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Type without using the keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard)

On-Screen Keyboard lets you type and interact with your computer using an alternative input device like a switch, rather than the physical keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard displays a visual keyboard with all of the standard keys. You can select keys using the mouse or another pointing device, a small groups of keys, or just one key, depending on how you set up On-Screen Keyboard.

There are two ways to start On-Screen Keyboard:

  • Start On-Screen Keyboard from Quick Access to common tools for use in the current session, or
  • Turn on On-Screen Keyboard so that it automatically starts each time you log on.

Start On-Screen Keyboard for the current session

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions
1

To open the Ease of Access Center, select:

  • Start.
  • Control Panel.
  • Ease of Access.
  • Ease of Access Center.

To open the Ease of Access Center, press:

  • Windows logo key Windows logo key+U.
2

Under Quick access to common tools, select:

  • Start On-Screen Keyboard.

Under Quick access to common tools, select:

  • Start On-Screen Keyboard by pressing ALT+K.

Turn on On-Screen Keyboard so that it starts automatically each time you log on to your computer

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions
1

Under Explore all settings, select:

  • Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard.

Under Explore all settings, select:

  • Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard by pressing TAB, then ENTER.
2

Under Type using a pointing device, select:

  • Use On-Screen Keyboard.
  • Select Save.

Under Type using a pointing device, select:

  • Use On-Screen Keyboard by pressing ALT+K.
  • Select Save by pressing ALT+S.
Screenshot of Onscreen Keyboard
On-Screen Keyboard
Last updated: Thursday, February 14, 2008

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