The F1-F12 keys on the top of your keyboard can perform two functions. On their own, they perform one action, but they act differently when used with the Function (Fn) key. For the latter, you need to press the Fn key along with any function key every time you want to perform a distinct operation.
If you don't want to keep holding down the Fn key, Windows gives you the option to permanently lock it. This will allow you to utilize F1-12's secondary operations without pressing the Fn key. Below, we discuss multiple ways of locking and unlocking the Fn key in detail.
Why Should You Lock or Unlock the Fn Key?
The F1-F12 keys can perform another secondary function apart from their default behavior when used in combination with the Fn key. However, you must press the Fn key every time you want to perform the alternate function. To make it more convenient, you can lock the Fn key, which will enable it permanently.
When you want to use the default functions again, you can simply unlock the Fn key again
How to Lock and Unlock the Function Key in Windows
Below, we have listed different ways of locking and unlocking the Fn key in Windows.
1. Use the Keyboard
In several keyboards, the Esc key acts as a Function padlock key. 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.
You can also change the hardware settings of your computer via the BIOS settings. Here is how you can lock or unlock the Fn key via BIOS:
Access the Recovery menu of Windows (see our guide on the Windows Recovery Environment for more information).
Head over to Troubleshoot and click on Advanced Options.
Click on UEFI Firmware Settings and hit Restart.
Once the computer restarts, the BIOS will launch.
Head over to the System Configuration section and choose the Action Key Mode.
Disable Action Key Mode.
Alternatively, in the Advanced tab, access the Function key behavior.
Choose the Function key option to lock it.
Click F10 to save the changes, and then click Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Use the Windows Mobility Center
In the third method, we will be using the Windows Mobility Center, which allows you to access common features like brightness and volume. This method might not work for you if you do not have the Function Key Row section in the Mobility Center.
Follow these steps to proceed:
Type Windows Mobility Center in Windows Search and click Open.
Locate the Function Key Row section and expand the dropdown under it.
Choose the Function key option from the dropdown to lock the key. To unlock, choose the Multimedia key option.
This should allow you to use the function keys without pressing the Fn key. In case you no longer want to use the Fn key and think that you will be better off disabling it, you can use the KeyTweak app to perform this action. Check out our guide on how to disable specific keys on your keyboard in Windows for more information about KeyTweak.
Manage Your Fn Key Better on Windows
The Fn keys improve productivity, but you can make them more convenient by enabling them permanently. The different methods above should help you make this change easily. If you do not use the Fn key often, then it is best to disable it permanently.
To disable FN Lock, press the FN key, and the Caps Lock
Caps Lock
Caps lock is the name of a key on a computer keyboard. When you press this key, letters that you type will be capital letters (like this, "ABC"), instead of lowercase ("abc"). The caps lock key is usually above the Shift key and below the Tab key on the left side of the keyboard.
You can simply look at the lower left side of the keyboard on the device and if "Fn Lock" is currently turned on you will see a green light on the "Fn" key. To turn this off press and hold the "Fn" key and press the "Esc" key at the top left of the keyboard.
Press the f10 key to open the BIOS Setup menu.Select the Advanced menu.Select the Device Configuration menu.Press the right or left arrow key to select Enable or Disable the Fn Key switch.
THE solution is: Fn + F2 - This toggles the FUNCTION On or Off. My F2 key has a small LOCK ICON and in the same color as the Fn key. Comment Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
Dirt, grime, or debris trapped beneath the function keys can make them inoperable. A faulty keyboard or damaged function key circuitry can also cause function keys to stop working. Outdated drivers, software conflicts, or system glitches are also among the well-known reasons that can affect function key operation.
Hold the "Fn" key while pressing a function key to get it to work. If your keyboard has an "F Lock" key, press it to enable your function keys. If your function keys don't work no matter what you try, you may need to enable them in your BIOS/UEFI.
On several keyboards, the Esc key doubles as a Fn (Function) lock key, often denoted by a small padlock icon on the Esc key. To lock the Fn key on these keyboards, press the Fn and Esc keys simultaneously. The lock icon should light up to indicate the Fn key is locked.
Use the Fn Lock feature to use function keys without the Fn Key. Find the Fn Lock key on your keyboard—it may say FnLk or have a lock icon. Hold down the Fn key and press Fn Lock. Release your fingers and use the function keys as normal.
Many, though not all, laptops will allow you to change Fn key settings from the BIOS or UEFI firmware. You can enter your BIOS setup with a reboot. Press F2, F10, or Delete (the keys differ among manufacturers) at the startup when your computer is still booting.
In general, you can often change this setting right on the keyboard itself via the Fn Lock key or a hidden Fn Lock shortcut. On many laptops, it's available as an option in the BIOS or UEFI settings screen you can access during boot-up.
Is this your built-in keyboard? If so, please check for the FN key and a key indicating a keyboard lock logo, then press them simultaneously. Once done, check if you can utilize the function keys and Esc. If not, try connecting an external keyboard and check if the same issue persists.
If your keyboard has an Fn lock key, you can try pressing Fn + Esc or the key with the lock icon to toggle the Fn lock. This should allow you to use the F keys without the Fn key. If your keyboard doesn't have an Fn lock key, you can explore changing the Fn key settings within Windows.
Go to System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, then on the left side list, choose, Function Keys, and push the slider switch to the right which then enables the Function Keys. However, this will disable the multimedia functions that are there by default.
Restart the “HidServ” Service: The Human Interface Device Service (HidServ) is essential for the operation of function keys. Restarting this service can sometimes resolve issues. To do this, open Task Manager, go to the “Services” tab, find “HidServ”, right-click on it, and select "Restart".
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