How I Transformed My Keyboard Numpad into a Useful Tool

It’s interesting how much space a full-sized keyboard can waste, particularly with the numpad taking up a significant portion of it. For many users, especially those not frequently engaged in data entry or complex number crunching, this part of the keyboard doesn’t serve much of a function. While it’s undoubtedly essential for Excel aficionados and those who work with figures daily, for the average user, it can seem almost superfluous.

I used to completely overlook my numpad; it felt like a neglected section of my keyboard. There were seventeen perfectly operational keys sitting there, failing to contribute in any meaningful way, and that seemed wasteful. Thus, I set out to change that.

How I Repurposed My Numpad

Transforming “Extra” Keys into Essential Functions

Yadullah Abidi / MakeUseOf

For the longest time, my numpad was essentially ornamental. I’m not routinely engaged in spreadsheets or calculations; hence, the traditional functionalities of a numpad didn’t resonate with me. Occasionally, I would use it for entering a PIN or random numbers, but that was the extent of it. In fact, upon switching to a more compact keyboard sans numpad, I hardly noticed its absence.

The turning point came with my new laptop, which featured a Copilot key that seemed useless. By utilizing PowerToys, I was able to reassign the Copilot key to launch Slack. This minor adjustment sparked my curiosity: if I could enhance the utility of one lonely key, imagine what could be done with the entire numpad!

I explored several options for repurposing the keys. Tools like SharpKeys and AutoHotkey offer extensive key remapping capabilities but felt somewhat daunting. I wasn’t interested in spending excessive time programming scripts just to enhance my keyboard’s functionality. In contrast, PowerToys transformed the remapping process into an enjoyable experience.

PowerToys, Microsoft’s collection of advanced utilities, is a game-changer for power users. Its Keyboard Manager is particularly useful, enabling users to remap nearly any key, including those on the numpad. For those yet to try it, download PowerToys from the Microsoft Store. After installation, navigate to Input / Output → Keyboard Manager → Remap a key. From that point forward, you can easily select the key you’d like to repurpose and assign it a new function.

Boosting Productivity with Smart Remaps

Remapping numpad to open apps — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

Once I committed to giving my numpad a functional purpose, the options quickly expanded. With PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager, I discovered that I wasn’t limited to basic key swaps; I could assign each key to launch applications, invoke complex shortcuts, or even control media playback. This customization allows for instant access to frequently used applications like File Explorer or Calculator at the touch of a button.

Additionally, I programmed my most utilized keyboard shortcuts, many of which were awkward to access. For instance, I remapped keys to restore minimized windows (Win + Shift + M), create new virtual desktops (Win + Ctrl + D), or paste without formatting (Ctrl + Shift + V).Trust me, remapping these shortcuts to numpad keys makes a significant difference in efficiency.

Moreover, I configured media control functions on my numpad. Now I can play, pause, skip tracks, or adjust the volume seamlessly without having to switch between applications like Spotify or YouTube. This modification is particularly beneficial as my laptop lacks dedicated media keys, underscoring how valuable the numpad has become in my daily operations.

Numpad Hacks that Revolutionized My Workflow

Favorite Remaps I Can’t Live Without

In my exploration of numpad remapping, I stumbled upon several essential configurations that significantly boosted my productivity. One of my favorite hacks involves mapping specific keys to automatically insert frequently used text. For instance, I’ve assigned the numpad * key to instantly generate my email address, eliminating the repetitive task of typing it out each time. This technique can be applied to any frequently entered text—such as phone numbers, signatures, or even code snippets.

Furthermore, I utilize the numpad for streamlined navigation within Windows and browsers. One key opens the right-click context menu, which is incredibly useful for laptop users without a mouse. Other keys are dedicated to common browser actions: one for going back, another for forwarding, and an additional one for refreshing a page. Once configured, navigating through File Explorer or browsing the web becomes surprisingly intuitive. The beauty of this setup is that I can deactivate the Keyboard Manager at any moment to revert to the standard key layout.

Ultimately, it took a spark of curiosity and the handy features of PowerToys to transform my previously neglected numpad into a crucial part of my workspace. It serves as a reminder that the tools we already possess can be repurposed for greater effectiveness than we might initially assume. If your numpad is merely gathering dust, don’t hesitate to give it another chance.

Source & Images