How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10

The on-screen keyboard in Windows 10 is a handy tool that allows you to type without a physical keyboard, using only the screen. This feature is especially useful for tablets, touchscreen devices, or in situations where the main keyboard is temporarily unavailable. In this article, we’ll cover how to activate and customize the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10.

Benefits of the On-Screen Keyboard

The on-screen keyboard offers several useful features that make it convenient for users:

  • Versatility: Suitable for any device, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
  • Accessibility: Can be enabled at any time, even if the physical keyboard is not functioning.
  • Touch input support: Ideal for touchscreen devices, allowing text input with just a tap.

How to Enable the On-Screen Keyboard via Settings

The easiest way to turn on the on-screen keyboard is through Windows settings. Follow these steps:

  1. Click “Start” and select “Settings.”
  2. Navigate to “Ease of Access.”
  3. In the left menu, select “Keyboard.”
  4. Toggle the option to “Turn on the on-screen keyboard.” The keyboard will then appear on your screen, ready to use.

Activating the On-Screen Keyboard via the Taskbar

You can also add an on-screen keyboard icon to the taskbar for easy access:

  1. Right-click on the taskbar.
  2. Select “Show the touch keyboard button” from the context menu.
  3. An icon for the on-screen keyboard will appear on the taskbar. Click it to open the keyboard.

Enabling the On-Screen Keyboard via the Run Command

Another quick way to launch the on-screen keyboard is by using the “Run” command:

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type osk and press Enter.
  3. The on-screen keyboard will immediately open on your screen.

Customizing the On-Screen Keyboard

The on-screen keyboard allows various settings to enhance usability. For example:

  • Resizing: Adjust the window size by dragging its edges.
  • Predictive text input: The keyboard can suggest words based on initial letters, speeding up typing.
  • Touch input mode: For touchscreen devices, enable a mode optimized for touch interactions.