Fix virtual keyboard not working in Windows 10

Virtual keyboard is a built-in feature that allows users to use their computer even when the physical keyboard is not working, it is also a bit more secure than a real keyboard because you are protected from keyloggers and useful when in Tablet Mode.

Therefore, if the virtual keyboard stops working, you may be in a bit of trouble. Fortunately, there are some simple tips to fix the on-screen keyboard not working problem in Windows 10.

1. Check Touch Keyboard service

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The first and foremost thing you need to do is check if the 'Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel' service is automated.

To do that, launch Services from the Start menu, search for service 'Services' , double click on it, change the Startup type to Automatic and click Apply > OK .

Now, restart the computer and check if the problem persists.

2. Enable touch keyboard while in Tablet Mode

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If you are in Tablet Mode but the touch keyboard or virtual keyboard does not appear then you need to go to the Tablet settings and check if you have turned off "Show the touch keyboard when there's no keyboard attached" .

To do that, launch Settings and click System > Tablet > Change additional tablet settings . Now use the toggle to enable "Show the touch keyboard when there's no keyboard attached" .

Now go into Tablet Mode and hopefully the problem will be fixed.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

If the problem is caused by a corrupted file then using System File Checker (SFC) can help. To do that, launch Command Prompt with admin rights from the Start menu, type the following command and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

It will search and repair all corrupted files you may have. Hope this will also fix the on-screen keyboard not working issue.

4. Create shortcut for virtual keyboard

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One of the ways you can launch the virtual keyboard is to right click on the Taskbar, select 'Show touch keyboard button' , then click on the Touch Keyboard icon from the Taskbar. But if you can't launch the virtual keyboard using this method then you might want to create a shortcut to do the same.

To create a shortcut for the virtual keyboard on the desktop, right-click the desktop and select New > Shortcut . Enter the following address in the 'Type the location of the item' section and click Next.

%windir%System32osk.exe

Now give it a name and click Finish.

This way, a shortcut will be created on your desktop and you can access the virtual keyboard from there.

5. Change Target in Chrome/Edge

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This is a rare situation, but if you are having trouble using the on-screen keyboard on Chrome then this solution is for you.

Right-click on the Chrome shortcut , select Properties , click the Target option , give a space, copy and paste the following command, and then click Apply > OK.

--disable-usb-keyboard-detect

Above are some solutions to fix the problem of the virtual keyboard not working in Windows 10.

Hope you are succesful.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 June 2021