not able to use numbers

Question

cannot get system to allow numbers in applications

Answer 1

Hi Kenneth Teske,

Thanks for your post. I’m happy to help look into this with you. Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please try the steps below.

Please try the checks below in order:

Step 1 – Check whether “Mouse Keys” is enabled

When this feature is on, the numeric keypad is used to move the mouse instead of typing numbers.

1. Open “Settings” > “Accessibility”
2. Select “Mouse”
3. Turn off “Mouse keys”
4. Test typing numbers again

Step 2 – Confirm Num Lock status

If you are using a full keyboard or laptop with a numeric keypad:

• Press “Num Lock” once
• If using a laptop, try “Fn” + “Num Lock”
• Check whether numbers now input normally

Step 3 – Test with the On‑Screen Keyboard

1. Press Win + R, type “osk”, press Enter
2. Try typing numbers using the on‑screen keyboard

• If numbers work here > likely a physical keyboard or driver issue
• If they do not > likely a Windows setting conflict

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Answer 2

Hi, I'm John!

To help narrow down the issue:

1. Are the number keys not working in all applications, or only in a specific app?
2. Do the numbers at the top of the keyboard (above the letters) work?
3. Are you using a laptop keyboard or an external keyboard?

In the meantime, you could also try turning Num Lock on or off and see if that makes a difference.

This will help determine if the issue is related to the keyboard or a Windows setting.

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 3

On some systems, numeric-only fields or controls can be configured to reject non-numeric input, or the reverse can happen if a “numeric override” mode is active.

If using a host/terminal-style application (for example, via Host Integration Server) and numbers are not being accepted in fields that should be numeric-only, check whether the numeric override facility is turned on:

1. In the terminal window, press CTRL+N.
2. Look at the operator information area at the bottom of the terminal:
   • If a 9 is displayed there, numeric override is on, which allows non-numeric characters in numeric-only fields.
   • Press CTRL+N again to toggle it off, so the field behaves as numeric-only again.

Only use numeric override if the host application is designed to accept non-numeric characters in those fields; otherwise, input may be rejected by the host.

If the problem occurs in standard Windows 11 desktop apps (like browsers, Office, etc.) and not in a host/terminal session, the cause is not covered in the provided material and further product-specific troubleshooting would be required.

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References:

• Numeric Override Facility