Logo of Computer Classes

How to use the numeric keypad to move the mouse in Windows 11

Most external or built-in keyboards in laptops incorporate what is known as a numeric keypad. The number keyboard is nothing more than an extension to the right of the traditional keyboard with numeric keys and mathematical calculation similar to a calculator

Obviously, this numeric keyboard is usually used to perform calculations in a much easier way, however, Windows 11 allows you to use this numeric keyboard as if it were a mouse.

It may happen that your wireless mouse has run out of battery, it may also that your mouse unexpectedly breaks down which makes using your computer with the Windows 11 operating system practically impossible. Fortunately, if you have a keyboard with a number key extension, you can use this part of the keyboard as a mouse to direct the mouse cursor.

If you have a keyboard with a numeric extension or also known as numeric keyboards, you can check how keys 2, 4, 6 and 8 have arrows that correspond to the directions in which to move the mouse cursor: down, left, right and above respectively. These will be responsible for the movement of the cursor. Other keys will take care of keyboard actions such as the following:

  • Key 5: It will correspond to the left mouse click.
  • / Key: Activates the left-click key.
  • * Key: Activates the left and right click keys at the same time.
  • - Key: Activates the right-click key.
  • 0 key: It is the key to lock a left click in the "on" position, this.
  • Key.: It is the key to unlock the hold and drag click that was activated by pressing the "0" key.

However, in order to use the numeric keypad like a mouse on your Windows 11 computer, you will still need to enable this feature in the operating system. This is precisely what we show you in this tutorial.

vNext, we show you how to activate the function that allows you to use the numeric keyboard as a mouse in Windows 11

How to enable the use of the numeric keypad to control the mouse cursor in Windows 11.

1. The first thing will be to access the Windows 11 Configuration which you can do with the keyboard shortcut: Windows key + I

2. When it opens you will have to go to: Mouse Accessibility

3. Here you have to locate the Interaction section under which you have to select the option: Mouse

4. On the next screen you will have to activate the option switch: Mouse Keys (Use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer)

5. By default, the mouse keys only work when Num Lock is on. If you prefer not to use Num Lock in this way, uncheck the option: Use only mouse keys when Num Lock is activated.

6. If the movement of the mouse cursor is too slow (generally it is very slow by default). You can adjust the speed using the sliders: Mouse Key Speed ​​and Mouse Key Acceleration.

From this moment on, you can use the numeric keyboard to move the mouse cursor across the computer screen and interact with the elements of the Windows 11 operating system and its programs or apps

Date update on 2021-10-19. Date published on 2021-10-19. Category: Computer class Author: Oscar olg Fuente: downloadsource