On Windows 10 and Windows 11 alike, the on screen keyboard shortcut is Win + Ctrl + O. A full virtual keyboard appears on the screen and you type by clicking keys with the mouse or touchpad. Press the same keys again to close it.
It is a lifesaver when a key on the laptop is broken, when you need a key your keyboard lacks such as Scroll Lock or Insert, or when you want to type a password without a keylogger reading the keys. You can also start it by typing osk in the Run box (Win + R).
Quick facts
Open or close
Win + Ctrl + ORun box
Win + R, type oskAccessibility settings
Win + UExtra keys
ScrLk, Insert, PrtSc, FnNumber pad
Options, then Turn on numeric key padMac
Accessibility Keyboard in settings
Ways to open the virtual keyboard
| Method | Keys or steps |
|---|---|
| Shortcut | Win + Ctrl + O |
| Run box | Win + R, type osk, Enter |
| Search | Press Win, type on screen keyboard, Enter |
| Settings | Accessibility, then Keyboard, then On screen keyboard |
| Sign in screen | Accessibility icon at the bottom right |
Using the on screen keyboard shortcut key to type
- Click inside the box where you want to type first, such as a document or a form.
- Press Win + Ctrl + O. The keyboard opens and stays on top of other windows.
- Click letters to type. Click Shift once for one capital letter.
- For combinations, click Ctrl, then click the second key, for example C to copy.
Keys like Ctrl and Shift stay pressed until you click the next key, so combinations such as Ctrl + Alt + Delete are possible with single clicks.
Keys you can only reach this way
Many laptops have no Scroll Lock, Insert or Pause key. The on screen keyboard has them all. Clicking ScrLk is the quickest way to turn off Scroll Lock in Excel when arrow keys scroll the sheet; see Scroll Lock in Excel. The Options button adds a number pad, a click sound and hover typing, where resting the pointer on a key types it.
On screen keyboard or touch keyboard
Windows has two virtual keyboards. The on screen keyboard is a full desktop keyboard made for mouse use. The touch keyboard is larger and simpler, made for tablets, and has emoji and voice typing buttons. Turn on the touch keyboard icon from taskbar settings if you have a touch screen; otherwise the on screen keyboard is the better tool.
When the shortcut does not open it
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Win + Ctrl + O does nothing | Use Win + R and type osk |
| Windows key is broken | Use search with the mouse, or Settings, then Accessibility |
| Keyboard opens every time Windows starts | Turn it off in Settings, then Accessibility, then Keyboard |
| Clicks type in the wrong place | Click into the target box first, then on the keys |
On a Mac
The Mac version is the Accessibility Keyboard, turned on in System Settings, then Accessibility, then Keyboard. It has no default shortcut but can be added to the menu bar. For typing emoji on Windows instead, the emoji shortcut is faster, and other system keys sit on the Windows shortcut keys page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for on screen keyboard?
How do I open the onscreen keyboard in Windows 10?
Press Win + Ctrl + O, or Win + R and type osk.
What is the virtual keyboard shortcut key in Windows 11?
The same Win + Ctrl + O.
Can I type Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the on screen keyboard?
Yes, click Ctrl, then Alt, then Del.
How do I get a number pad on it?
Click Options and turn on the numeric key pad.
Is there an on screen keyboard on Mac?
Yes, the Accessibility Keyboard in System Settings.