The on-screen keyboard can be opened in Windows 10 and 11 via Settings by going to Accessibility > Keyboard and toggling it on, via Search by typing "on-screen keyboard" or "osk", or using the Windows Ctrl O shortcut; in Windows 8 or 7, it is found in Start > All Programs > Accessories > Ease of Access; once open, it allows mouse or touch input in any text field with features like hover typing, handwriting mode, and a split layout in tablet mode, and can be resized or moved; if it fails to open, ensure the Touch Keyboard service is running, run the Accessibility troubleshooter, or check for updates.

Using the on-screen keyboard in Windows is helpful when your physical keyboard isn’t working, you're using a touchscreen device, or you need accessibility support. Here’s how to open and use it on different versions of Windows.

How to Open the On-Screen Keyboard

There are several ways to launch the on-screen keyboard, depending on your version of Windows:

In Windows 10 and 11:

• Via Settings:

  1. Click the Start button and go to Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Accessibility (called "Ease of Access" in older versions).
  3. Click Keyboard on the left.
  4. Toggle on On-Screen Keyboard.

• Via Search:

  
  1. Click the Search box (or press the Windows key).
  2. Type "on-screen keyboard" or "osk".
  3. Click the On-Screen Keyboard app when it appears.

• Using a Shortcut: Press Windows Ctrl O to quickly open or close the on-screen keyboard.

In Windows 8 or 7:

• Open the Start Menu, go to All Programs > Accessories > Ease of Access, then click On-Screen Keyboard.

How to Use the On-Screen Keyboard

Once open, the virtual keyboard appears as a window on your screen:

• Click keys with your mouse or tap them with your finger (on touchscreens) just like a real keyboard.
• It supports typing in any text field — web forms, documents, search boxes, etc.
• The layout adjusts based on your language and input method (e.g., QWERTY, AZERTY, or for different languages).

Features you might find useful:

• Hover typing (Mouse Keys): In settings, you can enable hover input where the system registers a keypress after your cursor hovers over a key for a set time — helpful for users with mobility issues.
• Handwriting input (Windows 10/11): If you’re using a tablet or stylus, you can switch to handwriting mode by clicking the keyboard icon in the top-right corner of the on-screen keyboard.
• Split keyboard (Tablet mode): On 2-in-1 devices, the keyboard may split into two halves for easier thumb typing in tablet mode.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Resize the keyboard: Drag the corners of the on-screen keyboard window to make it larger or smaller.
• Move it around: Click and drag the top bar to reposition it so it doesn’t block what you’re typing.
• If it won’t open:
  • Make sure the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel service is running.
  • Try running the Troubleshooter under Accessibility settings.
  • Check for Windows updates — some bugs are fixed in newer builds.

Basically, the on-screen keyboard is a simple but powerful tool for input when you can’t or prefer not to use a physical keyboard. It’s not just for emergencies — many people use it daily on tablets or touch-enabled laptops.

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