What is an onscreen Keyboard?
On-screen keyboards let you type without using a physical keyboard. Instead, a keyboard appears on your screen, and you can select keys using touch, a mouse, or other input methods.
Windows includes different on-screen keyboard options, designed to support a range of needs and ways of working.
Who this can help
On-screen keyboards can be useful for:
- Mobility or physical impairments: allows typing without needing to use a standard keyboard
- Reduced dexterity or coordination: easier to select keys using touch or alternative devices
- Temporary injuries: supports typing if you cannot use your hands normally
- Fatigue or pain (e.g. RSI): reduces strain from repetitive typing
- Assistive technology users: works with switches, eye control, or other adaptive inputs
Tips for getting the best experience
- Use a touchscreen if available for easier input
- Combine with voice typing to reduce how much you need to type
- Adjust text size and display settings to make keys easier to see
- Explore other accessibility features like:
- Sticky Keys (for keyboard shortcuts)
- Filter Keys (to reduce accidental presses)
Give yourself time to find the setup that feels most comfortable for your needs.
Tablet style touch keyboard
This onscreen keyboard is available on Surface devices or in tablet mode.
- Appears automatically when you tap into a text field on a touchscreen
- Can also be opened manually from the taskbar
- Includes features like:
- Emoji and GIFs
- Swipe typing
- Voice typing button
Best for
- Touchscreen devices
- Casual typing or hybrid laptop or tablet users
Full accessibility keyboard
This onscreen keyboard is the traditional accessibility tool built into Windows.
- Go to Settings then Accessibility, or press Windows + U
- Choose Keyboard then On-Screen Keyboard
- Displays a full keyboard on screen
Can be used with:
- Mouse
- Touch
- Switch devices
- Eye control
Best for
- Users who cannot use a physical keyboard
- People using assistive devices (switches, eye tracking, head pointers)
Also available - voice typing
While not technically a keyboard, voice typing is often a useful alternative.
- Press Windows key + H
- Speak to enter text instead of typing
Best for
- Reducing typing effort
- Users with mobility impairments or fatigue
Keyboard with accessibility features enabled
Windows also lets you adapt input without switching keyboards:
- Sticky Keys: press one key at a time for shortcuts
- Filter Keys: ignore accidental presses
- Toggle Keys: hear a sound when keys are pressed
Best for
Users with dexterity or coordination difficulties