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 .

How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11
Hardware and Sound in Control Panel

3. Click Windows Mobility Center .

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

How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11
Multimedia key in Windows Mobility Center

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 .

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

3. Select Restart now .

How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11
Restart now button in Windows Settings

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.
How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11
Click Restart now

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 .

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

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

4. Select Hotkey Mode and click Enabled or Disabled .

How to change the function of the Fn key on Windows 10 and 11
Enable or disable Hotkey Mode

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.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Microsoft stops supporting Windows Remote Desktop app, moves to new Windows app

Microsoft stops supporting Windows Remote Desktop app, moves to new Windows app

Microsoft has made an important announcement for customers using the Remote Desktop for Windows app from the Microsoft Store. On May 27, 2025, this app will be officially discontinued and removed from the Microsoft Store.

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

With a constant stream of notifications and alerts on your Windows 11 laptop, staying focused becomes a challenge. So take control and customize your notifications to suit your needs.

Windows 12: Expected price, release date, specs, and more rumors

Windows 12: Expected price, release date, specs, and more rumors

Windows 12 is a potential future update to the Windows operating system. It is expected to be released in 2024, although there has been no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

5 Easy Ways to Fix nvlddmkm.sys Error in Windows 10

5 Easy Ways to Fix nvlddmkm.sys Error in Windows 10

The nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error (also known as Video TDR Failure error) has been occurring to many Windows users, most of whom also happen to be using Nvidia GPUs.

3 Ways to Enable Telnet in Windows 10 & 11

3 Ways to Enable Telnet in Windows 10 & 11

You can enable Telnet on Windows 10 and 11 computers through the Command Prompt tool or the graphical user interface (GUI).

How to Customize DLNA Media Streaming Settings on Windows 10/11

How to Customize DLNA Media Streaming Settings on Windows 10/11

This guide will show you how to customize DLNA Media Streaming settings for your account on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to delete last camera access history on Windows 11

How to delete last camera access history on Windows 11

If an app has accessed your camera, it will show you the last time it accessed it. Here's how to find out when it last accessed your camera on Windows 11.

3 Ways to Remove the Green Check Mark on Windows Desktop Icons

3 Ways to Remove the Green Check Mark on Windows Desktop Icons

The green checkmarks on your Windows desktop icons show sync status with cloud services – usually Microsoft OneDrive since it’s built into Windows. While useful, these can be distracting.

How to sync Windows 11 clipboard across multiple computers

How to sync Windows 11 clipboard across multiple computers

With Windows 11 clipboard sync, you can instantly move images, links, and text between your PC, Windows laptop, or even your Android phone.

How to add Control Panel to Windows 11 context menu

How to add Control Panel to Windows 11 context menu

Accessing Control Panel on Windows 11 is extremely simple, but this article will guide you to add Control Panel to the Windows 11 context menu.

How to display full date and time on Windows 11 Taskbar

How to display full date and time on Windows 11 Taskbar

Recent Windows updates have changed the way the condensed date and time is displayed. If your computer is experiencing this, follow the article below to display the full date and time on the Windows 11 Taskbar.

Microsoft starts forcing users to update to Windows 11 24H2 version

Microsoft starts forcing users to update to Windows 11 24H2 version

Windows 11 version 24H2 — the only major Windows 11 update in 2024 — has been out for a few months and is slowly stabilizing.

Microsoft explains why it blocked Windows 11 24H2 on some Asus PCs

Microsoft explains why it blocked Windows 11 24H2 on some Asus PCs

The issue was first reported when users reported that some PCs were unable to complete the update and encountered a blue screen of death (BSOD) error.

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Although Microsoft promotes Windows 11 as the future of computing, many people have recently downgraded to Windows 10 on their main PCs. Here's why it might actually be worth it to go back to an older operating system.

How to get the newly released Windows 11 24H2 update

How to get the newly released Windows 11 24H2 update

Windows 11 is expected to receive two notable major updates this year.