How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 11

While physical keyboards are the primary way we interact with desktop computers, there are several situations where a digital, on-screen keyboard becomes essential. If your physical keyboard suddenly breaks, the batteries in your wireless keyboard die, or you are using a 2-in-1 Windows 11 tablet without its keyboard attachment, the on-screen keyboard ensures you can still type passwords, search the web, and save your work.

Windows 11 actually includes two different types of virtual keyboards: a traditional On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) designed for accessibility, and a modern Touch Keyboard designed for tablets. Both are built directly into the operating system.

Method 1: Enabling the Traditional On-Screen Keyboard

This is the classic, full-featured virtual keyboard. It floats on top of all your other windows and can be used with a mouse, a touchscreen, or even a joystick.

1. Press the Windows Key to open the Start menu.
2. Click the Settings icon (the gear).
3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Accessibility.
4. Scroll down the main panel to the “Interaction” section and click on Keyboard.
5. Find the toggle switch labelled On-screen keyboard and turn it ON.

A large, fully functional keyboard will immediately appear on your screen. You can click the keys with your mouse to type. To close it, simply click the standard “X” in the top right corner of the keyboard window.

The Emergency Shortcut

If your physical keyboard is completely broken and you cannot press the Windows key to open settings, you can still launch the OSK using just your mouse.

1. Right-click the Start Button.
2. Select Settings from the menu.
3. Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard and flip the toggle using your mouse.

Alternatively, if you are stuck on the Windows login screen and cannot type your password, click the small Accessibility icon (a person inside a circle) in the bottom right corner of the lock screen and select “On-Screen Keyboard.”

Method 2: Enabling the Modern Touch Keyboard

If you are using a Windows tablet (like a Surface Pro) and simply want a keyboard to pop up from the bottom of the screen when you tap a text box, you should use the Touch Keyboard instead.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & language in the left sidebar.
3. Click on Typing in the main panel.
4. Click on Touch keyboard to expand its options.
5. Look for the setting “Show the touch keyboard when there’s no keyboard attached.” Check the box next to it.

Now, whenever you tap a text field with your finger, a sleek, mobile-style keyboard will smoothly slide up from the bottom of your screen.