How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11

The function keys at the top of the keyboard act as shortcuts to control certain hardware features. For example, if you want to turn on the backlit keyboard, they allow you to do so with a single key press without having to do the same through Windows.

By default, these keys can only be used when you press the dedicated Fn key along with them. However, you can customize this setting, along with many others, to suit your needs. Here are the different ways you can modify the settings for your Windows 10 and 11 function keys.

1. How to change Fn key settings using Windows Mobility Center on Dell computers

The easiest way to change the function keys is to modify the settings in Windows Mobility Center. However, this method will only work for Dell devices.

Here's how to do it:

1. Type Windows Mobility Center in Windows search and click Open .

2. Alternatively, launch Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound section .

3. Click Windows Mobility Center .

4. In the next window, find the Fn key row section and expand the drop-down list below.

5. If you want to select F keys for basic functions, select Function key .

6. Select Multimedia key if you want to use the F keys to perform functions that normally require pressing the Fn key.

If you have other devices, you may find similar options in your system or keyboard settings. You can also search the manufacturer's official website for information on such customizations.

2. How to modify function key settings in BIOS

You can also make changes directly in the BIOS , helping the operating system and hardware load properly.

The steps to access BIOS may vary from device to device . Below, the article will discuss the steps to access BIOS and make the desired changes on HP and Acer machines. If you own a different device, it is best to visit the manufacturer's website and look for the steps to access BIOS there.

Follow these steps if you have an HP device:

1. First, turn off your PC.
2. Now reboot your device and keep pressing F10 key. This will successfully boot BIOS.
3. Navigate to System Configuration menu > Action Keys Mode .
4. Use the Enter key to turn features on or off.
5. Click Exit to save the changes.

Similarly, if you have an Acer device, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the F2 key and the Power button at the same time .
2. Once you reach the BIOS screen, go to the System Configuration menu and press Enter in the Action Keys Mode option.
3. Select the desired mode and press Exit.

3. How to change function key settings using UEFI settings

If you can't boot into BIOS for some reason, try changing the Fn keys using UEFI settings. UEFI is essentially the same thing as BIOS, as it offers a lot of additional and more powerful features.

Here's how you can boot into UEFI Settings if you're a Windows 10 user:

1. Press the Win + I keys to open Windows Settings .

2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery .

3. Select Restart now .

If you are a Windows 11 user, follow these steps:

1. Press the Win + S key combination to open the Windows Search utility.
2. Type Recovery in the search field and select Recovery options from the list of available options.
3. Finally, click on Restart now which is associated with Advanced startup.

Once you have booted into the Windows Recovery Environment using these steps, continue with the following steps:

1. In the next window, select Troubleshoot .

2. Click UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart .

3. In the following window, go to the Configuration tab .

4. Select Hotkey Mode and click Enabled or Disabled .

5. Click Save and then click Exit  to log out of BIOS.

How to enable Fn lock

If you don't want to press the Fn key every time you want to enable/disable any of the 12 functions, you can turn on Fn lock. With this feature, the Fn key will always be held on the keyboard and you will be able to use any function key without having to press the Fn key first.

On most keyboards, Fn lock is mapped to the Esc key, but your device may be different. Typically, these keys have a lock icon on them. You can use the manufacturer's website to find it on your device if you can't find a key with a lock icon.

Once you find it, hold the Fn key and press the lock key to enable the feature. You can follow the same steps to disable it in the future.

Function keys are great for improving productivity and efficiency. With the right techniques, you can get the most out of them. Hopefully, following the steps above will allow you to modify the function key settings to suit your needs. It is also important to note that none of the methods outlined above will make permanent changes to your system, so you can always revert the changes if you want.