[Help] Numpad keys – Num2 & Num5 adjusting volume. Unsure of cause, want to disable. (Windows 10, desktop pc, cheap Chinese mechanical keyboard)

Troubleshooting Numpad Volume Control Issues on Windows 10

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!

I’m reaching out for assistance regarding an unusual issue I’m facing with my numpad on my desktop PC running Windows 10. Specifically, I’ve encountered a peculiar situation where the Num2 key is unexpectedly lowering the volume in increments of 2, while the Num5 key increases it by the same amount. This quirk has become quite frustrating, especially since I rely heavily on the numpad for gaming that doesn’t utilize a mouse.

Here’s a brief overview of what I’ve tried so far to resolve the problem:

  1. Rebooting the System: A classic first step, I turned off my computer and powered it back on, but alas, the issue persists.
  2. Reconnecting Devices: I unplugged and re-plugged all my peripherals to see if that made a difference.
  3. Driver Updates: I made sure to update my keyboard drivers, hoping for a fix.
  4. Keyboard Software: I searched for any keyboard-specific software, but unfortunately, my budget-friendly mechanical keyboard seems to lack such support.
  5. Accessibility Settings: I went through my ease of access keyboard settings to disable or adjust any features that might be affecting performance.
  6. Cleaning Keycaps: I removed the keycaps to give them a thorough clean, thinking debris might be causing the malfunction.
  7. Key Testing: I utilized an online browser input tester to check each key individually, confirming they all function properly.
  8. Toggle NumLock: I toggled the NumLock key to ensure it wasn’t affecting functionality.
  9. Random Key Mashing: As a last-ditch effort, I tried mashing various keys to see if that would reset anything.
  10. A Bit of Humor: I even resorted to praying to the Machine God in hopes of divine intervention.

While I’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps, I am still perplexed by this issue and would greatly appreciate any suggestions or insights from the community. If you’ve dealt with a similar problem or have ideas on how to disable this unwanted functionality, please share your wisdom!

Thank you in advance for your help!

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One Comment

  1. Hi there,

    It sounds like your mechanical keyboard’s numpad keys might be mapped to media control functions or hotkeys, which can happen with budget-friendly keyboards lacking dedicated software support. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially disable the volume control via Num2 and Num5:

    • Check for Keyboard Software: Although your keyboard may not have dedicated driver support, some generic or third-party tools can help remap keys. You might want to try software like SharpKeys or AutoHotkey to remap or disable specific keys.
    • Use AutoHotkey to Disable or Remap Keys: For example, creating a small script to disable Num2 and Num5 volume functions can help prevent unintended volume changes:
    • RemapNumPad := "
      ::Num2::Return
      ::Num5::Return
      "
      ; Save this as disable_volume_keys.ahk and run with AutoHotkey
    • Check Windows Accessibility or Hotkey Settings: Sometimes, Windows or third-party applications assign hotkeys affecting the keyboard. Ensure no accessibility options or third

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