Do you want to know how to disable function key on Windows? Well read on to find out!
A Windows user can access extra functionality for dual-use keys by pressing the Function (Fn) key.
It frequently regulates hardware options like volume or brightness. The “Fn” key is often located at the bottom of a laptop keyboard.
Dual-use keys that call for the “Fn” key can be made into single-use keys by disabling the key in the BIOS. The “Fn” key cannot be disabled on a laptop without complex BIOS settings.
The F1 through F12 keys at the top of the keyboard sometimes function as hotkeys by default, especially on laptops.
When you’re playing video games and need to fast push a function key without utilizing function lock or holding down Fn, this might be irritating.
But fear not, you can turn off the function key and continue using the F keys normally.
This article discusses how to disable function (Fn) Key on Windows and provides you with about four simple alternatives for altering the function key’s functionality on Windows.
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Methods On How To Disable Function key on Windows
Method 1 : Altering the BIOS Settings on a Windows PC
It might be possible to modify the function keys’ functionality in the BIOS, depending on the maker of your computer and its BIOS version.
You need to boot into the BIOS to begin. The typical method for doing this is to restart your computer and press the necessary key (usually F1, F2, F10, or Del).
The majority of contemporary Windows 10 and 8.1 PCs now offer a simpler method for doing this as shown below:
- To open Settings, press the Windows key and the I key simultaneously.
- Click Change PC settings if Windows 8.1 is running.
- Now tap on Update & Security for Windows 10 or click on Update & recovery for Windows 8.1.
- Within the left panel, select Recovery.
- In the right panel, under “Advanced starting,” click Restart now.
- Tap on Troubleshoot
- Then select Advanced Options.
- Restart can be chosen by clicking UEFI Firmware Settings. The BIOS will load into the computer when the computer boots.
- To find out which key to press to enter the BIOS if your computer doesn’t offer a UEFI settings option, search for your computer model.
- Choose the System Configuration or Configuration tab. Your keyboard’s arrow keys can be used for navigating, and Enter can be used to select items.
- Look for System Options or something similar if you can’t find an option with a name like it. It might be necessary to choose an Advanced menu first.
- Disable “Hotkey Mode” or “Action Keys.” Each manufacturer has a different name for this feature. When the feature is off, you can use the F1–F12 keys normally without needing to press the Fn key
Returning to these BIOS settings at any moment will turn this functionality back on.
- To save, press F10 and then Enter. By doing this, you can reboot into Windows and save your settings without having to hold down the Fn key in order to use the Fx keys.
Method 2: Changing Function Key Behavior on a Mac
Follow the steps below to do this.
- Select the Apple menu, It can be found in the screen’s upper left corner.
- Select System Preferences. On the menu, it’s near the top.
- Press Keyboard. It will be in the center of the window. This opens a tab that is also called “Keyboard” in the “Keyboard” window.
- The option to “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys” should be checked.
- When this box is selected, you can utilize the function keys F1 through F12 without pressing Fn.
- You can close the window by clicking the red circle at the top of it, and the modification will go into effect right away.
- Simply hold down the Fn key when you choose to employ one of the specific functions printed on the F1 to F12 keys.
Method 3 : Using Function Lock on a Windows PC
- On your keyboard, locate the Fn Lock key. The letter “Fn” plus a little lock icon are what the Fn Lock typically displays. It might share a key with others, such as Esc or Shift.
- Your keyboard’s Fn key should be pressed and held.
- Hold down Fn while pressing the Fn Lock key. Depending on the manufacturer’s original settings, the Fn key will no longer be required when you release your fingers to utilize the F1 through F12 keys normally or as hotkeys.
- By tapping those two keys once more, you can return to the default settings whenever you choose.
Method 4: Using the Num Lock Key on a Windows PC
On your keyboard, locate the Number Lock key. It might have a name like NumLk, Num Lock, or Num with an arrow pointing downward.
Usually, it can be found near your number pad or on another key as a secondary function.
You’ll need the Fn key only to operate the Num Lock key on a lot of contemporary smaller keyboards. This approach won’t work for you if your Num Lock key is paired with another key, such as F11.
Your keyboard’s Fn key should be pressed and held. Not yet, don’t move a finger.
Holding down Fn while pressing the Num lock key. You can remove both of your fingers from the keyboard after pressing the Num Lock key.
Fn should no longer be required in order to utilize the F1 through F12 function keys regularly, and vice versa.
If it doesn’t work, try simultaneously pressing the Fn, Num Lock, and Shift keys.
To restore the default Fn key configuration, press the key combination again.
Nonetheless, you might choose to purchase a generic keyboard and use that instead if you are unable to alter how the Fn key behaves using any of these techniques.
FAQ
What is Fn Lock on keyboard?
A PC-compatible keyboard’s FnLk, F-Lock key is a toggle key used to enable or disable the secondary functionalities of the F1 through F12 keys (hotkeys).
How Do I Turn Off The Fn Action Key In Windows 10?
To get to the System Configuration option, press the right or left arrow keys. Press the “enter” key to bring up the Enable / Disable menu after using the up-arrow or down-arrow keys to get to the Action Keys Mode option.
What is F1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6 f7 f8 f9 f10 f11 F12?
The F1 through F12 keys on a computer keyboard are known as the “function keys” or “F-keys” and have a specific purpose set out by the operating system or a running program. They can be used in conjunction with Alt or Ctrl.
How Do I Enable Function Keys?
Enabling FN Lock on the All in One Media Keyboard
Pressing the FN key and the Caps Lock key simultaneously on the All in One Media Keyboard will enable FN Lock. Press the FN key and the Caps Lock key simultaneously one more to turn off FN.
Why My Fn Key Is Not Working?
The majority of the time, pressing the Fn lock key by mistake causes the Fn keys to stop functioning.
It is simple to determine whether the Fn keys are locked because the Fn lock key also affects toggle keys like Caps Lock or Num Lock. Look for the Fn, F lock, or F Mode keys on your keyboard.
How Do I Change The Function Keys On My Keyboard?
Ensure your desired keyboard is connected. Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center can be accessed by first selecting the Start button.
Choose the key you want to reassign from the list of key names that is displayed.
Choose a command from the key’s command list before reassigning it.
How Do I Turn Off Function Keys In Chrome?
You must install the Shortkeys extension in Chrome in order to disable a keyboard shortcut.
In addition to configuring new shortcuts in Chrome, the extension also allows you to disable any shortcut you like.
Once the extension is installed, click the icon and choose Options from the context menu.
Conclusion
This article has shown how to how to disable function (Fn) key on windows. Once you have disabled yhr function key on Windows, your Fn key may be able to function independently.
If you have any questions regarding this, you can drop them in the comments section.