Fix function keys not working in Windows 10

The Fn function keys give you a quicker and easier way to control some hardware features. Using the Fn keys, you can adjust screen brightness, speaker volume, or turn airplane mode on and off, among other things.

But sometimes these keys stop working and now you have to open Action Center or Settings every time you need to adjust your computer settings. If this happens to you, the following guide from WebTech360 will help you fix the problem.

1. Make sure the Fn keys are not locked

In most cases, the Fn keys stop working because someone accidentally pressed the Fn lock key . The Fn lock key also affects other keys like Caps Lock or Num Lock , so it's easy to figure out if the Fn keys are locked.

On your keyboard, look for the Fn, F lock , or F Mode key . Depending on your laptop, you may need to press it once or hold it for a few seconds. If that doesn't work, press the Fn and Esc keys at the same time.

Then try using one of the function keys.

2. Check the keyboard

If certain Fn keys still work, it could be a sign that your keyboard needs cleaning . If you don't clean it regularly, your keyboard can collect a lot of dust and prevent the keys from working properly. If you're knowledgeable enough, you can clean your laptop yourself , as long as you have the right tools.

Additionally, if you have an external keyboard connected to your computer, try these quick fixes:

• Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard.
• For Bluetooth keyboards , remove the batteries, wait a few minutes, and reconnect.
• Connect the keyboard to another computer and check if the Fn keys are working.

3. Run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter

On older versions of Windows, you may have accessed the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter through Control Panel . Here's how you can do that:

Step 1 : In the Start menu search bar, type command prompt and select the best match.

Step 2 : Enter:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 3 : Press Enter.

Step 4 : This will bring up the Hardware and Device troubleshooter . On this window, click Next to start the troubleshooting process.

4. Run the Keyboard troubleshooter

If the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter isn’t enough to fix the problem and get your Fn keys working again, there’s another Windows tool you can use. This time, you can access it through Settings.

Step 1 : Open Settings and go to Update & Security .

Step 2 : From the left, select Troubleshoot.

Step 3 : Click Additional troubleshooters.

Step 4 : From Find and fix other problems , click Keyboard > Run the troubleshooter .

5. Turn off Filter Keys feature

In Windows, the Filter Keys feature is designed to stop repeated keystrokes. However, disabling Filter Keys can have a positive effect on the functionality of the Fn keys.

Step 1 : Open Control Panel .

Step 2 : Go to View by and select Large Icons and Small icons .

Step 3 : Click Ease of Access Center .

Step 4 : From the Explore all settings list , select Make the keyboard easier to use .

Step 5 : Go to Make it easier to type section and uncheck the Turn on Filter Keys option .

Step 6 : Click Apply > OK to save the new changes.

6. Update keyboard driver

It is possible that the Fn keys stop working due to an outdated, corrupted, or malfunctioning driver. In this case, updating the keyboard driver should fix the problem. Refer to part 4 of the article: Fix Keyboard Not Working on Windows 10 for detailed instructions on how to do this.

If you want to download the keyboard driver from the manufacturer's website, make sure to choose the correct driver for your version of Windows and processor type. Otherwise, it will lead to more problems.

Here is a list of quick and easy solutions to fix function keys not working in Windows 10.

Good luck with your troubleshooting!