This article provides troubleshooting tips for issues with the Windows Onscreen Keyboard (OSK).

Overview

If the Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) does not appear, only shows sometimes, or stops working, use the steps below to troubleshoot the issue.

⚠️ The Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) is built into Microsoft Windows and is not developed by Elo. If the Windows OSK cannot be made to work consistently after troubleshooting, you may want to consider using a third-party virtual keyboard such as My-T-Touch.

1. Confirm the OSK Can Be Launched Manually

Before checking settings, verify the keyboard itself still works.

• Press Windows Key + Ctrl + O
  – or –

• Go to Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and toggle On-Screen Keyboard ON

If it launches manually, continue to the next steps. If it does not appear at all, restart the device and test again.

2. Check Touch Keyboard Settings

Windows may not auto-show the keyboard depending on your settings.

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Typing

2. Under Touch keyboard, turn ON:

   • “Show the touch keyboard when not in tablet mode and no keyboard is attached.”

Restart or sign out/in to confirm behavior.

3. Verify Tablet Mode Status

Automatic OSK behavior changes depending on mode.

• Open Action Center (swipe from the right edge or click the notification icon)

• Check if Tablet Mode is turned ON or OFF

• Toggle Tablet Mode and test again

4. Make Sure No Physical Keyboard Is Detected

If Windows thinks a keyboard is connected, it may block the OSK.

Check for:

• USB keyboards or dongles

• Bluetooth keyboards still paired

• HID keyboard devices listed in Device Manager > Keyboards

Disconnect or unpair any physical keyboard devices, then test.

5. Restart the Touch Keyboard Service

The service responsible for OSK may be stopped.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter

2. Find Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

3. Right-click and select Restart

4. Set Startup type to Automatic (if not already)

Test the OSK again.

6. Test in Different Apps

Some programs do not automatically trigger the OSK. For comparison:

• Test in Notepad, Microsoft Edge, or another built-in app

• If it works in some apps but not others, the issue is application-specific

7. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated builds may affect OSK behavior.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

• Click Check for updates

• Install any pending updates and restart

8. Check Assigned Access, Kiosk Mode, or IT Restrictions

If your device is managed or locked down:

• OSK may be blocked by Group Policy, Assigned Access, or third-party management tools

• Confirm with your IT administrator if restrictions are in place

9. Try a System Restart

If the keyboard stopped responding suddenly, a reboot can clear temporary glitches.

1. Save any open work

2. Restart the device normally

3. Test the OSK again

10. Still Not Working?

⚠️ The Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) is built into Microsoft Windows and is not developed by Elo. If the Windows OSK cannot be made to work consistently after troubleshooting, you may want to consider using a third-party virtual keyboard such as My-T-Touch.