How to enable Num Lock on startup in Linux Mint

On most Linux distributions, the keypad lock (Num Lock or Num Lock key) is inactive on the login screen and must be enabled manually. But, here's how to turn on Num Lock on startup in Linux Mint by default.

Prerequisites to modify this preference

In Linux Mint, it is possible to activate this key at startup by default by modifying, through the graphical interface, the preferences of the login window. But before you can do this, you must first install an additional package numlockx.

Numlockx is a utility that allows you to activate the keypad lock at the initialization of an X11 session (graphical session) or by using a command line. It is available from the repositories for Ubuntu and therefore is also available for Linux Mint.

To install it, open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install numlockx

If you prefer to install it with the GUI, look in the numlockx software manager and install it.

Enable Num Lock on Boot in Linux Mint

To modify the parameters of the connection window, go to the system parameters.

and open the login screen settings in the Administration section. A shortcut also exists in the administration tools of the main menu:

So go to the Option tab and activate the keypad lock.

If the Enable numeric keypad lock option is not accessible, make sure you have installed numlockx.

Restart your computer or just log off. When you get to the login window, now the Num Lock key will be active without you having to do it.

Disable Num Lock on Boot in Linux Mint

To do this, deactivate the option activated previously.