osk.exe

What is osk.exe?

osk.exe is the Windows On-Screen Keyboard utility that renders a graphical keyboard on screen for mouse or touch input when a physical keyboard isn't available. It is a built‑in accessibility feature and can be launched from accessibility settings or via hotkeys, running as a lightweight system process.

osk.exe runs as a separate Windows process to display and manage the on-screen keys. It interacts with the Windows input subsystem, mouse, and touch events, and does not typically access networks or external resources.

Types of OSK Processes

• On-Screen Keyboard UI: Renders the on-screen keyboard window and handles user input
• Accessibility Bridge: Integrates OSK with Windows accessibility features (Magnifier, Narrator)
• Input Handler: Processes keystrokes from the on-screen keyboard and translates to Windows input events
• System Integration: Works with session and window management to respond to login and user actions
• Optional Background Services: May run briefly during startup if enabled by accessibility options

Is osk.exe Safe?

Yes, osk.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Microsoft Windows On-Screen Keyboard executable located in the System32 folder.

Is osk.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real osk.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names.

How to Tell if osk.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\osk.exe. Any osk.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Windows" as signer.
3. Resource Usage: Idle CPU ~0-1%, memory ~10-40 MB is normal; unusual spikes merit investigation.
4. Behavior: Should appear only when invoked by the user or accessibility settings. Constant background launching is suspicious.

Why Is osk.exe Running on My PC?

osk.exe runs when the On-Screen Keyboard is enabled or invoked by accessibility features, and it may start briefly during certain Windows operations to support input without a physical keyboard.

Reasons it's running:

• Accessibility Enabled: Ease of Access settings enable On-Screen Keyboard to assist users who cannot use a hardware keyboard.
• Manual Launch: A user or an app explicitly launched osk.exe for input using the on-screen keyboard.
• Startup or Login: Some configurations start OSK at login for accessibility convenience.
• Remote or Tablet Session: In tablet mode or during remote sessions, OSK may be activated to facilitate input.
• Diagnostics or Troubleshooting: During troubleshooting, diagnostic tools may trigger OSK to test input paths.

Can I Disable or Remove osk.exe?

Yes, you can disable the On-Screen Keyboard. It's a built-in Windows feature; turning it off via settings is sufficient, and it does not require removal.

How to Stop osk.exe

• Close On-Screen Keyboard: Close the OSK window or end the process in Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc -> osk.exe -> End Task).
• Disable Startup: Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Use the On-Screen Keyboard (toggle off).
• Check Startup Programs: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable any unexpected OSK entries.
• Check for Background Utilities: Identify third-party tools that may auto-launch OSK and disable them if not needed.

How to Disable On-Screen Keyboard (OSK)

• ✔ Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and turn off 'Use the On-Screen Keyboard'.
• ✔ If applicable, disable related accessibility options that may trigger OSK at login.
• ✔ Restart to ensure changes apply.
• ✔ If OSK still appears, end the process via Task Manager and recheck the settings.

Common Problems: On-Screen Keyboard Issues

If osk.exe is not behaving as expected, such as not appearing when needed, or staying open longer than necessary, try the following common fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• OSK not opening when needed: Ensure the On-Screen Keyboard toggle is enabled in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard; reopen OSK from Start menu if needed.
• OSK remains open after use: Close OSK manually and verify no startup task re-launches it; check Accessibility options.
• OSK not responding to clicks: Restart the OSK process or the computer; verify input devices and check for Windows updates.
• OSK appears in tablet mode unexpectedly: Disable automatic OSK in Settings > Tablet mode or adjust tablet-specific input options.
• OSK consumes unusual resources: Verify there are no conflicting accessibility tools; run System File Checker (sfc /scannow) and update Windows.
• OSK not visible for password entry: Ensure the sign-in screen allows accessibility options and that OSK is enabled for the login UI when needed.

Related Processes