How to Use The Function Keys Without Pressing Fn (Windows 10)

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Written By Larious

Larious is the Executive Editor of LowkeyTech. He is a tech enthusiast and a content writer. 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on April 7, 2021 by Larious


Well, if you have ever used a Windows laptop, you might know that the laptop’s keyboard has special keys called ‘Function Key.’ Function key (Fn) allows you to perform some special tasks when used in combination with the F1, F2, F3, etc. If you only press the F1, F2, F3 keys on your keyboard, it will perform basic stuff. For example, selecting a folder and pressing the F2 button allows you to rename it. Similarly, pressing the F5 key refreshes the desktop.

However, modern laptops and keyboards now have a dedicated Function (Fn) key that temporarily gives you access to some special features and disables the original functionality of function keys such as F1, F2, F12 keys. For example, if you pressing the F2 key opens the email service rather than renaming a file. Similarly, pressing the F5 key opens the music player instead of refreshing a window. The settings & features might vary depending on the laptop brand you are using.

However, what if you aren’t a frequent user of temporary function key features and want them to act as regular function keys? Well, if you wish to do so, you can. Windows 10 allows you to enable/disable the function keys on the operating system.

Steps to use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn (Windows 10)

If you don’t want to press the double keys (Fn key + F1, Fn Key + F2) and want to work with actual function keys, you need to disable the special feature your laptop or keyboard offers. In this article, we will share a detailed guide on how to use Function keys without pressing the FN key on Windows 10. Let’s check out.

1. Turn on the Fn Lock Key

If your Windows Laptop or keyboard has an FN lock key, you need to use a specific keyboard shortcut. The Fn Lock key serves as the quickest way to disable the usage of the Function (Fn) key on Windows 10. If you disable the Fn key on your keyboard, the function keys (F1, F2, F3) will perform standard functions instead of using the special features.

Turn on the Fn Lock Key

Look at your keyboard and find a dedicated ‘Fn Lock’ key. The key would have a lock symbol with an FN key written over it. If your Windows 10 laptop or keyboard has a dedicated FN lock key, press the Fn key + Fn Lock key to disable the special functions.

Once disabled, you can use the Function keys’ default features like F1, F2, F2, F4, and so on without pressing the Fn keys.

2. Make Changes to the UEFI or BIOS settings

If your laptop manufacturer offered you a keyboard manager app to enable/disable the Fn key, you don’t need to implement this method. However, if there’s no option to disable the function key features, you need to make some changes to the BIOS or UEFI settings.

Make Changes to the UEFI or BIOS settingsMake Changes to the UEFI or BIOS settings

First of all, you need to enter your computer’s BIOS settings. For that, restart your PC, and before the logo screen comes, press the F2 or F10 button. This will open the BIOS settings. Please note that the shortcut to open BIOS settings might differ depending on the manufacturers. Some might need to press the ESC button to enter the BIOS settings, and in some cases, it might be the F9 or F12 button too.

Once you enter the BIOS settings, move to the Advanced tab and select the function key behavior. Set ‘Function key’ under the Function key behavior.

Important: Please be careful while making changes in the BIOS or UEFI settings. Any wrong setting could mess up your computer/laptop. Please make sure to backup your essential files before playing with the BIOS settings on a computer.

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can use Function keys without pressing the FN key on Windows 10. I hope this article helped you! Please share it with your friends also. If you have any doubts about this, let us know in the comment box below.

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