How to Use Mouse Keys with Num Lock in Windows 11

Mouse Keys in Windows 11 lets you move the mouse pointer using the number pad on your keyboard instead of a physical mouse. This built-in accessibility tool helps you control your PC entirely with your keys when standard mice or touchpads are hard to use.

You turn on this feature in your Windows settings ⚙️ and press the Num Lock key to make your number keys work as mouse directions.

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. Number pad keys move the cursor across the screen, the 5 key acts as a standard click, and the + key handles double-clicks.

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

Dedicated toggles allow Mouse Keys to function exclusively when Num Lock remains active. Pressing the Num Lock key enables or disables the cursor controls without turning off the core accessibility feature.

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

Press Win+I to open the Settings ⚙️ app directly, or open it from the Start menu ⊞. 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. Linking the activation to the Num Lock key makes switching between keyboard and mouse navigation seamless, providing a comfortable alternative for daily computer use.

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. Configuring the feature to respond exclusively to active Num Lock states grants tighter navigation control.