How to Lock and Unlock the Function (Fn) Key in Windows

Function keys (F1 to F12 keys) on your keyboard are versatile and can perform various tasks depending on how you use them. If you are wondering how to lock and unlock the Function (Fn) key in Windows, you’re in right place. Whether you are using Windows 10 or 11 you can easily control these keys to suit your needs.

By default, function keys on your keyboard are set to perform actions that are printed on them. For instance- on many keyboards, pressing F2 key might reduce volume of your speakers. However, you can change their behavior so that they perform tasks typically assigned to F1, F2 and so on by locking or unlocking these keys. We’ll guide you through process to make these adjustments on your Windows computer.

Reasons to Lock or Unlock Your Function Keys in Windows

Deciding whether to keep your function (Fn) keys locked or unlocked depends on the features you find yourself using most frequently. If you regularly use actions printed on the keys like adjusting volume, brightness or toggling Wi-Fi then keeping function keys unlocked might be best option for you. This way, you can easily access these specific functions without needing to press any additional keys.

On other hand, if you often find yourself using standard F1 to F12 features such as refreshing page with F5 or opening help menu with F1, locking function keys will allow you to use these features with just a single keystroke. This can be especially convenient for tasks like coding, gaming or using specific software that relies on these keys.

If you need to switch between these modes, you can easily do so by pressing and holding Fn key on your keyboard while pressing desired function key. This gives you flexibility to use both sets of functions as needed, depending on task at hand.

How to Use the Fn Key to Lock or Unlock Function Keys

You can easily lock or unlock your function keys by using Fn button on your keyboard. Most keyboards have this button, and it lets you change how your function keys work.

If you want your function keys (F1 to F12) to perform their regular functions, like refreshing a page with F5 or opening help with F1, you can lock them by pressing the Fn button and the Esc key together. When you do this light on Fn key will turn on, showing that function keys are locked in this mode.

You can unlock keys by pressing Fn & Esc again if you’d rather use unique functions such as changing brightness or volume that are printed on function keys. Fn key’s light will go out indicating that key is unlocked and capable of carrying out its intended functions. You may easily switch between two settings based on your needs with this easy-to-use method.

How to Use Windows Mobility Center to Lock or Unlock Function Keys

Windows Mobility Center is a built-in Windows tool that helps you do basic tasks on your PC like adjusting brightness, muting sound and locking or unlocking your function keys.

You can use this tool to decide whether your function keys (F1 to F12) should perform their standard functions or special tasks printed on them like changing volume or brightness. However, not all PCs have option to control function keys through Windows Mobility Center. If you don’t see this option, you’ll need to use another method to change key settings.

Here’s how to use Windows Mobility Center:

1. Open Start menu, type “Windows Mobility Center” in search bar and select it from the results.
2. In Mobility Center window find “Function Key Row” section.
3. Click drop-down menu in this section. Choose “Function key” to use the standard F1 to F12 functions or “Multimedia key” to use the printed features.
4. Close Windows Mobility Center when you’re done.

This will change how your function keys work, letting you choose between standard functions or special features.

Change Function Key Settings in Windows BIOS/UEFI

You can use the Windows BIOS/UEFI interface to change how your function keys work. This method is useful if your keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key or if you can’t adjust the function keys through Windows Mobility Center.

Using BIOS/UEFI, you can easily switch whether your function keys perform their printed tasks or their standard functions.

Here’s how to Change Function Key Settings in Windows BIOS/UEFI:

Step 1: Access BIOS/UEFI

For Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on System in left sidebar.
3. Select Recovery on right side.
4. Click Restart now next to Advanced startup.
5. Choose Restart now in prompt to reboot your PC.

For Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery in left sidebar.
4. Click Restart now under Advanced startup.

Step 2: Change Function Keys Behavior

1. After your PC restarts- go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and choose Restart.
2. In BIOS/UEFI menu- go to Main tab.
3. Use arrow keys to highlight Function Key Behavior option.
4. Select Function Key if you want keys to work as standard function keys (F1 to F12). Choose Media Key if you want keys to perform tasks printed on them.
5. Save your changes by pressing F10 key.
6. Confirm your choice by selecting Yes in prompt.

Your PC will restart and your function keys will now work according to settings you chose in BIOS/UEFI.

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Conclusion: Lock and Unlock the Function (Fn) Key in Windows

Windows lets you choose what your function keys do. You can set them to perform standard tasks, like opening help with F1, or multimedia tasks, like adjusting volume.

You can lock or unlock your Fn keys using the methods mentioned earlier. This works on Dell laptops, Lenovo machines, and any other Windows computers. Enjoy your customized function keys!