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Is your keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers? This is a common condition and can cause discomfort while working on the computer. However, don't worry too much because we have compiled more than 15 tested solutions to help you overcome this situation. Below are effective ways to fix errors for both MacOS and Windows operating systems. Let's find out!
| Methods | Details | Applications |
| Turn off NumLock Key | Turn off the Numlock key to return the number keys to their correct function. | Both Windows and MacOS |
| Change the Language Settings | Change the Language option to the language you wish to type in. | Both Windows and MacOS |
| Press Shift Key | Fix stuck Shift key so number keys work properly | Windows |
| Press Alt Key | Fix stuck Alt key so number keys work properly | Windows |
| Update the Keyboard Drivers | Update your keyboard driver to ensure the system recognizes and uses keyboard features correctly. | Windows |
| Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter | Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter to help identify and fix problems related to your keyboard. | Windows |
| Use On-Screen Keyboard | The On-Screen keyboard is an effective alternative when the computer's physical keyboard fails while still ensuring performance | Both Windows and MacOS |
| Boot in Safe Mode | Safe mode helps install the necessary drivers and services to fix errors your device is experiencing | Windows |
| Log in Using Another User | Using another account helps you detect whether the error is due to the system or your account. | Windows |
| Reinstall the Keyboard Driver | Reinstalling the driver will provide the latest version and resolve potential corruption issues. | Windows |
| Turn off the Sticky Keys | Disable Sticky Keys to eliminate the possibility of keystrokes working normally | Windows |
| Virus Scan & Threat Protection | Eliminating viruses and malware helps keep your computer protected and operating at its best. | Windows |
| Try a Different Keyboard | A replacement physical keyboard will help solve the problem temporarily and quickly. | Both Windows and MacOS |
| Adjust Input Source and Keyboard Type | Adjust the input source to your desired language | MacOS |
| Reset NVRAM | Resetting NVRAM can reset some system settings to default versions | MacOS |
Experiencing the problem of typing symbols on the keyboard instead of numbers can be frustrating, whether you are using a Windows or Mac machine. First, for Windows users, there are 13 effective solutions to try:
Your keyboard will change to symbols instead of numbers if the Numlock key is enabled. Therefore, the simplest and most basic way to fix this problem is to turn off the Numlock key. The NumLock key is usually located on the right side of the keyboard. It also usually has an LED light attached to indicate its status.
Check the status of the numlock key on your keyboard, if the LED light is on, the key is activated. You just need to press and turn off the Numlock key and the problem is solved. You may need to press the "Fn" key along with the NumLock key if your keyboard requires it.
Wrong keyboard language settings can be one of the reasons why your keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers as usual. By verifying and adjusting your keyboard language settings, you ensure that your keyboard is configured correctly, reducing the likelihood of entering symbols instead of numbers. Here's how to check and change your keyboard language settings in Window 11:
Step 1: Open “Setting” and click “Time & language” then choose “Language & region”.
Step 2: In the “Language” section, make sure that the correct default language is selected for your keyboard.
Note:
If the problem persists, consider exploring other troubleshooting steps.
Sometimes, accidentally activating the Shift key or a stuck Shift key can cause the keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers. To check if the Shift key is stuck, open a text document or any application that requires typing and try pressing any number key. If capital letters appear (when the Cap Lock key is off), your Shift key is stuck and vice versa.
If it gets stuck, press your left or right Shift keys several times continuously to get it out of the stuck position. If this still doesn't work, you need to remove the Shift keys and clean keycaps or replace it with a new one.
Stuck Alt keys are also one of the common problems with keyboards that cause the keyboard to type symbols instead of numbers, let's fix them now. First you need to try to see if your left and right Alt keys are stuck or not. To check, press any letter key, if the shortcut is activated then the Alt key is stuck, otherwise your Alt key is normal and try another solution.
Like the Shift key, to solve it you just need to press the left and right Alt keys several times continuously. If it's still stuck, you need to remove the key to clean it and then reinstall it.
When the driver is too old or corrupted, it will cause your keyboard to type out symbols instead of numbers or double typing. By updating your keyboard driver, you ensure that your system recognizes and uses your keyboard's features correctly. If you use Windows 11, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Search and open "Device Manager" in the search section.
Step 2: In the Device Manager window, find and expand the "Keyboard" category.
Step 3: Right click on your keyboard entry (Standard PS/2 Keyboard or something similar) and select "Update Driver" from the context menu.
Step 4: Select "Search automatically for drivers".
Step 5: Click “Check for updates" and Windows will search for the latest driver updates for your keyboard and install them.
Running the Keyboard Troubleshooter in Windows can help identify and automatically fix problems related to your keyboard. This is a nifty built-in tool that can be quite effective in solving the keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers problem. Here's how you can do it in Window 10 & 11:
Step 1: Open “Troubleshoot Setting” in the search bar and select “Additional troubleshooters”.
Step 2: Choose “Keyboards” and click “Run the troubleshooter”.
The troubleshooter will start detecting issues related to your keyboard. If the troubleshooter identifies any problems, it will attempt to apply fixes automatically. Allow the troubleshooter to complete its process.
If you're having trouble with physical keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers on Windows, using the On-Screen Keyboard can be a useful solution. This is a method you can apply temporarily when you haven't found an effective solution in Windows 10 & 11.
Step 1: Open “Setting” and choose “Ease of Access”.
Step 2: In the left bar, scroll down to select “Keyboard” and switch “Use the On-screen keyboard” to On.
Then the On-screen keyboard will appear and you can operate it like a physical keyboard. You can also move it to any position you want on the screen.
You can also customize the On-screen keyboard such as clicking sound, displaying keys, enabling numeric keypad or using text suggestion feature.... by clicking the Options key on the On-screen keyboard and then editing it's up to you.
Starting your computer in Safe Mode is a troubleshooting step that helps determine whether the problem with keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers is related to third-party software or drivers. Safe mode loads only essential drivers and services, excluding unnecessary boot items. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for Windows 10 & 11:
Step 1: Hold down the left “Shift” key and click on “Window” and click on “Shut down or sign out” then choose “Restart".
Step 2: Click “Troubleshoot”.
Step 3: Choose “Startup settings” then click “Restart”.
Step 4: You can choose one of F4, F5, or F6 (usually F4) to activate Safe mode and then press Enter.
If the problem persists even in Safe Mode, it may indicate an underlying hardware issue with the keyboard or a deeper system problem and additional troubleshooting steps may be required.
By logging in with another user account, you can determine if the problem of entering symbols instead of numbers on the keyboard is limited to your user profile or if it is a system-wide problem. If the keyboard works correctly with the new user account, it indicates that there may be a configuration or settings issue in your original user profile.
Step 1: Create another user account by opening "Settings" going to "Accounts" then "Family and other users." Next click "Add someone else to this PC." Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
Step 2: After creating a new account, log in to the new account by clicking on the Window icon, then clicking on the user icon, selecting “New user”, and finally entering your computer's pin code.
After logging in with the new account, check the keyboard in a text document or any application where you need to type numbers to see if the problem is fixed.
Reinstalling the keyboard driver is a potential solution if your keyboard is typing symbols instead of numbers on Windows. Reinstalling the driver ensures that you have the latest compatible version and eliminates any problems that may have occurred during the update process. Here's how you can reinstall the keyboard driver in Windows 10 & 11:
Step 1: Please do the same as step 1 to step 3 of Update the Keyboard Drivers section. Open "Device Manager", expand the "Keyboard" category then right click on "Keyboard" and select "Uninstall device.", finally confirm "Uninstall".
Step 2: After uninstalling the driver, restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver during the restart.
After your computer has restarted, type a few test keys to check if the problem is fixed. If the problem has been fixed, you can transfer all data to the new account and use it.
Sticky Keys is an assistive feature on the Windows operating system designed to help users who have limited keyboard proficiency or difficulty pressing and holding multiple keys at the same time. However, sometimes they will also cause some errors when operating the keyboard, including keyboard typing symbols instead of numbers. In Windows 10 & 11, please turn off “Sticky Keys” as follows:
Step 1: Open “Settings" and choose “Ease of Access”.
Step 2: Scroll the bar on the left side of the screen to select “Keyboard” and then in the “Use Sticky Keys” section, switch the status to “Off”. Then your Sticky Keys are turned off.
The problem of typing on the keyboard instead of numbers is usually not a direct sign of a virus or malware. However, sometimes it can also be the indirect cause of the problem, so eliminating it is necessary. If you use Windows 10 or 11, try the following:
Step 1: Open “Window Defender Settings” by typing in the search bar and selecting “Open Window Defender Security Center".
Step 2: In the Windows Defender Security Center window, select "Virus & threat protection." and click on “Scan now”.
The software will then scan your entire system for viruses and other threats. Follow any on-screen instructions to take appropriate action if a threat is detected. If Windows Defender identifies any threats, it will prompt you to take action. Typically, you can choose to quarantine or remove detected threats.
Once the scan is complete and any threats have been resolved, restart your computer to ensure that the changes are applied.
If your keyboard is typing symbols instead of numbers on Windows, trying a different keyboard is a practical way to determine whether the issue lies with the physical keyboard itself or with the computer system.
Disconnect your current keyboard from your computer and try another one. If you use a laptop, try plugging in an external keyboard. If the new keyboard allows you to type numbers correctly, it suggests that the original keyboard may be faulty.
However, don't rush to throw them away, you should check for any physical damage such as water damage, dust or loose keys that could cause problems. Please service it and try again to see if the keyboard still works correctly. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer for assistance or consider replacing the keyboard.
For the "Apple" operating system users, there will be 3 options to fix errors, but they are really effective. Let's get started!
If your keyboard is typing symbols instead of numbers on macOS, especially Macbook Pro 16, adjusting the input source and keyboard type settings may help resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open “Settings” then select “Keyboard”.
Step 2: In the “Text input” section in the “Keyboard” window, click “Edit” and then check that the input source selected for your keyboard is correct. This is especially important if you are using a multilingual keyboard.
Step 3: If there are unnecessary languages, you can remove them by clicking the "-" button in the last left corner. If you want to add a new language, click the "+" button to search for the desired language and then select "Add" to complete.
Resetting NVRAM can reset some system settings to default versions and can help resolve hardware-related issues, including the typing symbols instead of numbers keyboard issue.
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and choose "Shut Down."
Step 2: After your Mac is completely powered off, turn it back on.
Step 3: As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the "Option + Command + P + R" key combination for about 20 seconds until you hear the startup sound a second time. This usually happens after the Mac starts up.
Step 4: Allow your Mac to complete the startup process. After that, open a text document or any application where you need to enter a number to check if the problem is fixed.
If the problem persists after resetting the NVRAM, you can apply other troubleshooting methods.
Disabling Sticky Keys is the solution to the problem of typing symbols instead of numbers on the macOS keyboard. Here's how to do it on whatever version of macOS you have:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences." then click on "Accessibility."
Step 2: On the left sidebar, select "Keyboard." and disable Sticky Keys.
If the keyboard issue with typing symbols instead of numbers continues after trying our solutions, it may be time to seek professional help.
While many keyboard issues can be resolved through troubleshooting and software adjustments, there are certain signs that may indicate a hardware problem, and seeking professional help becomes necessary. Here are some signs that suggest you may need professional assistance:
Physical Damage
Obvious signs of damage such as liquid spilled on the keyboard, broken keys, or obviously broken connections can lead to hardware malfunction. Professional support is essential to evaluate and repair the physical components of your keyboard.
Inconsistent Behavior Across Different Software
If the keyboard behaves inconsistently across different software applications and there are no clear patterns regarding specific programs, it indicates a clear hardware problem. In such cases, you should seek the help of professional experts to be able to fix the problem as quickly and accurately as possible.
If the keyboard problem persists despite trying various basic troubleshooting steps, such as adjusting settings, updating drivers, and restarting the computer, it may indicate a problem. Software problems are more complex. Then, asking for help from professional technicians will be the optimal choice to solve the problem.
System Conflicts or Errors
If your keyboard is affected by conflicts with other system components or software applications, resolving these conflicts may require advanced knowledge of system configuration. Professional help can ensure thorough testing of the software and detect potential conflicts that could affect keyboard functionality.
Repeated Driver Failures
If your keyboard problems are consistently linked to driver errors and reinstalling or updating the drivers doesn't yield a permanent solution, it could be a sign of more serious software problems. Experts can ensure keyboard drivers operate correctly and stably.
Before asking for help from experts, you should learn carefully about the relevant factors to be able to solve the problem of typing symbols instead of numbers on the keyboard in the most optimal way.
Warranty and Support
Determine if your computer or keyboard is still under warranty. If the warranty is still valid, consider seeking support from authorized service providers recommended by the manufacturer. They are trained to handle specific hardware and software problems. They may also offer free or discounted support and repairs. Also, review the warranty terms and conditions to understand what defects are covered.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
If your computer or keyboard is no longer under warranty, consider the costs associated with having it repaired by a professional. Contact service providers to find out estimated costs.
You should also compare the cost of repair with the cost of replacing the keyboard or the entire computer. Depending on the condition of the device, purchasing a new device may be more cost effective than extensive repairs.
So, we have provided you with more than 15 tested solutions to fix the problem of keyboard typing characters instead of numbers. These methods not only help you resolve the discomfort but also provide a smooth and efficient computer experience. Try out each solution and have fun working with your computer!
There are many reasons why the keyboard types symbols instead of numbers. It could be due to hardware problems such as water, broken keys,... or software problems such as sticky keys, wrong keyboard settings, driver errors...
Although keyboard problems may not be a clear sign of viruses or malware, it can still happen. If you are experiencing unusual behavior on your computer, run a thorough virus or malware scan on your computer. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and capable of detecting the latest threats.
Yes, using an external keyboard can bypass issues with a laptop’s built-in keyboard, offering an immediate typing solution. For permanent fixes, professional assistance is recommended.
To prevent the problem of keyboards typing symbols instead of numbers, maintain your system by regularly updating software, using antivirus software, and controlling system settings. Avoid leaving the keyboard near liquids, use a keyboard protector, and clean it regularly to avoid dust.
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