How to Set Up and Use Windows On-Screen Keyboard

The Windows operating system provides an On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) feature, which can be extremely useful in various situations. Whether you have difficulty using a physical keyboard, need to use touch or stylus input, or want to prevent keyloggers from capturing your keystrokes, the Windows On-Screen Keyboard is a convenient solution. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using the Windows On-Screen Keyboard.

Setting up the Windows On-Screen Keyboard

1. Ensure that you are on a Windows operating system. The On-Screen Keyboard is available on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
2. Click on the "Start" menu button located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
3. Type "On-Screen Keyboard" into the search bar and click on the corresponding result that appears.
4. The Windows On-Screen Keyboard will now open on your screen.

Using the Windows On-Screen Keyboard

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard has a user-friendly interface with various functionalities. Here's how you can utilize its features effectively.

Virtual Keyboard Layout

The On-Screen Keyboard displays a visual representation of a standard keyboard layout. The layout includes keys for alphabetical characters, numeric characters, function keys, modifier keys, and special symbols. You can interact with the On-Screen Keyboard using either a mouse, touch input, or a stylus. To simulate a key press, simply click or touch the desired key.

Customization Options

To access the customization options of the Windows On-Screen Keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Options" button, located in the lower-right corner of the On-Screen Keyboard window.
2. A context menu will appear with several options:
   • Hover over keys - enables hovering over the keys without actually clicking them.
   • Click sound - toggles the sound that plays when you click a key.
   • Transparency - adjusts the transparency level of the On-Screen Keyboard window.
   • Always on top - keeps the On-Screen Keyboard in front of other windows.
   • Docked mode - allows you to dock the On-Screen Keyboard to a specific edge of the screen.
   • Standard keyboard layout - switches between the standard keyboard layout and the traditional layout.
   • Control by hovering over keys - sets the On-Screen Keyboard to respond to mouse hover instead of a mouse click.
3. Feel free to enable or disable any of these options based on your preferences.

Text Prediction and Autocorrect

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard also provides text prediction and autocorrect features to enhance your typing experience. To enable these features:

1. Click on the "Options" button in the On-Screen Keyboard window.
2. In the context menu, select Text prediction and Autocorrect to enable them.

Once enabled, the On-Screen Keyboard will suggest words as you type, and it will automatically correct common typos.

Accessibility Features

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard includes several accessibility features to assist users with physical disabilities or unique input needs. These features can be accessed through the "Options" button of the On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Scan through keys - Allows you to use the On-Screen Keyboard without needing to click or tap individual keys. It highlights groups of keys in a scanning pattern, and you can select the desired key when it becomes highlighted.
2. Text-to-speech - Provides the ability to hear what you type, helping visually impaired users or those who prefer audio feedback.
3. Sticky keys - Allows you to press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts that require multiple key combinations.
4. Filter keys - Adjusts the speed at which keys repeat and ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, improving typing accuracy for users with motor disabilities.
5. Toggle keys - Produces a sound when you press Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock to indicate whether they are enabled or disabled.

Conclusion

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard is a valuable tool that offers accessibility, convenience, and security to Windows users. Whether you need an alternative input method or want to protect your keystrokes from keyloggers, the On-Screen Keyboard is worth exploring. By following the steps and utilizing the various features outlined in this tutorial, you can set up and use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard effectively.