Configuring built-in keypad settings

Use the Built-in Keypad utility to change the behavior of some of the built-in keypad features.

  1. Tap , scroll down and expand Windows System, then tap Control Panel.

    In Tablet mode, tap then tap the All Applications icon to show the list of applications.

  2. In Category view, select Hardware and Sound, or Ease of Access.

  3. Tap Built-in Keyboard or one of the subcategories in blue to open the settings applet to a specific page.

The Built-in Keyboard utility has four options:

It also has an About page which shows the Built-in keypad utility version, the version of the keypad's firmware, and the identifier for the type of built-in keypad installed.

To use the utility:

  • Select the option you want to configure settings for by tapping it. Details for the options are covered below.

  • Click Apply or Ok to commit any changes to the settings. Ok also closes the utility.

  • To close the utility without committing the last uncommitted changes, click Cancel button.

Sticky Keys

To enable Sticky Keys behavior if it has been turned off, select Turn on Sticky Keys. The options here are:

  • Include Windows key as sticky key. Because the Windows key is used as a non-modifier key to open the Windows Start menu, you can make it non-sticky by deselecting Include Windows key as sticky key. The Windows key as a sticky key is disabled by default.

  • Lock Modifier keys when pressed twice in a row. You can set a modifier key to be locked down indefinitely by setting Lock Modifier keys when pressed twice in a row; when you then press a modifier key twice, it locks down until you press the key a third time. This is deselected by default.

  • Play a sound when modifier keys are pressed. Plays a sound when sticky keys are locked down or releaseded. This is set by default.

  • Display the Sticky Keys icon on the taskbar. Select this option to show the sticky keys icon on the taskbar. This is set by default.

  • If you need to use the Windows supplied Ease of Access sticky keys function, because you need it for an external keyboard, you may want to disable the Built-in keypad’s sticky keys feature for the Windows, Shift, Ctrl, and Alt keys because the two features conflict with each other. In this case set Use Windows Sticky Keys for standard modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows). This is deselected by default.

Backlight

The built-in keypad may be equipped with a backlight that makes the keypad easier to use in dimly lit areas. The backlight is activated when a key is pressed, stays on for a while, and then turns off to conserve power. The backlight can be disabled and the brightness adjusted. The system ambient light sensor can also be used to keep the backlight from turning on in well lit areas.

  • The backlight is enabled by default.

  • If you don't work in low light settings, you can disable the keypad backlight to save power. Clear the Enable Keyboard backlight to completely disable the backlight.

  • Set the Timeout value to determine how long the backlight stays on when no keys are being pressed.

  • Select Automatically disable the keyboard backlight in well lit areas to prevent the backlight from turning on if you are in a well lit area. This is selected by default.

  • Move the Set keyboard backlight brightness slider to control how bright the backlight is; slide right for brighter, and left for dimmer. Brighter settings consume more power than dimmer settings.

Status Icons

Use the Status Icons option to show or hide the Caps Lock/Num Lock icon on the taskbar. Show Caps Lock & Num Lock status on the taskbar is selected by default.

SYM Key

The SYM Key option allows you to turn the SYM Key input method on or off. When enabled the SYM Key input method allows you to easily enter certain accented characters and special symbols. See Using SYM Key IME for details on its usage.

If SYM Key input method is not enable, when you press the SYM key (Fn + spacebar), this SYM Key settings page displays.

Note that enabling and disabling the SYM Key input method requires administrator privileges and must be done for both 32 bit and 64 bit applications. Because of this requirement you will be prompted for your approval twice and possibly prompted for administrator credentials. Enter your password if necessary and tap Yes for both instances.