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Lightweight and portable utility that gives you an on-screen virtual keyboard that you can operate with your mouse

Lightweight and portable utility that gives you an on-screen virtual keyboard that you can operate with your mouse

Vote: (194 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: PortableApps

Version: 2.1

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(194 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

PortableApps

2.1

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Virtual keyboard
  • Small footprint
  • Works on all Windows versions

Cons

  • Windows has an accessibility keyboard

On-Screen Keyboard Portable for Windows is a virtual keyboard that fits on a USB flash drive.

On-Screen Keyboard Portable is an emulated keyboard. The program window is shaped like a keyboard and represents all the keys you’d find on a physical keyboard. These buttons are activated by hovering over them and clicking a mouse button. The program is portable, which means it doesn’t require installation. It also has a small footprint, so it easily fits on an SD card or a USB flash drive.

Virtual keyboards were once a niche PC tool, but those days are long gone. Most people use virtual keyboards everyday of their lives on their smartphones, tablets and other devices. While an emulated keyboard probably isn’t something you’d want to use with an actual keyboard present, it can be a big help when your keyboard is malfunctioning or damaged and you need an interim solution. It’s worth noting that most Windows versions do feature an accessibility keyboard that serves a similar purpose. It’s also worth noting that you can use a virtual keyboard to circumvent key loggers and similar programs.

A virtual keyboard also has a place in almost every IT professional’s toolbox. It’s just useful to have it on hand for when keyboard is missing or damaged or a special key is present or easily accessed. On-Screen Keyboard Portable supports Window’s and other special keys. The program also works on nearly all Windows versions, including Windows 95. You can move and resize the keyboard, and it has a number of other personalization options that will persist between uses.

The persistence is what sets On-Screen Keyboard Portable from many other virtual keyboards. Your preferences are on your USB flash drive or whatever and are with you wherever you go. For roaming IT professionals, this is particularly nice since you don’t have to adjust settings at each workstation. One key area where this app could be improved would be hotkey and macro support.

Pros

  • Virtual keyboard
  • Small footprint
  • Works on all Windows versions

Cons

  • Windows has an accessibility keyboard