What is the Fn Key on a Keyboard?

Fn is an abbreviation for function. The Fn key was originally created due to a lack of space on earlier keyboards. Instead of adding more keys, they were given multiple functions.

Things to know

>>Where is Backslash on Keyboard?<<

What are the Common Function of Fn Keys?

Adjust volume up and down
Mute internal speaker
Increase or decrease monitor brightness or contrast
Activate standby mode
Hibernate the device
Eject a CD/DVD
Lock the keyboard

What is the Location of Fn Keys?

computersolve.com/where-is-backslash-on-keyboard/(opens in a new tab)

Laptop & Computers – Fn key is usually on the bottom-left side of the keyboard, next to the Ctrl key.
Chromebooks – Not all Chromebooks have an Fn key. Those who have it is found near the spacebar
Apple Keyboard – Fn key is found to the right of the delete key.
Mac Book – Fn key is leftmost on the bottom row of the keyboard.

If your computer doesn’t have an Fn key, then your keyboard probably doesn’t have any of these alternative functions.

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How Does the Fn Key Work?

The functions are usually designated by the same symbols, even across operating systems. A sun symbol, for example, is usually used to denote screen brightness. A half-moon usually indicates putting the computer to sleep. And so on.

To Use the Fn Key on a PC:

Hold down the Fn key.
Press any function key you need to use.

Let’s see few common functionalities that can be performed using these function keys.

F1:

Use to open its Help and Support window
F1 with windows key shows up Windows Help and Support screen
Can be used to enter CMOS setup

F2:

Rename files or folders or icons quickly
Alt + Ctrl + F2 – opens document window in Microsoft Office
Ctrl + F2 – displays print preview window in Microsoft Office
Alt + F2 – opens ‘Save As’ window in Microsoft Excel
Shift + F2 – can be used to add comment box in Microsoft Excel

F3:

Press F3 to open search window to find files and folders
In MSDOS or windows command prompt, F3 repeats the last command
F3 is used to open find bar
In Microsoft Word, Shift + F3 changes the text from upper case to lower case or all capital letters.

F4:

Most common, Alt + F4 to close current program window. If no program window is open, it launches Shutdown dialog box
Ctrl + F4 closes active window
Opens address bar in Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer
Press F4 to repeat the last action performed in Microsoft Word

F5:

Almost in all modern internet browsers, pressing F5 refreshes or reloads the web page
Starts slide show in Power Point
Opens Find and Replace window in Microsoft Word, GoTo window in Excel

F6:

Almost in all modern browsers, pressing F6 moves the cursor to the address bar
Ctrl + F6 toggles between various Microsoft Word documents

F7:

Press F7 to launch Spelling and Grammar dialog box in Microsoft Office program
Shift + F7 opens Research window in Microsoft Office
In few browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, pressing F7 turns Caret Browsing on or off

F8:

Holding F8 during Windows boot process enters into Windows Safe Mode
Pressing F8 displays a thumbnail image of all workspaces in Mac OS X

F9:

In many application, it is used to send email like Microsoft Outlook, Siebel CRM
Ctrl + F9 and Alt + F9 are used to build mail merge document in Microsoft Word
If you are a programmer, you may have used F9 to compile and execute code in combination with Ctrl or Alt key

F10:

In many programs, Shift + F10 opens up the menu window, equivalent to right-click
Shows menu bar in Mozilla Firefox, internet browser or highlights the same in many programs

F11:

Is used to enter and exit from full screen mode in all modern internet browsers
In Microsoft Excel, Shift + F11 adds a new sheet, Ctrl + F11 adds a new macro to the workbook
Pressing Alt + F11 in MS Office program, invokes Microsoft Visual Basic window for that document

F12:

Opens ‘Save As’ window in MS Office program
Shift + Ctrl + F12 open Print window in MS Office
Ctrl + F12 opens a document in MS Office
Opens and closes developer tools in most of the internet browsers

Please let us know if you have come across any other functionalities of these function keys.

Function Keys Not Working? Here’s What to Do

1. Make Sure Fn Keys Are Not Locked

2. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

In the Start menu search bar, search for command prompt and select the Best match.
Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic.
Press Enter.

3. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Open Settings and head to Update & Security.
From the left pane, select Troubleshoot.
Click Additional troubleshooters.
From Find and fix other problems, click Keyboard > Run the troubleshooter.

4. Turn Off Filter Keys

Open Control Panel.
Go to View by and select Large Icons and Small icons.
Click Ease of Access Center.
From the Explore all settings list, select Make the keyboard easier to use.
Head to the Make it easier to type section and uncheck the Turn on Filter Keys option.
Click Apply > OK to save your new changes.

5. Update Keyboards Drivers

Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
Extend the Keyboard list.
Right-click the driver and select Update driver.
Choose the Search automatically for drivers and click Start.

We have conclude all about “What is the Fn Key on a Keyboard?” If you still have any issue please et us know in the comment section below.