NumLock keeps turning OFF

Question

I have ROG Strix Flare II Animate keyboard and Windows 11. For some reason, my NumLock key keeps getting turned OFF whilst I am typing.

I mostly use Zotero + Obsidian or Word for work. In Obsidian, I use a shortcut "Shift + Num 1". While typing I'll use it and notice that nothing happened - my NumLock was off. Then I'll then turn it on and continue typing. After a minute or two of working fine, I'll need to write a number, only to notice that my NumLock is OFF again! It's driving me insane.

Some things I've tried/noticed:

I went into the BIOS and changed "Bootup NumLock State" to "ON," but the PC still starts with NumLock OFF.

I went into the Registry and changed InitialKeyboardIndicators to 2. It still does not work.

While doing this, I noticed that when I manually turn NumLock on by pressing the key, the NumLock light on the keyboard never turns on. The CapsLock and ScrollLock lights work fine.

Please help me, it's driving me crazy.

Answer 1

On that keyboard model, if the Num Lock light is not working, that may indicate a problem with the keyboard, try pressing Fn + Esc for 10+ seconds until the LED's flash to reset the keyboard.

Then press the Num Lock key or Fn + the Num Lock key to test if the Num Lock key is then working correctly.

Answer 2

1. Check whether Mouse Keys is enabled. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse and make sure it is Off. This setting can cause Num Lock behavior and can also produce sounds when Num Lock is toggled.
2. Check keyboard accessibility settings that can change key behavior. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and review these options:
   • Sticky keys
   • Toggle keys
   • Filter keys
   If any are on unintentionally, turn them off and test again.
3. If special keys are not functioning correctly, check for Windows updates at Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install the latest updates.
4. If the issue is specific to the keyboard hardware, the fact that the Num Lock light never turns on while Caps Lock and Scroll Lock indicators do work points to a possible keyboard-side problem. If cleaning does not help, inspect for debris around the key and use compressed air to clear the area. If key behavior continues to repeat, drop, or fail, that is consistent with possible hardware failure and service may be needed.
5. If the keyboard is a Microsoft keyboard or mouse accessory, settings can also be adjusted from Start > Settings > Devices > Mouse or Typing, and the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center can be used for customization.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with your Surface mouse or keyboard
• Troubleshoot Surface Pro Keyboard or Type Cover
• Make your mouse, keyboard, and other input devices easier to use
• Num Lock makes noise with Toggle Keys turned off - Microsoft Q&A Hello
• Numeric Pad stopped working. - Microsoft Q&A