Function keys are a set of keys (F1 to F12) located at the top of the keyboard that perform specific actions depending on the operating system or application being used. They provide quick access to common tasks, improving speed, efficiency, and ease of use while working on a computer.
Location
The function key row is usually located at the top of a laptop keyboard, as F1 to F12 keys. However, on smaller laptops, a dedicated function key row may not be present due to limited space. In such cases, function keys are combined with other keys and used as secondary functions. If a laptop does not have a separate function row, keys with F1 to F12 labels are used in combination with the Fn key to access their function key features.
Explore our Comprehensive Guide to Computer Shortcut Keys, where we cover a wide range of shortcuts, including Windows, Linux, Excel, Gmail, YouTube, and many more.
Enabling Fn Keys
To enable or configure Fn keys, restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Navigate to the System Configuration or Keyboard Settings section, where you will find an option called Action Keys Mode or Function Key Behavior. From here, you can enable or disable the Fn key behavior based on your preference.
When Action Keys Mode is enabled, function keys (F1 to F12) perform special actions like volume control or brightness adjustment by default. If it is disabled, the keys will act as standard function keys, and you will need to press the Fn key along with them to use their original functions. Choosing the appropriate setting helps you use function keys more efficiently based on your needs.
Use of Keyboard Function Keys (F1 – F12)
Function keys (F1–F12) on the keyboard are used to perform specific shortcut actions that improve speed, efficiency, and ease of working across different applications and system tasks.
F1 Key
F1 key is used to open help center. If you are using keyboard of your computer, then only pressing F1 will work, but if you are using your laptop keyboard then pressing Function key (FN) with F1 will open help center. With this help center, if you want to know about any software or application or anything you can get help from there.
F2 Key
F2 key is used to rename folder or file. If you want to change name of folder, then you don't have to right-click on it, and then find rename option. You can simply click F2, and it will work properly. This function key will save time of use.
Alt + Ctrl + F2 command opens document window in Microsoft Office. In Microsoft office Ctrl + F2 displays print preview window. In Microsoft excel Alt + F2 opens ‘Save As’ window. Shift + F2 add comment box in Microsoft Excel.
F3 Key
F3 key is used to search application on computer or laptop. If you are doing it on your laptop, then pressing function key (FN) and F3 together will work. It will take you to search box where you can search application.
Another use of F3 is that if you want to search text while using web browser, then also this key is used to search text. In Microsoft Word, Shift + F3 transform text from upper case to lower case or all capital letters.
F4 Key
F4 key does not work alone. Pressing only F4 will not work whether it is on computer or laptop. Pressing Alt + F4 together works to close current application which is open on screen. Also, pressing both keys together while on desktop screen, then there shut down, restart option appears.
Alt + F4 used to close current window. If no program is open, it shutdown dialog box. Ctrl + F4 used to close active window.
F5 Key
F5 key is used to refresh screen. When you want to refresh screen, you have to go to desktop screen and then click refresh button, but F5 will simply do this work. Going to web browser, you want to refresh that website or that screen, F5 will refresh that. This will save time of user.
F6 Key
F6 key is used to decrease volume if you are using this on laptop. If you are searching on web browser, and want to jump to any URL, then F6 will work. In Microsoft word, Ctrl + F6 toggles between various documents
F7 Key
F7 key is used basically in MS Office apps like PowerPoint, excel to find grammar mistakes in it. In Microsoft Office, Shift + F7 opens Research window.
F8 Key
F8 key is used to go in safe mode. For example, if you are starting your laptop, then pressing F8 there will help you to go in safe mode. If you are using this key on word, then all text in word will be selected.
F9 Key
F9 key alone has no work in Windows. It is basically used in MS Word with Alt and Shift. In Microsoft Word, Ctrl + F9 and Alt + F9 build mail merge document.
F10 Key
F10 key also does not have any use in Windows. It is used in MS Word with Shift. Pressing these both keys together, shortcut menu appears on screen. Shift + F10 used to open up the menu window, similar to right-click on mouse.
F11 Key
F11 key is used for full screen. If you want to use your browser then open that browser and press F11, for full-screen mode and can be get back to original screen by pressing ESC.
Shift + F11 adds a new sheet in Microsoft Excel, Ctrl + F11 used to add new macro to the workbook. In MS Office program Alt + F11 invokes Microsoft Visual Basic window.
F12 Key
When pressed, without FN key on laptop, then laptop will go in flight mode. F12 key basically does not have any use on computers. It is used in MS Word. When pressed, it automatically shows dialog box to save file.
In MS Office, Shift + Ctrl + F12 open Print window. Ctrl + F12 used to open a document in MS Office So, these are basic functions of every function key.