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The function keys at the top of the keyboard act as a shortcut to control certain hardware functions. For example, if you want to turn on the backlit keyboard, they allow you to do it with a keystroke, saving you from having to do the same thing through Windows.
By default, these keys can only be used when you press the dedicated Fn key together with them. However, you can customize these settings, along with many others, to suit your needs. Here are the different ways you can change the function key settings in Windows 10 and 11.
What are function keys and why do you need them?
The function keys, or just "Fn" for short, are used to initiate the functions of the F keys (F1, F2, F3, etc.) at the top of the keyboard. Essentially, it acts as a hotkey for basic but essential functions like changing the volume, brightness, and backlight.
Most laptops have 12 function keys (there used to be many more on older devices), and you can use them by pressing them together with the "Fn" key on your keyboard. For example, if you want to enable the backlit keyboard with the F3 key, you can hold down the Fn key and then press F3 to make the desired changes.
We have a detailedfunction key guidewhere we discuss what the 12 keys do. You can view it for more information on the subject.
1. How to Change Function Key Settings Using Mobility Settings on Dell PCs
The easiest way to change the function keys is to change the settings within the Windows Mobility Center. However, this method will only work for those using a Dell device.
Here is how to do it:
- Type Windows Mobility Center in the Windows search engine and clickOpen.
- Alternatively, launch Control Panel and go tohardware and soundsection.
(Video) How to Enable or Disable Function Keys in Windows 10/11 - Click onWindows Mobility Center.
- In the next window, find the Fn key row section and expand the dropdown menu below it.
- If you want to select the F keys for basic functions, selectFunction key.
- chooseclave multimediaif you want to use the F keys to perform functions that normally require pressing the Fn key.
If you own other devices, you may want to look for similar options in your system or keyboard settings. You can also search the manufacturer's official website for information on such customizations.
2. How to change function key settings in BIOS
You can also make changes directly in the BIOS, which helps the operating system and hardware to load correctly.
The steps to access the BIOS on different devices may differ. Below we have discussed the steps to access the BIOS and make the desired changes on HP and Acer. If you own a different device, it's best to go to the manufacturer's website and look there for steps to access the BIOS.
Follow these steps if you have an HP device:
- First turn off the computer.
- Now reboot your device and press the F10 key repeatedly. This should start the BIOS successfully.
- Go doSystem setup menu>Action key mode.
- To useA nursebutton to enable or disable functions.
- ClickSalidato save the changes.
Similarly, if you have an Acer device, follow these steps:
- Hold down the F2 key and the power key at the same time.
- When you get to the BIOS screen, go to the System Configuration menu and click Enter under the Action Keys Mode option.
- Select the desired mode and press Exit.
3. How to change function key settings using UEFI settings
If for some reason you can't boot into the BIOS, try changing the Fn keys using the UEFI settings. UEFI is basically BIOS on steroids as it offers a ton of extra features and is more powerful.
This is how you can start UEFI setup if you are a Windows 10 user:
- Press Win + I keys to open Windows Settings.
- Switch toUpdate and security>Recovery.
- Select Restart now.
If you are a Windows 11 user, follow these steps:
- Press Win + S keys together to open the Windows Search utility.
- Type Recovery in the search field and selectrecovery optionsfrom the list of available options.
- Finally click onRestart nowassociated with advanced startup. (Video) How to Enable or Disable Function Fn Keys in Windows 11/10
Once you have booted into the Windows Recovery Environment by following these steps, proceed with the following:
- In the next window, selectTroubleshooting.
- Click onUEFI Firmware Settings>Resume.
- In the next window, go toSettingeyelash.
- Chooseshortcut modei click onActivatedodisabled.
- ClickSaveand then pressSalidato log out of the BIOS.
How to enable Fn lock
If you don't want to press the Fn key every time you want to enable/disable any of the 12 functions, you can turn on Fn lock. With this feature, it will appear that the Fn key is always pressed on the keyboard, and you will be able to use any function key without having to press the Fn key first.
On most keyboards, the Fn lock is associated with the Esc key, but it may be different on your device. These keys usually have a lock icon. You can use the manufacturer's website to find the lock on your device if you can't find the key with the lock icon on it.
Once you have found the key, hold down the Fn key and press the lock key. This will enable the feature. You can follow the same steps to disable it in the future.
Is it a good idea to change the Fn key setting?
Changes to the Fn keys are safe and have no negative consequences. Key customization options within Windows are limited, but there are many third-party resources you can refer to if you want to take key customization a step further.
In Windows you can alsodisable certain keys on the keyboardso you can avoid accidentally pressing keys you don't use. As a general rule, if you follow the steps carefully, you shouldn't have any problems.
Here are a few things to help you decide if changing the Fn keys is a good idea for you:
- Familiarity: If you are familiar with the traditional behavior of the function keys and use them frequently, it might be a good idea to change the Fn key setting so that you can use the standard function keys without having to press the Fn key each time. .
- multimedia functions- If the function keys on your keyboard are assigned multimedia functions and you use them frequently, the standard functions of the fn keys may not be as useful for you. In this case, you may want to keep the default Fn key setting.
- Compatibility: If you are using software that requires standard function key input, it may be necessary to change the Fn key setting to ensure compatibility.
Ultimately, whether or not it's a good idea to change the Fn key settings will depend on how you use your computer and what you prefer. We recommend that you weigh the pros and cons and consider your usage patterns before making a decision.
Use function keys like a pro
Function keys are great for improving productivity and efficiency. If you keep in mind the right techniques, you can make the most of them. Hopefully, after the steps above, you were able to change the function key settings. It is also important to note that all of the above methods do not make a permanent change to the system, so you can always revert the changes.
FAQs
How to change the function of the Fn keys in Windows 10 and 11? ›
Alternatively, launch the Control Panel and navigate to the Hardware and Sound section. Click on
In some laptops, it's Fn + ESC to lock 2nd function, basically reversing the function itself.
How do I change the function keys on my Fn key? ›To enable FN Lock on the All in One Media Keyboard, press the FN key, and the Caps Lock key at the same time. To disable FN Lock, press the FN key, and the Caps Lock key at the same time again.
How do I change the Fn key in Windows 10? ›- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.
- In the new window, find the Fn key row section and expand the context menu of it.
- If you want to choose the F keys for basic functions, choose Functional key.
You can go back to Windows 10 by going to Settings > System > Recovery. Then click the "Go back " button beside the Previous version of Windows option.
How do I enable function keys in Windows 11? ›If you're using a laptop, you might need to find a key on your keyboard where it's written Fn (usually it's near Ctrl and the Windows key). You must press it at the same time you press the keys with the function you want to use. I hope this helps you!
How do I disable the Fn key on my HP Windows 11? ›Enable or disable fn (function) or action keys mode
Press the right or left arrow key to select the System Configuration menu. Press the up or down arrow key to select Action Keys Mode. Press the enter key to display the Enabled / Disabled options. Press the up or down arrow key to select one of the options.
If the FN and Windows keys on your keyboard have switched, the FN lock feature has likely been enabled. This feature allows you to use the secondary functions of the F keys (F1, F2, etc.) by pressing the FN key in combination with them.
How do I reverse the Fn key on my HP? ›Depending on your keyboard, you may actually have a dedicated “Fn Lock” key. If you don't, you may have to press the Fn key and then press an “Fn Lock” key to activate it. For example, on a few keyboards the Fn Lock key appears as a secondary action on the Esc key. To enable it, we'd hold Fn and press the Esc key.
How do I press the Fn key twice? ›...
To turn voice dictation on or off:
- Select Apple > System Preferences.
- Select View > Dictation & Speech.
- Click ON to enable Dictation or OFF to disable it.
Is Windows 10 or 11 better? ›
The answer to the question, “Is Windows 10 or 11 better?” depends on your unique needs. Windows 10 is a solid operating system that can allow you to work, play, and interact with useful apps. And Windows 11 can help you in the same way, but with enhanced features for gaming and interface layouts.
Why is Windows 11 so slow? ›1. Why Is Windows 11 So Laggy? If you feel Windows 11 running slow or freezing, the reasons could come from low system storage or running too many programs at the same time.
Is Windows 10 better than Windows 11 for gaming? ›At a baseline level, Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer a similar level of gaming performance. Benchmark testing shows that identical hardware turns in almost identical results when running Windows 11 versus Windows 10.
Why are my f7 f8 f9 keys not working Windows 10? ›Make Sure the Fn Keys Are Not Locked
On your keyboard, look for an Fn, F lock, or F Mode key. Depending on your laptop, you should press for one time or press and hold for a few seconds. If this didn't work, press the Fn and Esc keys at the same time. Then, try to use one of the Function keys.
F11 Key. Pressing F11 in Chrome and other browsers will enter/exit full-screen view. Alt + F11 in Microsoft Office applications like Word and PowerPoint launches Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications.
What is toggle keys Windows 11? ›Toggle Keys is an accessibility feature designed for users with vision impairments or cognitive disabilities.
How to disable Fn Lock without BIOS? ›Press Fn + Esc to enable Fn Lock and disable the hotkey functionality.
What is F12 on Windows 11? ›F12: Prints the file in the active window. F3: Cancels the previous undo action. F7: Replies to the e-mail in the active window. F11: Saves the file in the active window.
Why is my keyboard using Fn keys? ›As laptops have extra features and smaller keyboards, the Fn key has to be there to let users customize different areas of their laptop. On a laptop there isn't enough room for all the F keys that you would need, so by using the Fn button you double the amount of functions available.
How do I change the function keys without pressing FN? ›Method 1. Toggle the Fn Lock key
All you have to do is look on your keyboard and search for any key with a padlock symbol on it. Once you've located this key, press the Fn key and the Fn Lock key at the same time. Now, you'll be able to use your Fn keys without having to press the Fn key to perform functions.
How do you unlock the Fn key? ›
Use the Keyboard
You will notice a small padlock icon on the Esc key if that is the case for your keyboard. To lock the Fn key, simply press the Fn key and the Esc key together. Once the lock icon lights up, the Fn key has been successfully locked. To unlock, you can press both keys together again.
By hitting the keyboard shortcut Shift-Command-G on the desired clip, you can make personal notes about the footage. This organizational tool can be extremely effective when sharing your work with other editors and can be helpful if your work needs approval before being published online.
What is a 2nd Fn key? ›(FuNction key) A keyboard modifier key that works like a Shift key to activate a second function on a dual-purpose key.
When I press a key on my keyboard it types multiple times? ›Check Your Keyboard for Dust
For a mechanical keyboard, you can use a key puller to remove the keys and thoroughly clean them or use a small air blower. If your keyboard is part of a laptop, it may be a sign that you need to clean out the insides too. Also, an improper connection could be the cause of your problem.
On most laptop keyboards --- and some desktop keyboards --- you can tap the “Fn” to choose whether your Function Keys act like regular F1-F12 keys or special keys. Alternatively, you can find a setting in the BIOS/UEFI or Control Panel to pick which behavior you want.
How to change keyboard settings for pressing f2 without using Fn key? ›Method 1. Toggle the Fn Lock key
All you have to do is look on your keyboard and search for any key with a padlock symbol on it. Once you've located this key, press the Fn key and the Fn Lock key at the same time. Now, you'll be able to use your Fn keys without having to press the Fn key to perform functions.
The function keys or F-keys on a computer keyboard, labeled F1 through F12, are keys that have a special function defined by the operating system, or by a currently running program. They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys.
How do I change my keyboard keys back to normal? ›On a hardware keyboard, press and hold the Windows logo key , and then press the Spacebar to cycle through your input methods. If you have a touchscreen, you can switch your touch keyboard layout by tapping or clicking the keyboard icon, and then tapping or clicking the keyboard layout you want to switch to.
What do the F keys do in Windows 11? ›F1 – Opens the Help screen for almost every program. F2 – Allows you to rename a selected file or folder. F3 – Opens a search feature for an application that is active at the moment. F4 – Alt + F4 closes the active window.
Can I change the Fn button to Ctrl? ›Search for keyboard.
Select the Fn key and Ctrl key swap tab and set the Swap function to On or Off.
Where is the FN lock? ›
You will notice a small padlock icon on the Esc key if that is the case for your keyboard. To lock the Fn key, simply press the Fn key and the Esc key together. Once the lock icon lights up, the Fn key has been successfully locked. To unlock, you can press both keys together again.
How do I use f2 key on HP laptop without Fn? ›- Press the up-arrow or down-arrow keys to navigate to the Action Keys Mode option, and then press the Enter key to display the Enable / Disable menu.
- Select the desired mode: