Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK): How It Works, Features, Benefits, and Troubleshooting

QUICK ANSWER

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard, commonly called OSK, is a built-in accessibility tool that displays a visual keyboard on the screen. It lets you enter text and keyboard commands using a mouse, touchscreen, pen, joystick, switch device, or another pointing device. A touchscreen is not required.

To open it, press Windows key + Ctrl + O, run osk, or go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > On-Screen Keyboard. OSK is especially useful when a physical keyboard is unavailable, malfunctioning, difficult to operate, or being tested.

 

What Is the Windows On-Screen Keyboard?

The On-Screen Keyboard is an accessibility feature included with Windows. Its executable file is osk.exe.

OSK displays a keyboard containing standard typing, navigation, modifier, and function keys. Instead of pressing physical keys, you select its keys using an input device such as:

• A mouse or trackball
• A touchscreen or digital pen
• A joystick or game controller
• An accessibility switch
• A device that simulates mouse clicks
• A limited set of physical keyboard keys

OSK can substitute for many everyday physical-keyboard operations, although entering large amounts of text is usually slower.

How OSK Works

OSK sends keyboard input to the currently active application or text field. For example:

1. Open Notepad or select a text box.
2. Position the text cursor in that application.
3. Select keys on OSK.
4. Windows delivers the selected characters or commands to the active application.

The destination application must have input focus. If clicking a different window moves focus away from the text field, select the field again before typing.

Modifier keys such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and the Windows key can be selected before another key to enter capital letters or perform shortcuts. The exact behavior of shortcuts can depend on the application receiving the input.

OSK does not require an Internet connection, separate download, or touchscreen.

How to Open OSK

Method 1: Use the keyboard shortcut

Press:

Windows key + Ctrl + O

This shortcut turns the On-Screen Keyboard on or off. Microsoft lists it as a Windows accessibility shortcut. Microsoft Support

Method 2: Run the OSK command

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter:

osk

3. Select OK or press Enter.

You can also run osk.exe from Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, Task Manager’s Run new task option, or a management script.

Administrator privileges are not normally required.

Method 3: Use Windows Settings

In Windows 11:

1. Open Start > Settings.
2. Select Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Turn on On-Screen Keyboard.

The keyboard remains visible until it is closed or toggled off. Microsoft Support

Method 4: Search from Start

1. Open Start.
2. Search for On-Screen Keyboard.
3. Select the matching application.

Method 5: Open OSK at the Windows sign-in screen

If you cannot use the physical keyboard to sign in:

1. Select the Accessibility button in the lower-right corner of the sign-in screen.
2. Select On-Screen Keyboard.
3. Select the password or PIN field and enter the credentials.

Microsoft officially supports starting OSK from the sign-in screen. Microsoft Support

OSK Layouts

Current Windows documentation describes two OSK layouts:

Select Nav or General on OSK to switch layouts.

OSK remembers the last selected layout. Closing and reopening it does not necessarily restore the full layout. If keys appear to be missing, switch back to General. Microsoft Support

OSK Input Modes and Options

Select the Options key on OSK to configure its behavior. Available settings can vary slightly between Windows releases.

Click on keys

Use a mouse, pen, or touchscreen to select each key. This is the simplest mode and is appropriate for most users.

Hover over keys

Point at a key using a mouse or joystick. OSK enters the character after the pointer remains over the key for the configured period.

The Hover duration setting controls how long you must point at a key. A shorter duration is faster but may cause unintended input.

Scan through keys

OSK progressively highlights keyboard regions and keys. The user activates the highlighted selection with a configured input, such as:

• A joystick or game controller
• A selected physical key
• A mouse click
• An accessibility switch that generates an equivalent input

The scanning-speed control determines how quickly the highlight moves. This mode is particularly valuable for users who cannot reliably point at individual keys. Microsoft Support

Numeric keypad

Enable Turn on numeric keypad to add number and calculation-related keys. This is useful for data entry, accounting applications, and testing Num Lock behavior.

Click sound

Enable Use click sound for audible feedback when a key is selected.

Navigation and movement keys

OSK can display keys that make it easier to move or reposition the keyboard on the screen. The exact appearance can depend on the Windows version and selected layout.

Text prediction

OSK can suggest words as you type, reducing the number of selections needed. It can also insert a space after a predicted word.

Microsoft documents OSK’s built-in text prediction for English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish; the corresponding language files must be installed. Availability and presentation may vary by Windows version and language. Microsoft Support

Benefits of the On-Screen Keyboard

Accessibility

OSK helps users who have limited mobility, reduced dexterity, tremors, temporary injuries, or difficulty operating a conventional keyboard. Hover and scanning modes support alternative input methods.

Emergency keyboard replacement

OSK provides a temporary way to type when a physical keyboard:

• Stops responding
• Has damaged or missing keys
• Is disconnected
• Has an incorrect hardware layout
• Is undergoing troubleshooting

Because starting OSK may still require a pointer or another input method, it is not a complete substitute when all input devices are unavailable.

Sign-in assistance

OSK can be opened before signing in, making it possible to enter a PIN or password when the physical keyboard is unavailable.

Keyboard and application testing

IT professionals can use OSK to:

• Compare on-screen and physical-keyboard behavior
• Check whether an individual hardware key is faulty
• Test modifier-key combinations
• Confirm the active keyboard layout
• Demonstrate key locations during remote support
• Enter occasional input on kiosks or touch-oriented systems

If OSK works but the physical keyboard does not, the problem is more likely related to the keyboard hardware, connection, driver, port, wireless pairing, or device configuration. This is an indicator rather than conclusive proof.

Visual confirmation

OSK gives users a visual representation of the keyboard. This can help identify the active layout and understand modifier-key behavior.

OSK Versus the Touch Keyboard

OSK and the Windows touch keyboard are different features.

The touch keyboard offers layouts such as Default, Split, Small, Traditional, and Handwriting, although availability varies by language and device. Microsoft Support

If a keyboard appears automatically when you select a text field on a touchscreen device, it is probably the touch keyboard rather than osk.exe.

Language and Keyboard Layout Considerations

OSK generally follows the active Windows input language and keyboard layout. If the displayed characters do not match what you expect:

1. Check the language indicator on the taskbar.
2. Press Windows key + Spacebar to review or switch installed input layouts.
3. Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
4. Review the keyboards installed for the selected language.
5. Remove an unwanted layout only if it is not required by another user or application.

Changing the display language and changing the keyboard layout are separate operations.

Security and Privacy Considerations

OSK is an accessibility and input tool—not a security product.

• It does not guarantee protection against malware, screen recording, remote-control software, or software capable of monitoring input.
• Passwords can still be exposed through shoulder surfing, screenshots, screen sharing, or an untrusted remote-support session.
• Do not assume that selecting keys with a mouse makes password entry immune to credential theft.
• Avoid entering sensitive information while sharing the screen unless the session and participants are trusted.
• Use Windows Hello, multifactor authentication, current security updates, and trusted endpoint protection where appropriate.
• Use the OSK supplied with Windows. Do not download a third-party “replacement OSK” merely because the built-in tool is not opening.

At the sign-in screen, use the Accessibility menu provided by Windows rather than launching unfamiliar external software.

Limitations

OSK has several practical limitations:

• It occupies screen space and may cover part of an application.
• Typing is generally slower than with a physical keyboard.
• Some complex shortcuts can be awkward to enter.
• Games, remote sessions, elevated interfaces, kiosk configurations, and specialized software may process simulated input differently.
• Application shortcuts work only when the correct window or control has focus.
• Hover and scan modes require careful timing configuration.
• Available layouts, prediction features, and visual appearance can differ between Windows versions and languages.
• OSK cannot repair a failed keyboard, corrupt driver, damaged USB port, or Bluetooth problem.

OSK is best regarded as an accessibility feature, temporary input method, and diagnostic aid.

How to Verify That OSK Is Working

1. Open Notepad.
2. Select the blank document so the text cursor is visible.
3. Open OSK.
4. Select several letter and number keys.
5. Test Shift followed by a letter.
6. If required, enable and test the numeric keypad.
7. Repeat the test in the affected application.

Interpret the result as follows:

Troubleshooting OSK

OSK opens but does not type

1. Select the intended text field again.
2. Confirm that a blinking text cursor is present.
3. Test OSK in Notepad.
4. Close and reopen the affected application.
5. Check whether the application is frozen or displaying a read-only field.
6. If only an elevated application is affected, launch and interact with it through an appropriately authorized administrative session.

Some keys are missing

OSK may be using the Nav layout. Select General to restore the full keyboard.

For number-entry keys, open Options and enable Turn on numeric keypad.

OSK is minimized or hidden

Check the taskbar for the OSK window. When using hover mode, point to its taskbar entry. In scanning mode, the configured scan key may restore it. Microsoft Support

Also check whether OSK is behind another window or positioned beyond the visible area after a monitor configuration change.

The wrong characters appear

Verify the active keyboard layout using Windows key + Spacebar. Also check the installed keyboards under Settings > Time & language > Language & region.

If only one application is affected, check whether that application has its own language, terminal, keyboard-mapping, or remote-session settings.

The touch keyboard appears instead of OSK

Run:

osk

This explicitly starts the accessibility On-Screen Keyboard.

In Windows 11, the touch-keyboard icon can be configured under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons > Touch keyboard. Available choices include Never, Always, and When no keyboard is attached. Microsoft Support

OSK does not launch

Try these checks in order:

1. Run osk from the Run dialog.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Install pending Windows updates.
4. Test with another authorized user account.
5. Check whether organizational application-control or kiosk policies block osk.exe.
6. Review relevant security-product logs if application execution is controlled.
7. Repair Windows system files if corruption is suspected.

Open Windows Terminal (Admin), Command Prompt (Admin), or PowerShell (Admin) and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

These commands require administrator privileges. DISM may take time and can use Windows Update as a repair source. Restart the computer after repairs if Windows reports that files were corrected.

Do not download a separate copy of osk.exe from an unofficial website.

OSK starts automatically

First determine whether the window is OSK or the touch keyboard.

For OSK:

1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
2. Turn off On-Screen Keyboard.
3. Check the Startup apps list and any authorized sign-in scripts.
4. On managed computers, review assigned accessibility, kiosk, and application-launch policies.

For the touch keyboard, adjust its taskbar behavior. On Windows 11, set Touch keyboard to Never if automatic touch-keyboard access is not wanted. Microsoft Support

Avoid disabling Windows accessibility services indiscriminately; doing so can affect users who rely on them.

Guidance for IT Professionals

Launching OSK during support

Use:

osk.exe

The command can be started interactively without elevation in a normal user session. Running a process in a different session does not guarantee that its window will appear on the user’s desktop.

Managed and restricted devices

On enterprise, education, kiosk, or shared devices:

• Verify AppLocker, Windows Defender Application Control, kiosk, and endpoint-management policies.
• Test behavior under the affected user account, not only an administrator account.
• Confirm that remote-support software correctly handles the secure desktop and accessibility tools.
• Do not weaken application-control policies broadly just to permit OSK; create the narrowest approved rule if policy is the confirmed cause.
• Consider the user’s accessibility requirements before changing automatic-start behavior.

Diagnostic value

When OSK works and the physical keyboard does not, investigate:

• USB ports and cables
• Wireless receiver or Bluetooth pairing
• Batteries
• Device Manager status
• Keyboard drivers and firmware
• Docking stations or KVM switches
• Filter Keys and other accessibility settings
• Keyboard layout configuration
• Pre-boot behavior

Testing the physical keyboard in firmware or the device’s pre-boot environment can help distinguish a hardware-level failure from a Windows-specific issue, provided the device manufacturer supports such testing.

Alternatives to OSK

Touch keyboard

Use the touch keyboard for tablet-style input, handwriting, split layouts, and touch-optimized keys.

Voice typing

Press Windows key + H to start Windows voice typing in a supported text field. Speech recognition, language support, microphone access, and network requirements can vary.

Voice access

Windows Voice Access can control the computer and enter text using spoken commands. It may be more suitable for users who need hands-free operation.

External keyboard

A wired USB keyboard is often the quickest temporary solution when a built-in laptop keyboard fails.

Accessibility switches and specialized input devices

Users with mobility requirements may benefit from switches, eye-control products, joysticks, trackballs, or other assistive technology. Compatibility should be evaluated for the individual user and environment.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OSK included with Windows?

Yes. The On-Screen Keyboard is a built-in Windows accessibility feature. No separate download is required.

What command opens the On-Screen Keyboard?

Run:

osk

You can enter it in the Run dialog, Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, or Task Manager’s Run new task interface.

What is the shortcut for OSK?

Press Windows key + Ctrl + O to turn the On-Screen Keyboard on or off. Microsoft Support

Does OSK require a touchscreen?

No. You can operate it with a mouse, trackball, joystick, accessibility switch, or another supported pointing device.

Can I use OSK before signing in?

Yes. Select the Accessibility button at the lower-right of the Windows sign-in screen and choose On-Screen Keyboard. Microsoft Support

Is OSK safer for entering passwords?

Not inherently. It may help when a physical keyboard is unavailable, but it does not protect against all malware, screen recording, shoulder surfing, or untrusted remote-access software.

Why does OSK show only a few keys?

It is probably using the simplified Nav layout. Select General to display the full layout.

Why does a different keyboard appear when I tap a text box?

That is usually the Windows touch keyboard. It is optimized for touchscreen input and is separate from the accessibility On-Screen Keyboard.

Can OSK completely replace a physical keyboard?

It can perform many standard typing and navigation tasks, but it is slower and may not work identically in every application, game, remote session, or restricted interface.

Does Windows 10 still support OSK?

OSK remains available in Windows 10, but Microsoft ended free Windows 10 software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes on October 14, 2025. Eligible systems should move to a supported Windows version or use an applicable Microsoft servicing option. Microsoft Support

FINAL RECOMMENDATION / CONCLUSION

Use Windows OSK when you need an accessible input method, a temporary replacement for a physical keyboard, or a quick keyboard-diagnostic tool. Open it with Windows key + Ctrl + O or osk, select the correct text field, and configure click, hover, scan, numeric-keypad, or prediction options according to the user’s needs.

For regular touchscreen typing, use the separate touch keyboard. If OSK works but the physical keyboard does not, troubleshoot the hardware, connection, driver, and accessibility settings. If OSK itself fails, use Windows’ built-in repair tools and organizational policy checks rather than downloading executable files from third-party websites.

 

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SOURCES

• Microsoft Support — Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type. Microsoft Support
• Microsoft Support — Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility. Microsoft Support
• Microsoft Support — Enable and disable the touch keyboard in Windows. Microsoft Support
• Microsoft Support — Get to know the touch keyboard. Microsoft Support
• Microsoft Support — Enable text suggestions in Windows. Microsoft Support