How to Get On Screen Keyboard in Windows 11/10 (2026 Complete Guide)

By /

An on screen keyboard is a virtual keyboard that appears on your computer display. You can click or tap letters and numbers instead of using a physical keyboard. This built-in Windows feature helps when your regular keyboard breaks, stops working, or when you need touch input on a tablet or touchscreen device.

Let me show you every method to open and use the on screen keyboard right now.

Quick Answer: Three Fastest Ways to Open On Screen Keyboard

Windows 11:
Press Windows key + Ctrl + O together. The keyboard appears instantly.

Table of Contents

Windows 10:
Press Windows key + Ctrl + O or click the Start button, type “on screen keyboard” and press Enter.

All Windows versions:
Click the accessibility icon in the taskbar system tray (bottom right corner), then select On Screen Keyboard.

These methods work immediately without changing settings. Now let me explain all the options in detail.

How to Get On Screen Keyboard in Windows

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Method)

This works on every Windows computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press and hold the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo)
  2. While holding it, press Ctrl
  3. While holding both, press O
  4. Release all keys

The on screen keyboard appears within one second. Press the same combination again to close it.

Why this method works best:

  • No mouse needed
  • Works even when other methods fail
  • Muscle memory develops after using it twice
  • Available in Safe Mode

Method 2: Through Windows Search

Windows Search finds the on screen keyboard in two seconds.

Windows 11 steps:

  1. Click the search icon on the taskbar (magnifying glass)
  2. Type osk or on screen keyboard
  3. Click “On Screen Keyboard” in results
  4. The keyboard opens

Windows 10 steps:

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key
  2. Type osk directly (no need to click search box first)
  3. Press Enter or click the result
  4. Keyboard appears

Tip: Typing just three letters osk is faster than the full name. OSK stands for On Screen Keyboard, the actual program filename Windows uses.

Method 3: Using Settings App

The Settings app lets you enable the on screen keyboard permanently or configure when it appears.

Windows 11 Settings Method

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
  2. Click “Accessibility” in the left sidebar
  3. Click “Keyboard” in the Accessibility section
  4. Toggle “On screen keyboard” to On
  5. The keyboard appears immediately

To make it stay on:
Leave the toggle in the On position. The keyboard will appear every time you restart Windows.

Windows 10 Settings Method

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
  2. Click “Ease of Access”
  3. Click “Keyboard” in the left menu
  4. Under “Use the On Screen Keyboard”, toggle the switch to On
  5. Keyboard displays on screen

Settings location summary:

Windows VersionSettings Path
Windows 11Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > On screen keyboard
Windows 10Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Use the On Screen Keyboard

Method 4: Through Control Panel

Control Panel offers another reliable way to launch the on screen keyboard.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R to open Run dialog
  2. Type control and press Enter
  3. Click “Ease of Access Center” (or search for it in the Control Panel search box)
  4. Click “Start On Screen Keyboard” under “Quick access to common tools”
  5. The keyboard opens
See also  Secdrv.sys Disabled by Windows: Why & How to Play Old Games

Alternative Control Panel route:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Go to Ease of Access
  3. Click Ease of Access Center
  4. Select “Make the keyboard easier to use”
  5. Check “Turn on On Screen Keyboard”
  6. Click Apply

This method works identically in Windows 10 and Windows 11, though Microsoft encourages using the Settings app instead.

Method 5: Using Run Command

The Run command directly launches the on screen keyboard program file.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type osk in the box
  3. Press Enter or click OK
  4. Keyboard appears immediately

This method takes three seconds total. The Run dialog accepts the OSK command because Windows knows this filename represents the on screen keyboard executable.

Where the actual file lives:
Windows stores the on screen keyboard at C:\Windows\System32\osk.exe. You can double click this file in File Explorer, but using Run is faster.

Method 6: Through Taskbar and System Tray

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both offer taskbar access to the on screen keyboard.

Using the Keyboard Icon (Windows 10)

Steps:

  1. Right click the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen)
  2. Select “Show touch keyboard button”
  3. A keyboard icon appears in the system tray (bottom right)
  4. Click the keyboard icon anytime you need the on screen keyboard

Using Quick Settings (Windows 11)

Steps:

  1. Click the system tray icons (bottom right, near the clock)
  2. Click the accessibility icon (person symbol)
  3. Click “On screen keyboard”
  4. Keyboard displays

Windows 11 merged several quick access features into the Quick Settings panel, making the on screen keyboard two clicks away.

Method 7: Using Sign-In Screen

You can open the on screen keyboard before logging into Windows.

Steps:

  1. Restart your computer or lock it (Windows key + L)
  2. On the login screen, look at the bottom right corner
  3. Click the accessibility icon (person in a circle)
  4. Click “On screen keyboard”
  5. Type your password using the virtual keyboard
  6. Log in normally

This method proves essential when your physical keyboard completely stops working and you need to enter your password.

Method 8: Command Prompt or PowerShell

Power users can launch the on screen keyboard through command line tools.

Command Prompt method:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. Type osk and press Enter
  4. Keyboard opens

PowerShell method:

  1. Right click Start button
  2. Select “Windows PowerShell” or “Terminal”
  3. Type osk and press Enter
  4. Keyboard appears

Why use this method:

  • Useful when writing scripts or automation
  • Works in remote desktop sessions
  • Helps troubleshoot when other methods fail

Making the On Screen Keyboard Start Automatically

You can configure Windows to show the on screen keyboard every time you boot your computer or sign in.

Auto-Start Method 1: Task Scheduler

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter
  3. Click “Create Basic Task” in the right panel
  4. Name it “On Screen Keyboard Auto Start”
  5. Choose “When I log on” as the trigger
  6. Select “Start a program” as the action
  7. Type osk in the Program/script field
  8. Click Finish

Now the on screen keyboard opens automatically when you sign into Windows.

Auto-Start Method 2: Startup Folder

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type shell:startup and press Enter
  3. The Startup folder opens in File Explorer
  4. Press Windows key + R again
  5. Type osk but do not press Enter
  6. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to create a shortcut
  7. Drag the OSK shortcut to the Startup folder

This method achieves the same result using a different Windows feature.

Auto-Start Method 3: Registry Editor (Advanced)

Warning: Only use this method if you understand Windows Registry. Incorrect changes can damage Windows.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type regedit and press Enter
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  4. Right click the right panel, select New > String Value
  5. Name it “OnScreenKeyboard”
  6. Double click it and set the value to C:\Windows\System32\osk.exe
  7. Close Registry Editor
  8. Restart Windows

The on screen keyboard will now launch at every startup.

Customizing On Screen Keyboard Settings

Windows offers several options to customize how the on screen keyboard looks and works.

Changing Keyboard Layout

Steps:

  1. Open the on screen keyboard
  2. Click “Options” button (bottom right of the keyboard)
  3. Under “To use the on screen keyboard”, select:
  • Click on keys
  • Hover over keys
  • Scan through keys
  1. Click OK to save

What each option does:

  • Click on keys: Standard mode, you click each letter
  • Hover over keys: Keys activate when you hold the mouse cursor over them
  • Scan through keys: Keys highlight automatically, you click when the right key lights up

Enabling Numeric Keypad

Steps:

  1. Open the on screen keyboard
  2. Click “Options” button
  3. Check “Turn on numeric key pad”
  4. Click OK

A number pad appears on the right side of the keyboard, just like physical keyboards have.

Enabling Key Click Sound

Steps:

  1. Open the on screen keyboard
  2. Click “Options”
  3. Check “Use click sound”
  4. Click OK

Now you hear a click sound when you select each key, giving audio feedback like mechanical keyboards.

See also  Enable Automatic Device Locking Feature Windows: Complete Security Guide

Text Prediction Feature

Windows 11 includes text prediction in the touch keyboard (different from the standard on screen keyboard).

To use text prediction:

  1. Open the touch keyboard by clicking the keyboard icon in the taskbar
  2. Start typing
  3. Word suggestions appear above the keyboard
  4. Click a suggestion to insert it

The touch keyboard provides more modern features while the on screen keyboard offers better accessibility options.

On Screen Keyboard vs Touch Keyboard: Understanding the Difference

Windows actually includes two different virtual keyboards. Many people confuse them.

On Screen Keyboard (OSK)

Purpose: Accessibility tool for people who cannot use physical keyboards

Features:

  • Works with mouse or other pointing devices
  • Includes hover and scanning modes
  • Opens with Windows key + Ctrl + O
  • Looks like a traditional desktop keyboard
  • Available on login screen
  • Fewer customization options
  • Works in all Windows versions since Windows 7

Best for:

  • Accessibility needs
  • Broken physical keyboard replacement
  • Remote desktop connections
  • Situations requiring traditional keyboard layout

Touch Keyboard

Purpose: Touch input on tablets and touchscreen devices

Features:

  • Optimized for finger tapping
  • Includes emoji, GIFs, and special characters
  • Opens by clicking keyboard icon in taskbar
  • Offers multiple layouts (standard, split, handwriting)
  • Text prediction and autocorrect
  • Swipe typing (Windows 11)
  • Modern interface matching Windows design

Best for:

  • Touchscreen devices
  • Tablets and 2-in-1 laptops
  • Quick emoji insertion
  • Modern typing experience

How to access both:

Keyboard TypeShortcutTaskbar Icon
On Screen KeyboardWindows + Ctrl + OAccessibility icon in system tray
Touch KeyboardWindows + H (in some versions)Keyboard icon near clock

Use the on screen keyboard when you need accessibility features or a physical keyboard replacement. Use the touch keyboard when you have a touchscreen and want modern typing features.

Troubleshooting Common On Screen Keyboard Problems

Problem 1: Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

Solution:

  1. Check if another program uses the same shortcut
  2. Try the Settings method instead (Windows + I > Accessibility > Keyboard)
  3. Restart Windows Explorer:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  • Find “Windows Explorer” in the list
  • Right click it and select “Restart”
  1. Try the keyboard shortcut again

Problem 2: On Screen Keyboard Not Appearing

Solution:

  1. Run Windows Update to ensure you have the latest fixes
  2. Use the Run command method (Windows + R, type osk, press Enter)
  3. Check if the keyboard is minimized:
  • Look for OSK in the taskbar
  • Click it to restore the window
  1. Try Safe Mode:
  • Restart Windows
  • Press F8 during boot
  • Select Safe Mode
  • Try opening the on screen keyboard

Problem 3: Cannot Type in Certain Programs

Solution:

  1. Run the program as administrator
  2. Open the on screen keyboard as administrator:
  • Press Windows + R
  • Type cmd
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (opens elevated Command Prompt)
  • Type osk and press Enter
  1. The on screen keyboard now has admin privileges and works in elevated programs

Problem 4: Keyboard Appears Too Small or Large

Solution:

  1. Click and drag the edges of the on screen keyboard window to resize it
  2. Windows remembers your size preference
  3. For Windows 11 touch keyboard:
  • Click the keyboard icon
  • Click the settings icon (gear) on the keyboard
  • Adjust keyboard size

Problem 5: Keys Not Responding to Clicks

Solution:

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
  2. Find “On Screen Keyboard” in the Processes tab
  3. Right click it and select “End task”
  4. Open the on screen keyboard again using any method
  5. If problem persists:
  • Run System File Checker
  • Press Windows + R, type cmd, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
  • Wait for the scan to complete (takes 10-30 minutes)
  • Restart computer

Problem 6: On Screen Keyboard Freezes or Crashes

Solution:

  1. Update graphics drivers:
  • Press Windows + X
  • Select Device Manager
  • Expand Display adapters
  • Right click your graphics card
  • Select “Update driver”
  1. Disable hardware acceleration (if available in the program you are using)
  2. Check Windows Event Viewer for error messages:
  • Press Windows + R, type eventvwr, press Enter
  • Look under Windows Logs > Application for OSK errors

Using On Screen Keyboard in Special Situations

Remote Desktop Connections

When connecting to another computer remotely, you might need the on screen keyboard on either the local or remote machine.

For remote computer’s keyboard:

  1. Connect to the remote desktop
  2. Press Windows + Ctrl + O on your physical keyboard
  3. The remote computer’s on screen keyboard appears
  4. Type in remote applications

For local computer’s keyboard:

  1. Use the on screen keyboard before connecting
  2. It stays on your local screen
  3. Helpful when troubleshooting remote keyboard issues

Tablet Mode

Windows 11 and Windows 10 handle tablets differently.

Windows 11:

  1. The touch keyboard appears automatically when you tap text fields
  2. To show it manually, click the keyboard icon in the taskbar
  3. To switch to on screen keyboard, use Windows + Ctrl + O

Windows 10:

  1. Enable Tablet Mode: Click notification center, click “Tablet mode”
  2. Touch keyboard appears when you tap text boxes
  3. On screen keyboard still available via shortcuts

Safe Mode

The on screen keyboard works in Safe Mode, which helps when troubleshooting.

To use in Safe Mode:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart)
  2. On the login screen, click the accessibility icon
  3. Select “On screen keyboard”
  4. Log in and use the keyboard normally
See also  How to Patent a Tech Invention: A Complete Guide for 2026

Recovery Environment

Even in Windows Recovery Environment, you can access the on screen keyboard.

Steps:

  1. Boot from Windows installation media or recovery partition
  2. On the recovery screen, click the accessibility icon (bottom right)
  3. Select “On screen keyboard”
  4. Use it to enter commands or navigate recovery options

This feature helps when your physical keyboard fails completely and you need to repair Windows.

Advanced On Screen Keyboard Tips

Tip 1: Create Desktop Shortcut

Steps:

  1. Right click empty space on desktop
  2. Select New > Shortcut
  3. Type osk in the location field
  4. Click Next
  5. Name it “On Screen Keyboard”
  6. Click Finish

Now you can double click the desktop icon to open the keyboard.

Tip 2: Pin to Taskbar

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type osk and press Enter
  3. When keyboard opens, look at the taskbar
  4. Right click the OSK icon in the taskbar
  5. Select “Pin to taskbar”

The on screen keyboard stays in your taskbar for one-click access.

Tip 3: Combine with Magnifier

For better visibility:

  1. Press Windows + Plus to open Magnifier
  2. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open On Screen Keyboard
  3. Resize both windows to work together
  4. Use Magnifier to zoom in on screen areas while typing with OSK

Tip 4: Use with Narrator

Windows Narrator reads screen content aloud:

  1. Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator
  2. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open On Screen Keyboard
  3. Narrator announces each key as you hover or select it
  4. Helpful for users with visual impairments

Tip 5: Set Default Keyboard State

You can configure whether the on screen keyboard appears in standard or extended mode with number pad:

  1. Open on screen keyboard
  2. Click Options
  3. Configure your preferences
  4. Click OK
  5. Windows remembers these settings

The keyboard opens with your preferred layout every time.

On Screen Keyboard Alternatives

While Windows includes a built-in on screen keyboard, some situations benefit from third-party alternatives.

Free Alternatives

Click-N-Type:

  • Larger, more customizable
  • Better for motor skill disabilities
  • Word prediction features
  • Available at Lake Software

Free Virtual Keyboard:

  • Minimalist design
  • Always stays on top
  • Multiple language layouts
  • Very lightweight

Opti Key:

  • Eye tracking support
  • Designed for assistive technology
  • Completely free and open source
  • Advanced for severe accessibility needs

When to Use Alternatives

Consider third-party keyboards when:

  • You need word prediction
  • You require eye tracking
  • You want larger keys
  • You use specialized assistive technology
  • The Windows keyboard lacks a feature you need

Most users find the built-in Windows on screen keyboard sufficient for temporary use or basic accessibility needs.

On Screen Keyboard Security Considerations

Using an on screen keyboard has security implications you should understand.

Protection Against Keyloggers

Advantage: Some keyloggers capture physical keyboard input only. The on screen keyboard might bypass them.

Limitation: Advanced keyloggers capture screen clicks and screenshots, defeating on screen keyboard protection.

Best practice: Do not rely solely on the on screen keyboard for security. Use:

  • Updated antivirus software
  • Regular system scans
  • Careful browsing habits
  • Strong, unique passwords

Public Computer Safety

When using public computers:

Better:

  • Use the on screen keyboard for passwords
  • Reduces risk of hardware keyloggers

Not foolproof:

  • Cameras can see the screen
  • Screen recording malware still works
  • Someone looking over your shoulder sees your password

Safest approach:

  • Avoid entering sensitive information on public computers
  • Use two-factor authentication
  • Change passwords after using public computers

Banking and Sensitive Sites

Some banking websites recommend using on screen keyboards:

  1. They detect on screen keyboard usage
  2. Some banks provide their own virtual keyboards
  3. This adds a layer of protection
  4. According to Microsoft’s security guidelines, combining virtual keyboards with other security measures improves safety

Never depend on a single security method. Layer multiple protections.

Comparison Table: All Methods to Open On Screen Keyboard

MethodSpeedStepsWorks on Login ScreenBest For
Windows + Ctrl + OInstant1YesDaily use, fastest access
Search (OSK)2 seconds2-3NoWhen you forget the shortcut
Settings App5 seconds4-5NoEnabling permanently
Control Panel8 seconds4-6NoOlder Windows familiarity
Run Command3 seconds3NoPower users
Taskbar Icon1 second1SometimesTouch device users
Command Prompt4 seconds3-4NoScripting and automation
Sign-In Screen2 seconds2-3YesLocked out situations

Conclusion

Getting the on screen keyboard in Windows 11 or Windows 10 takes just seconds once you know the method. The fastest way remains pressing Windows + Ctrl + O together, which works in every situation.

Use the Settings app when you want the keyboard to appear automatically at startup. Use the Run command (Windows + R, type osk) when you need reliability. Access it from the login screen when your physical keyboard completely fails.

The on screen keyboard serves both as an accessibility tool and as a practical solution when your hardware keyboard stops working. It types into any application, works in Safe Mode, and functions in the Windows Recovery Environment.

Remember the difference: the on screen keyboard (OSK) focuses on accessibility and traditional keyboard replacement. The touch keyboard provides modern features for touchscreen devices. Both have their place depending on your needs.

Keep the keyboard shortcut memorized. You never know when your physical keyboard will fail or when you will need to help someone who cannot use a standard keyboard. The on screen keyboard transforms your mouse or touchscreen into a complete input solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I close the on screen keyboard?

Press Windows + Ctrl + O again, or click the X button in the top right corner of the keyboard window. You can also press Alt + F4 while the keyboard window is active. The keyboard closes immediately with any of these methods.

Can I use the on screen keyboard in games?

Yes, but performance varies. The on screen keyboard works in most games, especially turn-based or strategy games that do not require fast typing. Real-time games or first-person shooters may not register on screen keyboard inputs properly. The keyboard works best in desktop applications and games with text input fields.

Why does my on screen keyboard disappear automatically?

Windows 11 automatically hides the touch keyboard when you connect a physical keyboard. This does not affect the on screen keyboard (OSK) opened with Windows + Ctrl + O. If your on screen keyboard closes unexpectedly, check if a program is forcing it closed or if you have set it to close when a physical keyboard is detected in accessibility settings.

Does the on screen keyboard work in BIOS?

No. The on screen keyboard is a Windows program and does not function in BIOS or UEFI settings. BIOS loads before Windows, so no Windows features work there. You need a physical keyboard or USB keyboard for BIOS access. Some motherboards support USB keyboards even when Windows keyboards do not work.

Can I change the language of the on screen keyboard?

Yes. The on screen keyboard uses your Windows display language. To change it:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. Go to Time & Language > Language & Region
  3. Add a new language or change your display language
  4. Sign out and sign back in
  5. The on screen keyboard now displays in the new language

The keyboard layout also changes to match the selected language.

MK Usmaan
Latest posts by MK Usmaan (see all)