How do I lock and unlock the FN key? Function keys are special keys to perform system-related tasks instantly without going anywhere in settings or the control panel, or no combination of different keys is required to perform the desired system task. On the keyboards of laptops and keyboards used with desktops or PCs, the topmost row is referred to as the Function keys row, which has 12 special task keys labeled as F1 to F12.
These keys act as shortcuts for performing particular tasks, including saving files, maximizing or minimizing web browsers, and refreshing the page.
The function performed by these FN keys can be different in different operating systems or some special application software.
Typically, standard operations that are served by these function keys are pre-defined and specific. Like the F1 key is used as the “Help” key. In the Windows Operating System, in an open and active window, you press the F1 key, which helps you.
Same as the F2 key is used to rename any selected object, file, icon or shortcut, etc. At the same time, it is also used to enter in BIOS setup when pressed at the time of starting a laptop or computer.
F3 is used to open the search option on the Windows desktop. Similarly, combinations of F3, Ctrl, or Shift keys perform other tasks.
Additional Functions of Function keys
Nowadays, standard function keys are also used for additional functions required for the routine working of users.
These other functions are increasing or decreasing screen brightness, increasing or decreasing the volume of sound, power usage like sleep, on or off Wi-Fi, keyboard backlit control, and others.
Sometimes, when these standard function keys perform dual-task, these keys are called Action keys and function keys. The action of every key is also printed on every key, along with labeling the respective function key.
Lock Function key
Locking the function key is the procedure of changing the functionality of Function keys to its original task. Because, by default, these keys performed their additional action instead of the default function. Two methods are used to lock the function key, described below.
‘Fn’ key
A unique key is provided on almost all laptops’ keyboards, labeled as ‘Fn.’ This key is used independently and with a combination of different other keys. This ‘Fn’ is present mainly on the left lower corner of the keyboard between the “Ctrl” and the windows key. As shown below pic.
Effortlessly, by pressing and holding this ‘Fn’ key on the keyboard, function keys become locked, which can be pressed to perform the default task. This way is used in most of the keyboards of laptops.
In another way, an additional key labeled “Fn Lock” is given along with the ‘Fn’ key. Both keys are pressed simultaneously to lock the function key. In many keyboards, the left shift or Caps Lock key is designated as the “Fn Lock” key. For reference, you can see the below pic.
In some other keyboards, a dedicated ‘Fn Lock’ key is provided to toggle between locking and un-licking function keys, as shown in the below image.
In the following pic, the Esc key is used as the secondary task of “Fn Lock.” By pressing and holding the ‘Fn key’ this “Fn Lock” is pressed to lock the function keys. While to unlock, press and hold the ‘Fn key” and press the Esc key.
Other than these few ways to lock the function keys of the keyboard, in some machines, different critical combinations of “Fn key” are also used. The public keys of keyboards, including Ctrl, Shift, Alt, or even Caps Lock, are used in these combinations.
These were the different ways to lock the Function key of the keyboard by using the ‘Fn key.’ Now I will tell you the procedure of locking and un-lock function keys from BIOS, also known as firmware, and is present in the ROM of a laptop or PC.
Basic-Input-Output-System is the manufacturer’s program to control the hardware configurations and settings, including the keyboard.
Function key lock/un-lock from BIOS.
For the settings of your keyboard from BIOS, restart your laptop. When the logo screen appears on the monitor, press any key like F1, F2, F10, Esc, or Delete key, or some manufacturer uses a combination of different keys, including Ctrl and Alt. These keys are other in various companies’ laptops and PCs.
After entering the BIOS setup, you will see different menus, including Main, Settings, Exit, etc. The menu, which contains the keyboard’s settings, can also be changed to a different laptop model.
Mostly it is available in the Settings Menu or Advanced Menu of BIOS setup. Either Settings or Advance; when you enter that menu, there will be an option that controls this feature, and you are required to change it. Below is the screenshot from which you can easily understand this procedure.
In laptops of HP, the words to this operation are changed. These function keys are referred to as “Action keys” there, and you can Enable or Disable their properties after entering the BIOS settings of hp laptops. The screenshot is given below for a better understanding.
In the case of Windows 8 or Windows 10
Microsoft uses a new interface to perform the system settings instead of traditional BIOS settings. That interface is called Unified Extendable Firmware Interface, abbreviated as UEFI. If you want to enter this interface, restart your machine while pressing the SHIFT key.
When your machine gets restarted, it directly takes you to the UEFI menu, where you can change your required settings.
These are the different methods by which you can control the functionality of these special keys available on your keyboard, which are called various names, including Action Keys, Tasks Keys, or Multimedia keys, along with their generic name of Function keys according to their behavior.
