How to Open the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 11

While most Windows 11 users rely on a physical, hardware keyboard connected via USB or Bluetooth, there are many situations where a virtual keyboard is necessary. Whether you are using a Windows tablet without an attached cover, troubleshooting a broken physical keyboard, or using a mouse-only kiosk setup, the built-in On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) is an essential accessibility tool. The OSK displays a visual keyboard on your monitor with all standard keys, allowing you to click them with your mouse or tap them on a touchscreen. Windows 11 provides several easy ways to access it.

Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut

If your physical keyboard is mostly functional but you need the OSK for specific keys that are broken, the fastest way to open it is with a quick shortcut.

1. Look at your keyboard and locate the following three keys: the Windows Key, the Ctrl key, and the letter O.
2. Press and hold Windows Key + Ctrl + O simultaneously.
3. The On-Screen Keyboard will immediately pop up on your screen. You can close it at any time by clicking the “X” in its top-right corner.

Method 2: Use the Start Menu Search

If you have a working mouse but no functional keyboard, you can easily find the tool using the Start menu.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar.
2. Click inside the search bar at the top. (Even without a keyboard, clicking here may bring up a simplified touch keyboard depending on your device, but if not, proceed to the next step).
3. If you cannot type, navigate to All apps in the top-right corner of the Start menu.
4. Scroll all the way down to the “W” section and click on Windows Ease of Access.
5. Inside that folder, click on On-Screen Keyboard.

Method 3: Use the Settings App

You can also enable the OSK through the main Windows accessibility settings.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings app (the gear icon).
2. In the left-hand menu, click on Accessibility.
3. On the right side of the screen, scroll down to the “Interaction” section.
4. Click on Keyboard.
5. Look at the very top of the Keyboard settings page for a toggle switch labeled On-screen keyboard.
6. Click the toggle to turn it On. The keyboard will instantly appear.

A Note on the Touch Keyboard vs. OSK

It is important to understand that Windows 11 actually has two different virtual keyboards. The one discussed above is the full “On-Screen Keyboard,” which includes every key from a traditional layout, including Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and a number pad. Windows 11 also has a simplified “Touch Keyboard” designed specifically for tablets, which usually only appears when you tap a text box on a touchscreen device. The OSK is generally preferred for troubleshooting because it provides a complete desktop layout.