Issue
On certain Dell desktop and laptop models, Num Lock may reset to “Off” after reboot or user logon, preventing use of the numeric keypad until manually re-enabled.

Cause
By default, Windows can override the Num Lock setting at startup. On some Dell systems this default is set to disable the numeric keypad.

Resolution
To force Windows to keep Num Lock enabled at every startup, update the Windows Registry as follows:

Warning: Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability. Always back up the registry before making edits.

1. Open Registry Editor

   • Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the Default User Settings

   • In the left pane, expand:

     HKEY_USERS
       └─ .DEFAULT
           └─ Control Panel
               └─ Keyboard
     

3. Modify the Num Lock Policy

   • In the right pane, locate the value named

     InitialKeyboardIndicators
     

   • Double-click it and change its data to:

     2
     

     • 0 = Num Lock Off

     • 2 = Num Lock On

4. Apply and Reboot

   • Click OK, close Registry Editor, then restart the computer.

   • Upon reboot and at the Windows sign-in screen, Num Lock will now be on by default.

Verification

• At the login prompt, verify the Num Lock LED is lit.

• After logging in, test the numeric keypad to confirm it’s active.