who have trouble using a regular mouse or touchpad.
• You get to control the mouse pointer using just your keyboard.
• You can choose when to activate Mouse Keys with the Num Lock key for easier switching.
• It gives you more options to use your Windows 11 computer in a way that feels comfortable.

Mouse Keys in Windows 11 helps you control the mouse pointer using your keyboard. You can choose to activate Mouse Keys with the Num Lock key, which makes switching between keyboard and mouse control smoother. This keyboard control offers more comfortable ways to use your computer.

Summary

Mouse Keys in Windows 11 is an accessibility tool that lets you use your keyboard’s number keys to move and click the mouse pointer. You can set it to activate only when Num Lock is on for improved control.