How to Turn On the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 11

If you accidentally spill coffee on your laptop keyboard, or if a specific physical key suddenly stops working, you might find yourself completely locked out of your computer, unable to even type your password to log in.

Before you rush to the store to purchase a replacement USB keyboard, you can utilize Windows 11’s built-in On-Screen Keyboard. Originally designed as an accessibility tool for users with physical disabilities, this virtual keyboard allows you to type characters, use keyboard shortcuts, and navigate the operating system using only your mouse or a touchscreen.

How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard from the Desktop

If you are already logged into Windows and your physical keyboard suddenly fails, you can summon the virtual keyboard using the mouse.

1. Click the Start Button to open the Start menu.
2. Click on the Settings app (the gear icon).
3. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Accessibility.
4. Scroll down the main panel until you find the “Interaction” section. Click on Keyboard.
5. At the top of this page, you will see a toggle switch labelled On-screen keyboard. Click it so it turns On.

A floating, fully functional QWERTY keyboard will instantly appear on your screen. You can use your mouse cursor to click the individual keys to type into search bars, Word documents, or web browsers. You can also click and drag the top bar of the keyboard to move it around the screen so it does not block your work.

How to Enable the Keyboard on the Lock Screen

If your physical keyboard breaks while the computer is turned off, you cannot log in to reach the Settings app. Fortunately, Microsoft included an accessibility shortcut directly on the Lock Screen.

1. Turn your computer on and wait for the Lock Screen to appear.
2. Look in the bottom-right corner of the screen. You will see an icon that looks like a small person inside a circle (the Accessibility icon).
3. Click the Accessibility icon using your mouse.
4. A pop-up menu will appear. Click on On-Screen Keyboard.

The virtual keyboard will immediately appear in the middle of the screen. You can now use your mouse to click the numbers and letters required to enter your password or PIN and successfully unlock your computer.

How to Pin the Keyboard to the Taskbar (For Touchscreens)

If you are using a Windows tablet (like a Surface Pro) without the physical cover attached, navigating through the Settings app every time you need to type is incredibly tedious.

You can pin a dedicated keyboard button permanently to your Taskbar for instant access.

1. Right-click anywhere on the empty space of your Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2. Click on Taskbar settings.
3. Expand the System tray icons menu.
4. Look for the option labelled Touch keyboard. Change the drop-down menu next to it from “Never” to Always.

A small keyboard icon will instantly appear next to your clock in the bottom-right corner. Tapping this icon with your finger will instantly slide the virtual keyboard up from the bottom of the screen, completely bypassing the Settings app.