How to Enable On-Screen Caps Lock and Num Lock Indicators on Windows

Having on-screen indicators for Caps Lock and Num Lock can be incredibly useful, especially if your keyboard lacks physical indicator lights. Here's a detailed guide on how to enable these features across different platforms and devices.

How can I enable On-Screen Indicators via Windows Settings?​

1. Open Settings​

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button on the taskbar.
• Type Settings in the search bar and press Enter.

2. Access Ease of Access Settings​

• In the Settings window, click on Ease of Access.

3. Navigate to Keyboard Settings​

• In the left sidebar, click on Keyboard.

4. Enable Indicator​

• Scroll down to the Use Toggle Keys section.
• Toggle on the switch for Show the Caps Lock status on the screen.

This method helps by providing a visual cue whenever Caps Lock is activated, reducing typing errors.

Use Built-In Software on HP Laptops​

1. Check for Pre-Installed HP Software​

• Open the Start menu and look for any HP utility or software that may offer on-screen indicators.
• Check the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) or the Start menu for relevant programs.

2. Enable On-Screen Indicator via HP Software​

• Follow the instructions in the HP utility to enable the on-screen indicators for Caps Lock and Num Lock.

Using built-in software ensures compatibility and smooth functionality with your device.

Update Keyboard Drivers​

1. Open Device Manager​

• Press Windows key + X on your keyboard.
• Select Device Manager from the menu.

2. Locate Keyboard​

• Find the Keyboards section and expand it.
• Right-click on your keyboard device and select Update Driver.

3. Search for Drivers​

• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Updating drivers can fix issues related to the Caps Lock indicator not working properly.

Undo Problematic Windows Updates​

1. Open Settings​

• Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• Click on Update & Security.

2. View Update History​

• Click Update History.
• Note down the problematic update.

3. Uninstall Updates​

• Click Uninstall Updates.

• Find and double-click the problematic update to remove it.

Removing conflicting updates can resolve issues with the on-screen indicators.

Use Third-Party Software​

1. Download Third-Party Software​

• Search for third-party apps like TrayStatus or CapsLock Indicator.
• Download and install the software.

To enable the Caps Lock on-screen notifications, use CapsLock Indicator > install the tool > run it > enable the checkbox for Caps Lock changed under Show notification when.



What I liked was the CapsLock Indicator’s notification color scheme. It had a green outline when enabling Caps Lock and a red one when disabling it, facilitating quick identification of the Caps Lock status without an LED indicator.

2. Configure Software​

• Follow the software’s instructions to enable Caps Lock and Num Lock indicators.
• Customize settings as needed.

Third-party software can provide advanced features and custom notifications.

How can I enable Sound Notifications via Accessibility Settings?​

1. Open Accessibility Settings​

• Press Windows key + U.

2. Go to Keyboard Settings​

• Scroll down and click on Keyboard under the Interaction section.

3. Enable Toggle Keys​

• Turn on the toggle switch for Toggle keys.

This feature provides an audible alert whenever Caps Lock or Num Lock is pressed, useful for those who prefer sound notifications.

Open the On-Screen Keyboard​

1. Open Settings​

• Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Ease of Access.

2. Enable On-Screen Keyboard​

• Click on Keyboard.
• Toggle on the On-Screen Keyboard option.

You can use the on-screen keyboard to check and control the Caps Lock and Num Lock states.

Use an External Keyboard​

1. Connect External Keyboard​

• Plug an external keyboard into your computer.

2. Check Caps Lock Indicator​

• Use the external keyboard to see if the Caps Lock indicator issue persists.

Using an external keyboard can help determine if the issue is with the internal keyboard.

Configure Lenovo Keyboard Settings​

1. Open Control Panel​

• Press the Start button and type Control Panel.
• Select Control Panel from the results.

2. Access Keyboard Settings​

• Click on View devices and printers under Hardware and Sound.
• Right-click your PC and select Keyboard Settings.

3. Enable Caps Lock Display​

• In the Mouse and Keyboard center, click Change Microsoft keyboard settings.
• Enable Display Caps Lock status on the screen.

This method provides a Lenovo-specific solution for enabling on-screen indicators.

By following these methods, you can ensure that you have a reliable Caps Lock and Num Lock indicator on your screen, helping you avoid typing errors and improving your overall typing experience.