How to Enable and Use the On-Screen Keyboard

The On-Screen Keyboard is a useful tool that allows users to input data on their computers using a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with physical disabilities, touchscreen devices, or when the physical keyboard is not available or functioning properly. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to enable and effectively use the On-Screen Keyboard on Windows and macOS.

Enabling On-Screen Keyboard on Windows

Click on the Start Menu: Located at the bottom left corner of your Windows desktop, click on the Windows Start icon.
Type "On-Screen Keyboard": In the search bar, begin typing "On-Screen Keyboard". As you type, Windows will automatically filter the results.
Open On-Screen Keyboard: From the search results, click on the "On-Screen Keyboard" option to launch the tool.
Customize Keyboard Settings (optional): Within the On-Screen Keyboard window, you can customize various settings to suit your needs. For example, you can enable additional features like predictive text or keyboard shortcuts. To access these settings, click on the "Options" button in the On-Screen Keyboard toolbar.
Pin to Taskbar (optional): To easily access the On-Screen Keyboard in the future, right-click on the On-Screen Keyboard toolbar and select "Pin to Taskbar". This will create a shortcut icon on the taskbar for quick access.

Enabling On-Screen Keyboard on macOS

Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu located at the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Go to Accessibility Preferences: Within the System Preferences window, locate and click on the "Accessibility" icon.
Select Keyboard: In the left sidebar of the Accessibility preferences, click on the "Keyboard" option to access keyboard-related settings.
Enable On-Screen Keyboard: Check the box next to "Keyboard Viewer". This will enable the On-Screen Keyboard on your macOS.
Customize Keyboard Viewer (optional): To customize the On-Screen Keyboard further, click on the "Keyboard Preferences" button. Here, you can choose different keyboard layouts, language options, and adjust various settings according to your preferences.

Using On-Screen Keyboard

Launching On-Screen Keyboard: Once enabled, the On-Screen Keyboard can be launched by clicking on its icon in the taskbar (Windows) or the Keyboard Viewer icon in the menu bar (macOS).
Keyboard Interaction: Use your mouse or touch screen to interact with the On-Screen Keyboard. Click on the keys to input characters, numbers, symbols, etc. You can also use the "Shift", "Caps Lock", or "Alt" keys for uppercase letters, activating special characters, or alternate keyboard layouts.
Typing Prediction (Windows): If enabled, the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows provides typing suggestions as you type. It predicts the word you're typing and offers suggestions in a bar above the keyboard. Click on a suggested word to input it.
Special Characters (macOS): On macOS On-Screen Keyboard, you can access additional characters and symbols by holding down certain keys. For example, holding down the "Option" key allows you to type symbols like π, ß, or ©.
Customization Options (Windows and macOS): Both Windows and macOS allow further customization of the On-Screen Keyboard. Explore the settings/options in the tool's toolbar or preferences window to adjust features such as key size, key magnification, sounds, or keyboard layout.

Now that you know how to enable and effectively use the On-Screen Keyboard on both Windows and macOS, you can conveniently input data without relying solely on a physical keyboard. Whether you have a touchscreen device or need to use an alternative input method, the On-Screen Keyboard serves as a helpful tool in various situations.