How to Enable NumLock on a Lenovo Thinkpad Laptop

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Learn how to enable NumLock with or without the NumLock key

Written by Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Fact Checked

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Q&A

The NumLock key on your Lenovo laptop will turn the right side of the keyboard into a numeric pad. This feature is not available on all Lenovo laptops, the ThinkPad being the most prominent model without a NumLock key. If your Lenovo does not have a NumLock key and alternate numeric pad, you can use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard.

How to Enable NumLock on a Lenovo Thinkpad

If your Thinkpad doesn't have a NumLock key, you'll need to pull up the virtual On-Screen Keyboard and enable NumLock. You can then use the number pad on the OSK. If your laptop does have a NumLock key, simply press it to begin using your numeric keypad.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Laptops Without a NumLock Key

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1
Determine if your laptop should have a NumLock key. Different laptop models have different numeric pad configurations.
- If your U, I, and O keys have 4, 5, and 6 printed in the lower corner, you have an older laptop with an alternate numeric pad. See the next section for details on using it.
- The ThinkPad line of laptops do not use an alternate numeric pad. You'll need to use the method in this section as a workaround. Some larger models have a dedicated numeric pad.
You'll see "On-Screen Keyboard" in the search results. If your Lenovo laptop does not have a NumLock key, you can use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard to access the numeric pad.

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The On-Screen Keyboard will open in a new window.
You'll find this below the PrtScn button.
When you click OK, the numeric keypad will appear on the right side of the On-Screen Keyboard.
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Click the keys in the on-screen numeric keypad to enter numbers. When you click one of the buttons, that number or symbol will be inserted wherever your typing cursor is.
- You cannot use the On-Screen keyboard to type Alt codes, as it does not recognize more than on keypress at a time. If you need to enter special characters, open the Character Map by searching for "character map" in the Start menu.
If you need a physical number pad but your laptop doesn't have one, you can purchase an external number pad that plugs in via USB or connects via Bluetooth. We recommend this wireless number pad by Lenovo.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Laptops with a NumLock Key

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1
Find the NumLock key on your keyboard. Depending on the Lenovo laptop you're using, your NumLock key may be found in different locations.
- If your laptop has numeric pad capabilities, the NumLock key will be found on the F7, F8, or Insert key. It may be labeled "NmLk," and written in a different color below the normal key function.
- On laptops with a dedicated numeric pad (15 inch+), the dedicated NumLock key can be found next to ← Backspace.
- Some popular models, notably most of the ThinkPad line, do not have NumLock keys at all, because there is no built-in numeric pad. See the previous section for workarounds.
If your NumLock key is also a function key, you'll need to press and hold Fn too.
3
Use the numeric keypad keys on your keyboard. When NumLock is activated, the keys on the right side of your keyboard turn into the numeric pad. You'll see the numbers and symbols that they turn into written on the keys below the regular characters.
- These keys are usually 7+8+9, U+I+O+P, J+K+L, and M.^{[1]
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- If you have a 15"+ laptop, you'll likely have a dedicated numeric pad to the right of the keyboard. These turn into arrow keys when NumLock is off.
You can turn NumLock off and return to your regular keyboard functions by pressing Fn and the NumLock key again.

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How do I use ASCII characters on a Lenovo x1 Carbon?

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Since that laptop does not have a numpad, it is a better option to copy and paste your ASCII characters.

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What do I do if typing "L" on my laptop logs me out?

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Maybe you should check your settings. You can most likely get there through the menu. See if there are settings for "keyboard" or something similair.

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How do I type the @ symbol on my Lenovo Thinkpad?

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Use Shift+2, or otherwise Shift+' (apostrophe). These are just the 2 major ones, however. If yours differ, search up the keyboard layout.

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