Activating Function Keys Using Your Keyboard or Computer Settings

Buzz

Content

Essential Knowledge

Procedures

Utilizing the Function Key

Utilizing the F Lock Key

Enabling in BIOS/UEFI

Helpful Tips

Discover how to activate your function keys on your computer

This guide demonstrates how to switch on the function keys on your keyboard. These keys, labeled F1 through F12, offer various commands, such as accessing a help menu or refreshing a page.

Essential Knowledge

Press the 'Fn' key along with a function key to activate it.
If your keyboard includes an 'F Lock' key, press it to enable your function keys.
If your function keys remain unresponsive, you might need to activate them in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Procedures

Utilizing the Function Key

To activate, press and hold the Fn key. Typically situated at the bottom-left corner next to the Ctrl or Control key. For full-sized Mac keyboards, it might be located between the letter keys and the numeric keypad.

Activate the desired function key. These keys are situated at the top of your keyboard.

Attempt pressing F1 while in an application. If a help menu appears, you've successfully activated the function key. On Mac, this key usually adjusts volume.

Utilizing the F Lock Key

Enable the F lock key. If available, it's typically located in the top-left or top-right corner of the keyboard. An indicator light usually illuminates when activated.

Press the desired function key. These keys are located at the top of the keyboard.

Try pressing F1 while in an application to verify that the function keys are activated. In Windows, this typically opens the Help menu. On Mac, it decreases the volume.

Enabling in BIOS/UEFI

Access your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), also known as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), is software embedded in your computer providing instructions on various tasks. If your function keys aren't functioning, they might be disabled in BIOS/UEFI.

To enter BIOS/UEFI, press a specific key during startup (before the Windows logo appears). The key varies depending on your computer, commonly F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc.

Navigate to the configuration menu. This menu may be located in different places depending on your computer manufacturer and may be a submenu under an 'Advanced' menu.

Locate the 'hotkey' or 'Fn Key' option. The exact phrasing may differ based on your computer's manufacturer.

Activate the 'hotkey'/'Fn Key' menu option. If you find that this option is already activated, then the BIOS/UEFI is not the cause of your function keys not functioning correctly.

Helpful Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I activate the function keys on my keyboard?

To activate the function keys, press and hold the 'Fn' key located at the bottom-left corner of the keyboard. While holding 'Fn', press the desired function key, such as F1, to use its specific command.

What should I do if my function keys are unresponsive?

If your function keys are unresponsive, check if the 'F Lock' key is activated, and ensure the keys are enabled in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. This may involve accessing the settings during startup.

Do all keyboards have an F Lock key for function keys?

No, not all keyboards include an F Lock key. If your keyboard has one, it is usually found in the top-left or top-right corner and activates or deactivates the function keys.

How do I access BIOS/UEFI settings to enable function keys?

To access BIOS/UEFI settings, restart your computer and press a specific key during startup, such as F2 or Del, before the Windows logo appears. Navigate to the configuration menu to find the 'hotkey' or 'Fn Key' option.

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