How to enable the F1-F12 keys on a laptop. How To Customize F1 F12 Keys On Laptop How To Make F1 F12 Buttons On Laptop

As part of computer literacy, let's talk about special function keys on a laptop. With their help, you can easily and quickly manage your laptop.

The function keys F1-F12 on a laptop allow, for example:

Notebook function keys F1-F12

In Figure 1, the Fn key on the laptop is highlighted with a red box (left), and the function keys on the laptop that work in conjunction with the Fn key are highlighted with green boxes.

The inscriptions applied to the special function keys in question, as a rule, have their own color (more precisely, their own design) on the built-in keyboard, for example, red, blue, green (or may simply be surrounded by a white frame). The same color (or design) has "Fn" written on the "Fn" key on a laptop. This means that these special keys only work if they are pressed at the same time as the Fn key.

For example, if the “F1” key has a red (blue, green) icon of a crossed-out built-in mouse (which means “turn off the built-in mouse” of the Tach-Pad for a Sony laptop), then to turn off the built-in mouse, you need to press the “Fn” key on the laptop, and, keeping it pressed, simultaneously press the “F1” key. The reverse connection of the built-in mouse is done in the same way: “Fn” - “F1”.

On different laptops, the “F1” - “F12” keys have different meanings. No standardization is applied here.

• On one laptop, “F1” can mean turning off the built-in mouse, and on the other, for example, turning off the PC to sleep (an icon with the “Z” symbol repeated twice or thrice, which, according to laptop manufacturers, means the sound “Zzzz…”, in Russian it sounds “Z-z-z-z…” and resembles breathing during sleep).

• The key responsible for connecting and disconnecting Wi-Fi, as a rule, has an image of an antenna that emits a signal in all directions.

• The key to increase the brightness of the image on the built-in display has a stylized image of the screen (frame), inside which is a large sun icon.

• And on the button to decrease the brightness of the screen, the image of the sun inside the stylized image of the screen is small.

Almost all the images printed on the “F1” - “F12” keys are understandable without further explanation. And if necessary, do not neglect the instructions that come with all laptops without exception. These instructions exist both in printed form (it’s good if they are written in Russian, otherwise sometimes anything but the Russian language happens) and as .pdf files on a PC located in a special folder on the C: drive (also not always, unfortunately, these descriptions are made in Russian).

This laptop control scheme using the function keys is very convenient. Without them, it would be necessary to call special programs for each connection - disconnection or for each adjustment. Moreover, not all of these programs can be found in the “Control Panel”.

Sometimes specific programs (for example, adjusting the backlight of the built-in keyboard or managing the battery charge to ensure longer battery life) are not located in the “Control Panel”. Then they need to be found among special laptop management programs. And they need to be known.

In addition, controlling the laptop using the function keys (and using special laptop management programs) makes it possible to apply settings that are unique to this laptop.

These settings are, for example:

• keyboard backlight adjustment,
• battery life saving system management,
• accessibility for users with disabilities, etc.)

cannot be executed by standard programs from the “Control Panel” of Windows.

What is needed for the function keys to work on a laptop?

It is important to understand that controlling a laptop using the function keys “F1” - “F12” is done using special programs that laptop manufacturers have sewn into the laptop's native operating system. Function keys simplify access to these programs, make these programs invisible to the laptop user.

However, by pressing the function keys on the laptop, the user receives the desired response (in the form of connecting or disconnecting certain laptop devices, in the form of adjusting the brightness and volume, etc.) by automatically launching these special programs.

And this means that if these special programs are not in the laptop, then the function keys will not work. And the settings will not be made! Another confirmation of the fact that the unity of working software (ie programs) and working hardware.

Why did the function keys stop working on a laptop?

- How can programs responsible for function keys disappear?

- In a different way. For example, you can reinstall the system in a laptop, but at the same time install not the “native” system, but another one. Let's say the laptop you bought was running Windows XP. But I wanted to install Windows 7. We install, we get Windows 7, in which there are no special laptop management programs. And then the function keys of the laptop will not work.

You can accidentally or purposefully uninstall special laptop management programs. Sometimes they are, as it were, loaded in the operating system, as they can be pre-launched when the PC boots. By optimizing PC loading, disabling “unnecessary” (from the point of view of a user optimizing PC operation) programs at boot, you can accidentally disable “necessary” laptop management programs. That, by the way, is one of the reasons why I don't like the boot optimization often advertised by some advanced users.

Special programs can be destroyed as a result of exposure to viruses. There are other ways to lose special laptop management programs.

How to restore the normal operation of the function keys?

Reverse recovery is possible if there is a “native” distribution kit of the system supplied with the laptop. Or by downloading "native" programs from the Internet, if they are on the websites of laptop manufacturers. The latter is especially useful if the PC user changes the version of the operating system (as in the above example of replacing Windows XP with Windows 7), but does NOT use the “native” operating system that came with the laptop.

Special laptop management programs may require periodic updates. Notebook specific software updates cannot be done in the standard way using the Windows update service. To update the special laptop software, you must also have a special program for checking and installing updates.

This program works using access to updates via the Internet. You need to run it periodically (if it does not start automatically every time you boot Windows) and use it to check for updates and install them. If the program allows, it is useful to set the automatic search and installation of updates for special software for managing a laptop.

Some users connect an external keyboard to a laptop. In this case, sometimes the function keys of the laptop do not work if they are pressed using an external keyboard connected to the laptop via. But they can work, it's as lucky. That is, there is no guarantee that the function keys of the laptop will work on an external keyboard.

Summing up, we can say that controlling a laptop using function keys and special programs with which these function keys are “associated” is a very convenient service from laptop manufacturers. Thank them for this! And the safety of this service is the task and responsibility of the laptop user.

It is necessary to ensure that the system on the laptop is “native”, so that all special programs are present in the PC. And so that they “correctly” load when you turn on the PC. And also be sure to “correctly” updated during the entire period of operation of the laptop.

And then it will be pleasant and convenient to work with a laptop, as it was intended by their manufacturers.

How to dial digital codes on a laptop

Numeric codes are not directly related to the function keys of the F1-F12 laptop, however, there is a problem with entering codes for the laptop, so let's move on to reviewing and solving it.

Reader question: When typing, I use numeric codes through Alt to type characters that are not on the keyboard: Alt + 0151 - a dash (not a hyphen), Alt + 0171 and Alt + 0187 - angular typographic quotation marks, which is necessary when typing typographic text. How to dial these codes on a laptop?

There are full-size keyboards (Figure 2) that have a small numeric keypad on the right (partially highlighted in red and blue). Everyone who works with numbers (accountants, bankers, marketers, users working with Excel spreadsheets, etc.) almost always deals only with a full-sized keyboard.

You can use the small numeric keypad to enter numeric codes that cannot be entered using regular digits, learn more about numeric codes .

Rice. 2. Full size keyboard (no FN key). Click on fig. to increase it

There are, of course, laptops with a full-sized keyboard (as in Fig. 2, click on the image to enlarge). As a rule, they have a large screen, but at the same time, such a laptop has a solid size and weighs a lot. Among ordinary users, such laptops are rare. Pay attention to fig. 2 that with a full-sized keyboard, the laptop does not have an Fn key, it is missing as unnecessary.

But what about users of ordinary laptops that do not have a small numeric keypad on the keyboard, but need the functions of a small numeric keypad, in particular, entering numeric codes? Notebook manufacturers "got out" by sewing additional features into other keys of the laptop. To enable such features, the laptop has an auxiliary Fn key (highlighted in Fig. 1 and is in Fig. 3).

As seen in fig. 3 (click on the figure to enlarge it), each laptop keyboard has a number row of keys from 1 to 9. They are in the second row, and in the first row there are function keys F1-F12. We will be interested in other numbers that are available on laptops and are written in smaller numbers than regular numbers (highlighted in Fig. 3).

Rice. 3 (click on the figure to enlarge it). Dedicated keys for the small numeric keypad NumLock and FN, as well as small numbers from 1 to 9 for entering numeric codes

To dial a digital code on a laptop:

1) find the Fn and Num Lock keys (in Fig. 3 they are highlighted with a red frame, they are decorated in the same style - blue and italic, but the style may be different on your laptop). Simultaneously press the Fn and Num Lock keys.

In this case, the mini-light on the laptop may light up, if such an indication is provided in the laptop. Thus, you will include a small number keyboard, which laptop manufacturers have “sewn up” into a regular keyboard.

2) Pay attention to the numbers from 0 to 9, which have the same color (same style) as the Fn key. On each laptop, the character design style from the small numeric keypad will be different, there are no standards here.

On fig. 3 (clickable) small numeric keypad is “protected” (located) on the following laptop keys:

• the small number 0 is located on the letter M,
• small number 1 - on the letter J
• small number 2 - on the letter K
• small number 3 - on the letter L
• small number 4 - on the letter U
• small number 5 - on the letter I
• small number 6 - on the letter O
• small number 7 - on the big number 7,
• small number 8 - on the big number 8,
• small number 9 - on the big 9.

Try entering numbers from 0 to 9 on your laptop using the small numeric keypad in a text editor such as .

3) So, the Fn and Num Lock keys are pressed - the small numeric keypad is enabled. The numbers from it can be used as digital codes. To enter, for example, the code Alt + 0151,

• press the Alt key and, without releasing it, enter the code 0151.
• That is, while holding down the ALT key, we press the numbers one by one: first, the number 0 (where the letter M is in Fig. 3). Then, without releasing ALT, press 1 (where the letter J is), then 5 (where the letter I is) and again on 1 (where the letter J is).
• Release all keys - a dash should appear.
• If it doesn't work the first time, try a few more times.

4) If you no longer need the small numeric keypad, press the Fn and Num Lock keys at the same time. This will turn off additional functions on the keyboard (that is, the small numeric keypad will be turned off).

And it will be possible to use the keyboard normally to enter letters.

What if numeric keypad not working on laptop? I think it could be if

1. the Num Lock key is not enabled or something is otherwise done incorrectly. It usually happens when you first try to learn how to use a small keyboard.
2. The native operating system, wired by the manufacturer, was reinstalled on the laptop to a non-native one.

Questions from readers

Here a few questions from blog readers with my answers, which served as material for writing this article (by the way, ask questions in the comments, if you do not find the answer to them, I will answer, and my answer will come to you by e-mail, to your E-mail).

Question 1: While I'm working on the keyboard, if I don't see it, the cursor arrow itself runs away somewhere. Are there any commands to prevent this?

Answer: The cursor runs away on a laptop if you accidentally and imperceptibly touch the touchpad - this is the laptop's built-in mouse. I turn off the touchpad for this reason and use a regular mouse. I have keys to disable the touchpad +(first press , then without releasing it, I press ), you may have other keyboard shortcuts. Look at the instructions for your laptop (in paper or electronic form), it is written about it there.

Question 2: The laptop costs Windows 7. Such a misfortune happened: caps lock off or caps lock on was written in the lower right corner of the screen (duplicating the indicator), but now it doesn’t write, the indicator works, but it’s not very convenient to look at it (especially in good lighted room) caps lock is on or off.
What could go wrong in the settings, and what can be done to return a text notification about the state of the caps lock mode? Thanks.

Answer: Most likely, these are the specific settings of your laptop. I know, for example, laptops in which the keyboard has a backlight, and it (its brightness, glow duration, etc.) is configured by a separate special program included in the laptop software package.

If, for example, you reinstall Windows and install a non-native system that came with laptops, then such specific programs disappear completely, and with them the usual conveniences disappear.

If you have not reinstalled the operating system, then look in the Control Panel or among the special programs for managing your laptop for a program that configures this service that has become familiar to you.

Question 3: Tell me, please: on my laptop, the CAPS LOCK and NUM LOCK indicators do not light up when pressed. What to do? How to fix the situation?

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Each laptop has several function keys that allow you to quickly open various system components. The Fn button provides access to individual system settings. This key is used in combination with the F1-F12 buttons, which allows you, for example, to change the sound level, turn on Wi-Fi or activate the economy mode on a laptop. On many laptops, it is located in the lower left corner of the keyboard.

You can try to solve this problem in several ways. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Installing drivers.

You can download the driver pack for the keyboard from the official website of the manufacturer. You need to look for components for a specific computer model. Perhaps installing "firewood" will help enable the Fn key.

Use of special programs.

You can use special applications to activate the Fn button. A popular utility suitable for all laptops is Magic Keyboard.

If the above methods do not help, then you can try cleaning the keyboard.

How to disable the Fn key on a laptop?

There are two main ways to disable this button. The first involves using the keyboard shortcut NumLock+Fn or Fn+F11. The second method is more complicated, it includes several steps.

1. Enter BIOS. To do this, during the system boot process, you must press the F8 button or another (depending on the brand of laptop).
2. Select the "System Configuration" tab.
3. In the "Action Keys Mode" item, select the "Disabled" item.
4. Save changes.

After that, the Fn button on Lenovo laptop will be disabled. It is worth noting that this key is quite useful. It helps to quickly access different options, which means it saves the user time. You need to think carefully before turning it off.

(3 ratings, average: 3.67 out of 5) Loading...

lenovomania.net

How to disable the Fn button on all laptop models

Hello. One of my friends recently bought a Hewlett-Packard laptop. The model is very successful and relatively inexpensive. Although at first it took a long time to get used to a different layout of the keyboard layout (before that, he used a Lenovo laptop for many years). But there was one problem - instead of the function keys F1-F2, their analogues worked, which should be activated only after pressing Fn. I had to figure out how to disable the Fn button on an HP laptop. I will tell you the solution in the continuation of the article.

What is this button?

In order not to allocate additional space for the location of the keys for controlling sound, wireless modules, touchpad, etc., the developers of compact PCs unanimously decided to use a combination of function keys with Fn pressed simultaneously to perform certain actions. In principle, everything is correct. But sometimes there are different troubles.

For example, instead of expanding the browser window to full screen, pressing F11 on the keyboard mutes the sound. And you can not immediately determine the cause of the "breakdown", but spend time looking for a solution.

Shutdown method

We will have to be especially careful when reading the further instructions, since we will have to deal with the BIOS.

• To enter the BIOS, immediately after turning on the laptop, press F10 or Esc (depending on the device). Try!
• Now you need to find the “System Configuration” section of the system configuration, in which there is an item “Action Keys Mode”. In it you need to select the option "Disabled" (Disabled).

• Now we exit the BIOS, after saving the settings. To do this, press F10, and then the "Y" key (from English Yes).
• We start Windows and check how the function keys work.

This method helped my friend. By the way, it also works for Packard Bell laptops.

Since I'm talking about disabling FN, then I'll share my experience of similar experiments with laptops from other manufacturers.

For Asus and Samsung, the instructions are very simple, but experience shows that there are specific models for which the method does not work. Need to try. Try pressing the following combinations:

• Fn + NumLk (the latter is responsible for activating the numeric keypad);
• Fn + Insert (may also be called Ins);
• Fn + F11 / F12 (test both options);
• Sometimes just pressing NumLk helps (which is very strange).

By the way, the first item from this list can be useful for owners of Fujitsu and Acer laptops.

If none of the above worked, write the laptop model name in the comments and I will try to fix the problem.

Let's move on to Toshiba computers. In most cases, such troubles do not happen to them. But there was a case in my practice when the Fn key generally lived its own life and decided on its own when to work and when not.

The best option would be to install a "small" HDD Protection utility. It would seem, what does the protection of the hard disk have to do with it. But if you go to the "Optimization" section of the program and click on "Accessibility", a window with options will appear. It is here that you need to deactivate Fn by unchecking the corresponding item. It remains only to save all the changes, and the computer does not even need to be restarted.

Download: TOSHIBA HDD ProtectionUseful utility for Toshiba laptops Downloaded: 277, Size: 24.5 MB, Date: 11.Jul.2016

In this article, I talked about almost all brands. Forgot to mention Dell. To be honest, I have never met complaints about this manufacturer on the network (on this issue). But if you have a special case, I recommend trying the above methods. If the instructions do not help, I'm waiting for your comments for further consideration.

I advise you to familiarize yourself with the software to disable any keys.

I hope I did not waste a few hours of time writing this article. If it was useful to you, the best gratitude would be a repost on social networks. What if your friends will also find this information useful?

Sincerely, Victor

it-technik.ru

How to disable the fn button on a laptop

The fn button paired with any multimedia key (F1, F2, F3 ... F12) performs different purposes: adjusts the sound, turns on or off WI-FI or power saving mode, changes the screen brightness, etc. But it often happens that Fn does not work correctly. Instead of letters, when using the keyboard, either characters or numbers appear, and this creates problems for the owner. Many people ask how to turn off the fn key?

The first thing we try to disable this button is pressing two keys at the same time: Fn + Nut Lock. True, this method is not applicable on all laptops, it happens that the button function is disabled by other key combinations - fn and F11.

Couldn't turn it off even after this set of combinations? Then disable fn via "BIOS". We reboot the device and press one of these buttons - F2, Del or F10. Which key to choose depends on the type of BIOS version on the laptop.

You can find out in the instructions, it happens that its name is written at the bottom of the device screen. It must be remembered that one of these keys must be pressed until the black screen is on the laptop and the WINDOWS program has not loaded yet. And when you entered the BIOS, a blue screen or gray with blue letters is displayed.

Use the navigation buttons (back, forward, up, down) to go to the "SYSTEM CONFIGURATION" tab, and click on the menu item "Action Keys Mode" - "Function Key Mode", using the "Enter" button.

Then select Disable. Confirm with the Enter button and save with the F10 key. After that, we wait for the system to boot. The fn button will be disabled.

If you want all the keys of the laptop to function well, you need to install only the "native versions" of programs for this device. But still, if you need to disable the fn button, you will do this after these programmers' tips.

SovetClub.ru

How to enable F1-F12 keys on HP laptops

Fortunately, it can be changed.

On HP laptops, the F1-F12 function keys work as multimedia by default (brightness control, player control, volume control, etc.), and to operate the F1-F12 keys directly, you need to hold down the fn key.

Since I often use the F5 key to update something, F4 to edit, etc., this mode of operation of the F1-F12 keys does not suit me.

Fortunately, it can be changed. To do this, you need to change the value of the parameter in the BIOS:

1. Enter the BIOS (when turning on the laptop, press F10).
2. Go to the System Configuration menu.
3. Change the value of the Action Keys Mode parameter to Disable.

If you find a mistake in the text, select it and press Ctrl+Enter.

myitstuff.ru

With a laptop on "you" or how to disable the Fn button

Not so long ago I bought an HP brand laptop. Frankly, the device is quite worthy, especially since the amount paid for it is relatively small, but out of habit, the fingers do not fall on the required keys. I have used an Asus laptop before and am more used to their keyboard layout. However, after purchasing a new laptop, you can do a little tweaking of the keyboard on your laptop to make it more comfortable to use. But it's not about that now.

Using a laptop brings tremendous pleasure, but still I ran into one small problem. After installing the operating system, there were some inconveniences with the F1-F12 keys. For some reason I don't understand, pressing these buttons triggered the multimedia part, which, in theory, should work if you use the Fn + key combination. The problem still managed to be solved, and now I will try to help you in eliminating this trouble.

Disable Fn on HP laptops

Enabling the Fn button on HP brand laptops can lead to some unpleasant consequences. For example, when you press the F11 button in the browser, instead of the desired full-window view, you and I can accidentally turn off the speaker. If this bothers you and you don’t know how to disable the Fn button on an HP laptop, don’t be discouraged - there is a way out.

I will say right away that the method is not the easiest and for a beginner it may seem complicated. However, if you figure it out, then everything is simple.

To disable Fn on most HP laptops, follow these guidelines:

1. Go to BIOS. If you have a very old BIOS version, then it would not be superfluous to update the BIOS first. Then, in order to carry out the procedure for disabling the key, you must press the Esc or F10 key when starting the laptop, depending on the model. The main thing is not to miss the moment.
2. In BIOS, be sure to enter the tab called "System Configuration".
3. In this tab, you need to change the “Action Keys Mode” parameter to “Disabled”, and then press the F10 key.

When you turn on the laptop again, you can see for yourself that the problem has been successfully fixed. The keys now perform their original functions. To use multimedia functions again, you will now have to hold down the Fn key.

Disabling Fn on laptops Asus, Samsung, Fujitsu

I have been using Asus laptops for a while and I once had a similar problem. At the time, I had no idea how to disable Fn on an Asus laptop. Then the help of a friend saved me: he advised me to simultaneously press the Fn and NumLk buttons, after which my problem was fixed. On some Asus models, you should press Fn + Insert, Fn + F11, Fn + F12, or just NumLk. If you don't know how to disable Fn on Samsung laptop, also try the above options. It will work on some models. But some do not, and there is still a lot of work to be done to solve this problem. At these moments, the question sometimes arises: “Which company laptop is better“. To this I can say that this is a matter of habit, each manufacturer may have its own "chips".

Now let's move on to Fujitsu brand laptops. Of course, few people use them, but maybe someone will come in handy. In most models of this brand, the Fn key is disabled by the combination of Fn + NumLk buttons.

How to disable Fn on Toshiba laptops

If you need to disable the Fn button on Toshiba brand laptops, install the HDD Protector program for yourself.

With its help, you will be able to disable the annoying button. How to do it?

1. When you start the program, go to the tab called "Optimization", and then select the "Accessibility" item.
2. In the window that appears, uncheck the "Use the Fn key" checkbox.
3. Save your changes by clicking on Ok and continue working.

As you can see, there are several ways to disable the Fn button on laptops from various manufacturers. Perhaps the most versatile is the Fn + NumLk keyboard shortcut. Although in a case, like with my HP laptop, you will have to sweat a lot. Keep it up and I hope you succeed!

computerologia.ru

If you find that the f1 f12 keys on your keyboard are not working for you, the first thing to do is stop panicking. This is a fairly common problem that is very easy to fix.

In this article, we will tell you how to fix the function keys (the so-called keys from F1 to F12).

Recall: f1 f12 keys on a laptop keyboard work when a key combination is pressed at the same time fn +required keyf1f12. On a desktop computer, you do not need to press the fn key for one of the f1 f12 keys to work.

Solution 1

First, take a look at your keyboard. Many keyboards have a separate key labeled F Lock or F Mode. This key is designed to block the function keys, which is why the f1 f12 keys on the keyboard do not work.

If you have one of these keys, then press it to make the function keys work again.

Solution 2

Many users have reported that simply pressing the F11 or F12 key solves the problem of all function keys not working. Try pressing F11 or F12 and then test the rest of the function keys.

Solution 3 – Update function key drivers

If the function key drivers are not compatible with your operating system, they may also not work. Thus, make sure you have the latest drivers for the function keys installed.

Go to your laptop manufacturer's website, go to the driver download center and download the drivers for your keyboard. Install new drivers, then restart your computer and check the operation of the f1 f12 keys.

Solution 4 – Install the BIOS Update driver

Note: Installing the BIOS Update Driver may carry a small risk for your computer, so it is better to seek the help of specialists.

If the f1 f12 keys on your keyboard are not working for you, you can try installing BIOS updates. To do this, you need to download the BIOS Update driver from your laptop manufacturer's website. We will take an HP laptop as an example.

2. Then find your laptop model.

3. Select your operating system.

4. Locate and expand the BIOS section.

5. Then click Download.

7. Reboot the laptop for the changes to take effect and check if the f1 f12 keys work.

That's all! We looked at the most popular solutions to the problem when the f1 f12 keys on the keyboard do not work.

On the keyboard of any laptop without fail there is a block of keys F1-F12. Often they work without any additional settings, but sometimes users are faced with a situation where, instead of their direct purpose, they perform secondary - multimedia.

Enabling the F1-F12 keys on a laptop

As a rule, on all laptops a number F-The keys are set to two modes: functional and multimedia. Previously, a simple single press within a program, game, or operating system would perform the action assigned to that key by default (for example, F1 opened the application help). pressing F-keys along with fn already performed another action assigned to it by the manufacturer. It could be turning off the volume or something else.

However, more and more often in modern devices you can find the opposite principle of operation: the usual click on F- the key starts the action assigned by the manufacturer, and the combination (let's take the same example with F1) fn+f1 opens a help window.

For users using F1-F12 for functional purposes more often than for secondary multimedia, such a change in order is often not to their liking. It is especially inconvenient for fans of computer games that require a quick response to actions. Fortunately, you can change the priority of work very simply - by editing one of the BIOS settings.

See also: How to enter the BIOS on a laptop Acer, Samsung, Sony Vaio, Lenovo,, ASUS

After changing the mode, you will be able, as before, to use without problems F1-F12. To use additional functions such as volume control, brightness, enable / disable Wi-Fi, you will need to simultaneously press the corresponding function key along with fn.

From this short material, you learned why the function keys in games, programs and Windows might not work on your laptop, as well as how to enable them. If you have any questions please use the comment form below.

It would seem that the laptop keyboard is no different from the keyboard of a regular PC. However, there is a certain difference: only on this compact device there is an Fn button. It exists to improve user efficiency. Fn helps you quickly turn on bluetooth, Wi-Fi, send mail, change screen brightness, volume level, etc. If the Fn key does not work on a laptop, this significantly “cuts down” the user's capabilities.

Enabling the Fn key opens up a ton of options for the user

Location

The Fn button on almost all devices is located in the lower left corner of the keyboard. This key has long taken its permanent place on the devices of various world-famous brands of technology. It is located before or after the Ctrl button. As practice shows, such placement of a key for users is very convenient.

How it works and what "Fn" means

"Function" - it is from this word that the name of the key we are interested in comes from. With its help, you can perform many operations, but in combination with other buttons. They are called shortcut buttons. The key combination is different for each specific model, but the principle of their operation is the same. For example, on a Lenovo laptop, the Fn button can give the following results:

• Fn + right arrow / left arrow - change the volume;
• Fn+Insert - option to disable or enable Scroll Lock;
• Fn + F6 - connect a laptop mouse (touchpad);
• Fn + F5 - turn on bluetooth;
• Fn + F4 - change the monitor extension;
• Fn + F3 - used when working with the projector; this combination makes it possible to switch the monitor display to the projector;
• Fn + F2 - option to turn off / on the monitor;
• Fn+F1 - sleep mode;
• Fn + down / up arrow - decrease or increase the brightness of the monitor;
• Fn + F12 - track back;
• Fn + F11 - track forward;
• Fn + F10 - stop in the media player;
• Fn+F9 - pause/resume;
• Fn + Home - (works in media files) - pause.

By learning these combinations, you can get the most out of your laptop keyboard without even using a mouse.

Disable/Enable Fn

Usually the button is activated when you press NumLock + Fn, but this does not always work. Often, to enable the Fn button on a laptop, you have to delve into the BIOS.

Using BIOS

There is nothing complicated here, the procedure looks like this:

1. Go into the BIOS (you must press Esc, F2 or Del at the time of device startup).
2. Go to Setup Utility.
3. Find the System Configuration menu.
4. Enable the Fn option (Action Keys Mode tab).

Driver installation

The most effective way to enable the Fn key is to check the keyboard drivers. When installing a "broken" OS for individual components of a laptop, the wrong "firewood" is often installed. Experienced experts recommend downloading drivers only from the official pages of manufacturing companies. On official resources, you can easily find Fn key drivers for HP, Sony, LG, Lenovo, Acer, DNS, Toshiba, Dell and many others.

Using utilities

Sometimes no changes occur even after following the recommendations described here. In this case, special utilities can help. You can find a lot of programs on the network to enable the Fn key, many of them are provided for free.

So, for Sony devices, the Vaio Control Center and Sony Shared Library utilities have been developed, for Samsung devices, Easy Display Manager is ideal (usually this program is supplied on a disk in one kit with the purchased equipment). On a Toshiba laptop, it is better to install the Flash Cards Support Utility or Hotkey Utility.

There is also universal software, thanks to which the Fn button will turn on on any device - this is the Magic Keyboard utility.

Nothing helped? Clean your keyboard!

Perhaps the problem is mechanical damage to the keyboard. Liquid could spill on it (most often it is coffee or tea) or dust is to blame. The issue will have to be solved not by a program method, but by “treatment” from the outside. It is not necessary to carry the device to the service center, you can try to fix everything on your own. Each key on the laptop is fixed in its slot, and with a little effort, it can be carefully removed (just pry with a screwdriver). All buttons consist of a lift, pad and spring, these three components are connected with a latch. After removing the problem key, clean the pad, then return everything back.

The functions of the Fn button can be easily assigned to other keys that you are not used to using. It's a little weird, but effective.

If the keyboard was flooded with tea, the tracks may be damaged - in this case, the equipment will have to be sent to a service center.

OS bit depth

Sometimes it is also impossible to eliminate a system violation by installing drivers. This happens if the device you purchased is designed for a 64-bit OS, and you installed 32. Such difficulties arise quite often, the issue can only be resolved by reinstalling Windows to the required version.

Results

As you can see, the Fn button allows you to speed up the on / off of various functions, which means that it makes life much easier, but on some laptops it may not initially function. You can enable the key in several ways: dig around, install a special utility, clean the keyboard, perform the Fn + NumLock combination, or install OS 64x. We are sure that one of the methods presented here will help enable the treasured key. Write which of the methods was the most effective for solving your problem.