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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFn Lock decides what the top row of your keyboard does when you press a key alone. When it is on, F1 through F12 work as standard function keys and the printed hotkeys (volume, brightness, playback and similar) need the Fn key. When it is off, the printed hotkeys work by default and you hold Fn to reach F1 through F12. Turning Fn Lock off therefore means making the printed hotkeys the default, and the exact key or menu that does this depends on your brand and model. On many Lenovo and ASUS notebooks it is Fn+Esc, on many HP notebooks it is a BIOS setting called Action Keys Mode, and on the Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard it is Fn+Caps Lock.
Which control you are changing
Several names are used for related controls, and they do not all work the same way. Identify your control before pressing anything, because a shortcut that works on one laptop can do nothing on another. The table below summarizes the controls covered by the manufacturer instructions reviewed for this guide, which were checked in early October 2026.
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| Control name | Where it lives | What “on” means | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fn Lock (toggled with Fn+Esc) | Keyboard shortcut | F1–F12 work without Fn; printed hotkeys are disabled | Supported Lenovo systems running Windows 10 or 11; check the exact model |
| Function keys feature (Fn+Esc) | Keyboard shortcut | Listed by ASUS as “to enable or disable the function keys feature”; the on/off meaning is not spelled out in the same way | ASUS notebooks listed on its keyboard support page; operation can vary by software version |
| Action Keys Mode | BIOS/UEFI setup (System Configuration) | Enabled: printed actions work without Fn. Disabled: F1–F12 are the default and Fn is needed for printed actions | HP notebooks covered by HP’s Action Keys Mode procedure; some business and older models use different paths |
| Hotkey Mode | BIOS/UEFI setup (BIOS Configuration) | Not stated in the sources reviewed for every setting value | Some Lenovo systems; check the model’s manual |
| F Lock key | Dedicated key on the keyboard | Light off: alternate (printed) functions. Light on: standard F1–F12 | Microsoft keyboards that include an F Lock key |
| FN Lock (Fn+Caps Lock) | Keyboard shortcut | Toggles FN Lock on the accessory | Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard only; not a laptop control |
| Dell and Apple controls | Not stated | Not stated | The manufacturer instructions reviewed did not cover Dell or Apple; check their current support pages |
The practical rule is simple: decide which behavior you want by default, then use the control your brand documents for that behavior.
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- Press F5 or F11 on its own. If the screen changes brightness or volume, the printed hotkeys are the default and Fn Lock is off.
- If pressing a key alone gives F1 through F12 functions, Fn Lock is on and you must hold Fn for the printed actions.
- Look for a lock or status indicator. Lenovo describes an LED on the Esc key that shows the FnLock status on its newer IdeaPad guide. Some keyboards show a light on the F Lock key. Not every laptop has an indicator, so the behavior test above is the more reliable check.
Lenovo: Fn+Esc
Lenovo’s support article for Windows 10 and Windows 11 describes Fn+Esc as the way to enable Fn Lock, which disables hotkey functions and lets F1 through F12 work without holding Fn. Its newer IdeaPad Slim 5 user guide uses the same combination and says the Esc key has an LED that indicates status. Lenovo also explains that Fn Lock reverses the default and hidden function of a hotkey.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
- Press Fn+Esc once.
- Check the behavior test above: press F5 or F11 alone.
- If the hotkey now works alone, Fn Lock is off. If F1–F12 still act first, press Fn+Esc again.
Because the meaning of “on” depends on the keyboard mapping, read the key labels on your own keyboard rather than assuming that enabled always means standard F-key behavior.
ASUS: Fn+Esc
ASUS’s notebook keyboard support page lists Fn+Esc as the shortcut “to enable or disable the function keys feature.” The page was last updated 2025-06-02 according to the listing reviewed, and it notes that operations can differ by software version and may not suit every product in the category.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
If Fn+Esc does nothing on your ASUS laptop, find the exact model number and follow that model’s support instructions. Do not try shortcuts from other brands, because they can change settings you did not intend to change.
HP: Action Keys Mode in BIOS
HP documents the main route for Fn Lock as a BIOS setting. On HP notebooks covered by HP’s procedure, Action Keys Mode controls whether the top row performs printed actions by default. Enabled makes printed actions such as sound control work without Fn. Disabled makes F1 through F12 the standard commands, and you must hold Fn to use the printed action.
Rank #3
- A plug-and-play USB connection with Low-profile keys give you a quiet, comfortable typing experience
- Simple Wired USB Connection,You will enjoy a comfortable and quiet typing experience
- The keyboard for business and office working is the budget-friendly keyboard that is built for longer use
- Low profile keys for a more comfortable and quiet keystroke, desktop-centric design, splash resistant
To make the printed hotkeys the default, which is the Fn Lock off state, use this procedure:
- Shut the computer down completely.
- Turn it on and press F10 repeatedly until BIOS Setup opens.
- Choose System Configuration, then Action Keys Mode.
- Select Enabled.
- Press F10 to save and exit, then let the computer restart.
To return to standard F1–F12 keys by default, select Disabled in the same menu.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Alternate HP menu paths
HP documents other routes for some models. These are limited to the families named, so confirm your model before using them.
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- ProBook and EliteBook G5 models named in the HP instructions: Fn+left Shift toggles Fn mode.
- Older G1 business notebooks: the BIOS option may be labeled “Fn Key switch.”
Microsoft keyboards
Microsoft’s support article treats the Fn key and F Lock as separate things. On a keyboard with an F Lock key, pressing F Lock switches between standard and alternate commands. The light is off when the alternate functions are active and on when the standard F1–F12 functions are active. The Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard uses Fn+Caps Lock to turn FN Lock on or off. These accessory instructions apply to Microsoft keyboards and should not be applied to laptop keyboards.
Best Value
- The Lenovo 300 USB keyboard offers an intuitive and comfortable island key design with 2 5 zone layout including separate number pad
- This full-size keyboard includes concaved key caps fitted for your fingertips
- Spill resistant keys with a board drain help keep your PC keyboard protected and keep you productive
- The complete ergonomic design includes an adjustable tilt to improve your typing comfort
- OS independent – This convenient computer keyboard works with laptops desktops and any computer with a USB port
Dell and Apple
The manufacturer instructions reviewed for this guide did not include Dell or Apple procedures, so this article does not give a shortcut or menu path for those brands. Check the current support material for your specific model before changing a setting.
If the change does not take effect
- Nothing happens after Fn+Esc: confirm the model number and check that the shortcut is documented for that exact model. Brand guidance is not universal.
- The setting resets after restart: on HP notebooks, make sure you pressed F10 to save in BIOS Setup. Exiting without saving leaves the old value in place.
- The BIOS menu is missing the listed option: the label or path differs by product family and firmware. Use the section that matches your model, or consult the model’s manual.
- A Fn Lock key is present but the light does not match behavior: test the top row with F5 or F11 alone to see what the keys actually do.
Sources and dates
This guide draws on Lenovo’s Windows 10 and 11 support article and its IdeaPad Slim 5 user guide, ASUS’s notebook keyboard support page (last updated 2025-06-02), HP’s BIOS and Action Keys Mode documentation, and Microsoft’s support article on F Lock and the All-in-One Media Keyboard. The HP and Microsoft pages did not show a publication date in the versions reviewed. Manufacturer instructions change, so check your model’s current support page if a step does not match what you see.
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