How to enable the NUM LOCK key for the logon screen

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IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs.

SUMMARY
The status of the NUM LOCK key is specific for each user, and it is disabled by default. If you want the NUM LOCK key enabled for use before a user presses CTRL+ALT+DEL to log on, you must use Registry Editor to change the default behavior.

MORE INFORMATION
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. NukeWorker cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To enable NUM LOCK before a user logs on, use the steps below.

1. Run Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe). 
2. Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard. 
3. Change the value for InitialKeyboardIndicators from 0 to 2.

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2147483648

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard

InitialKeyboardIndicators     REG_SZ     0 | 2

Default: 0

Determines whether the NUMLOCK key is on or off when the computer starts. The system stores the state of the NUMLOCK key in this value entry during log off and shutdown and uses this value to restore the state when the user logs on.

Value Meaning
0 NUMLOCK is off.
2 NUMLOCK is on.

If you are using the MS Natural Keyboard or Intellipoint try the following

Hkey_Users\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\MicrosoftInputDevices\Keyboard\NumLock=ON

HKey_Current_User\Control Panel\MicrosoftInputDevices\Keyboard\NumLock=ON

They are RE_SZ entries of value OFF/ON

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Force NumLock to Behave


Ever since IBM introduced their enhanced 101-key keyboard with two sets of cursor keys, the NumLock key on most of our machines is turned on by default. Since some of us seem to prefer it off, while others prefer it on, there are several ways to change the default. However, many users have complained that Windows will not allow you to change this setting under some circumstances (such as having Microsoft's old Intellipoint drivers installed). Following are several solutions to choosing the setting you prefer:

Solution #1:

In any computer made since the late 1980's, you can set the default in your CMOS setup. This screen, usually accessible by pressing Del, ESC, F2, or some other key when your computer first boots up, is where you also define your fixed and floppy drives, memory settings, the clock, and other system parameters.
If the setting isn't obvious, refer to the manual that came with your computer or motherboard for instructions on changing this setting.
If you find that the Num Lock light obeys your wishes until Windows loads, at which time it is turned off or on, try one of the following settings.

Solution #2 (Windows 95/98 only):

Include the command NUMLOCK = OFF or NUMLOCK = ON (depending on your preference) somewhere in your CONFIG.SYS file (on its own line).
CONFIG.SYS can be edited with any plain text editor, such as Notepad. If CONFIG.SYS isn't there, just create a new file.

Solution #3 (Windows 2000/XP only):

Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard (If the Keyboard key isn't there, add it.)
Double-click the InitialKeyboardIndicators value on the right. (If it's not there, select New from the Edit menu, then String Value, and type InitialKeyboardIndicators for the name of the new value.)
Change the value to any of the following:
0 - all indicators off
1 - Caps Lock on
2 - Num Lock on
4 - Scroll Lock on
Or, combine them by adding the corresponding values:
3 - Caps Lock and Num Lock on
5 - Caps Lock and Scroll Lock on
6 - Num Lock and Scroll Lock on
7 - Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock on
Close the Registry Editor when you're done; the change should take effect the next time you start Windows.


Solution #4 (only if you have Intellipoint installed):

Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Control Panel\ Microsoft Input Devices\ Keyboard (If the Keyboard key isn't there, add it.)
Select New from the Edit menu, then String Value, and type NumLock for the name of the new value.
Double-click on this new value, and type either ON or OFF in the box that appears, depending on your preference.
Close the Registry Editor when you're done; the change should take effect the next time you start Windows.