Enable NumLock at Windows Startup via Registry

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit) to force the NumLock key to remain turned on at the Windows logon screen. By modifying a specific registry string, you can ensure that your numeric keypad is immediately active for PIN or password entry without having to press the NumLock key manually every time your computer starts.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter (or click OK).
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.

Step 2: Navigate to the Keyboard Registry Key

In the Registry Editor address bar at the top, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard

Alternatively, manually expand the folders in the left-hand navigation pane to reach this location.

Step 3: Modify the InitialKeyboardIndicators Value

  1. In the right pane, locate and double-click the string value named InitialKeyboardIndicators.
  2. Change the Value data field according to your version of Windows:
    • For Windows 10 and Windows 11: Set the value to 2147483650 (or add 2 to the existing value).
    • For Windows 8/8.1/7: Set the value to 2.
  3. Click OK to save the changes.

(Note: For modern Windows versions, you may also want to apply the same value to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard to ensure consistency after logging in.)

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup (If Required)

In Windows 10 and 11, the Fast Startup feature can sometimes override registry settings and turn NumLock off during boot. If the registry edit does not persist after a reboot:

  1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left menu.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck the box labeled Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Click Save changes.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your PC. When the Windows logon screen appears, the NumLock key will be permanently enabled by default.