Windows: How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard

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The On-Screen Keyboard in Windows is a valuable accessibility tool that allows users to input text using a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with physical disabilities or for those who encounter problems with their physical keyboard. In this guide, we will explain how to enable, access, and use the On-Screen Keyboard on various versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.


How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 11?

Step 1: Go to the Settings from the Start Menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Personalize > Taskbar > Touch Keyboard.

Step 3: Under Touch Keyboard option, select the “Always” option from the dropdown menu.

Note: Pressing the keyboard icon on the taskbar turns the On-Screen Keyboard On and Off.

Step 4: You can also customize this keyboard from Personalize > Taskbar > Text input > Theme


How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 10?

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and enable the “Show Touch keyboard button” from the context menu.

Step 2: You will see an icon appearing on the Taskbar. Click on it to open the utility.

You have successfully enabled On-Screen Keyboard.

Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. You will see a toggle button named On-Screen Keyboard. Turn it on. The utility will pop up on your screen.


How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 8 and 8.1?

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar, go to Toolbars, select Touch Keyboard. Now, click the keyboard icon on the Taskbar to open the On-Screen keyboard.

Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel > Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center. You will see a Start On-Screen Keyboard option. Click on it to open the utility.


How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 7?

Step 1: Click on Start, navigate to Accessories > Ease of Access, and open the On-Screen Keyboard utility.

Hence you have successfully enabled on-screen keyboard.

The On-Screen Keyboard is a versatile and essential tool for many Windows users, providing an alternative way to input text when a physical keyboard is not available or functional. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily enable and use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. Whether you need it for accessibility reasons or as a temporary solution, this feature ensures you can continue to use your computer effectively.


How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows 7/8/10/11 – FAQs

What is the On-Screen keyboard?

The On-Screen Keyboard is a virtual keyboard on computer screen. It is used when you don’t have a physical keyboard available or working.

What is the shortcut key to open On-Screen Keyboard?

The shortcut key to open the On-Screen Keyboard is Windows key + Ctrl + O.

How do you use the function keys on the screen keyboard?

Click on the Fn key using mouse. After clicking Fn key, corresponding Fn key like F1, F2, F3 etc will be displayed. You can select your desired Fn key from it.

How to disable On-Screen Keyboard?

To disable the On-Screen Keyboard, right-click on the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and disable Touch Keyboard option. This will remove it from the taskbar.