Helping millions of people navigate the world of technology.

3 Ways to Open On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 11

Quick Tips
  • Boot your device > click the Accessibility icon > turn the On-screen keyboard toggle on.
  • Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > turn on the On-screen keyboard toggle.
  • Go to Control Panel > Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center > Start On-Screen Keyboard.

Basic Ways:

  • Using the keyboard shortcut: You can use the Windows + Ctrl + O keys to open the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 11.
  • Using Windows Search: Using the Search bar on Windows 11, you can look up the On-Screen Keyboard. Once visible, click on it to launch the app.
  • Using the Run command: Use the Windows + R key to open the Run window. Type osk and press enter to launch the On-Screen Keyboard app.

Method 1: Using the Sign-in Screen

Apart from the sign-in options, you can also access power options and enable certain accessibility features using the Windows sign-in screen. One of these is the On-Screen Keyboard. Follow the below steps to access the accessibility menu and open the virtual keyboard from the Windows sign-in screen.

Step 1: Boot your device. On the sign-in screen, click the Accessibility icon and turn the On-screen keyboard toggle on.

Open On-screen keyboard from boot

Once the virtual keyboard appears, you can proceed to enter your PIN/password and sign in. The On-Screen Keyboard will be visible even after signing in.

Method 2: Using the Settings Menu

Just like any other Windows setting or feature, the On-Screen Keyboard also has a place in the Windows Settings menu. Using this, you can toggle on the virtual keyboard with ease. Here’s how.

Tip: Check out all the ways to open the Settings app on Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Settings and click on Accessibility. Click on Keyboard.

Click on Accessibility & click on Keyboard

Step 2: Turn on the toggle for On-screen keyboard.

Turn toggle on

Also Read: How to fix On-Screen Keyboard not working on Windows 11

Method 3: Using Ease of Access Center

Using the Ease of Access Center in the Control Panel, you can adjust and access settings relevant to the visual, auditory, and mobility configuration of your device. This also means that for your ease of typing, you can open the On-Screen Keyboard using the Control Panel options. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel and click on Ease of Access.

Click on Ease of Access

Step 2: Click on Ease of Access Center.

Click on Ease of Access Center

Step 3: Go to the Quick access to common tools section and click on Start On-Screen Keyboard.

Click on Start On-Screen Keyboard

Now, use this virtual keyboard and type without a physical keyboard on Windows 11.

Pro Tip: Pin On-Screen Keyboard to Start

If you constantly use the On-Screen Keyboard, you can pin the keyboard shortcut to the Start menu. This will add the app in between all your other pinned apps, making it easier to access. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Go to Start and click on All apps.

Click on Start & click on App apps

Step 2: Click on Accessibility. Once the list of apps opens, right-click on On-Screen Keyboard.

Right-click on On-Screen Keyboard

Step 3: Click on Pin to Start.

Click on Pin to Start

This will pin the On-Screen Keyboard app to the Start menu. Now, you will be able to instantly access the visual keyboard from the Pinned apps menu.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Last updated on 21 August, 2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.