The Tool Desk
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What changes when you switch Fn behavior?
Many keyboards assign two actions to the top row: standard F1–F12 commands and secondary actions printed on the keys, such as volume or brightness. Changing the default determines which action happens when you press a top-row key by itself. The other action may still be available by holding Fn.
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Check which behavior you want before changing a setting. If you want an application’s F-key command when you press a key alone, make standard F1–F12 the primary action. If you want the printed icons to work without Fn, select the hotkey or action-key behavior instead.
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- Look across the keyboard for a key marked Fn Lock, an Fn symbol with a lock, or a manufacturer-documented Fn Lock shortcut.
- Use the shortcut only if the manual or support page for your exact model confirms it. For ASUS notebooks covered by its guidance, Fn + Esc toggles the function-keys feature; ASUS warns that keyboard operation can differ by product and software version (ASUS keyboard guidance, updated 2025-06-02).
- Press a top-row key by itself and check whether the desired action now runs. If not, consult your model’s instructions rather than trying combinations at random.
Fn Lock behavior is not consistent across all keyboards. For example, Dell’s service manual describes Fn Lock on the Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme, where activating it makes the secondary top-row functions the default. That model-specific behavior should not be assumed for other Dell laptops (Dell Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme service manual).
#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
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Change the setting in BIOS or UEFI
If your keyboard has no applicable shortcut, check your computer maker’s instructions for entering BIOS/UEFI. Look under sections such as Keyboard or System Configuration for a setting named Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode or Function Key Behavior. The menu location and what Enabled or Disabled means vary by maker and model.
- Find the support page or manual for your complete computer model and follow its instructions to open BIOS/UEFI.
- Locate the function-key or hotkey setting. Read the on-screen description or model-specific instructions to determine which choice makes F1–F12 the primary action.
- Save the change and restart if prompted.
- Test a standard F-key command in the application where you need it. If the result is wrong, return to the setting, restore the previous value and check the model-specific guidance.
HP notebooks
HP documents Action Keys Mode in BIOS Setup for many notebooks. In the documented setting, Enabled lets the printed action-key functions work without Fn; Disabled requires Fn for those printed actions, leaving standard function-key behavior as the primary action. HP gives a general route through BIOS Setup and System Configuration but notes different menus for some ProBook, EliteBook and other notebook generations. Follow the route for your model (HP Notebook PCs Fn and action-key guidance).
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
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- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Lenovo laptops
Lenovo describes a BIOS Hotkey Mode for applicable Lenovo- and Think-branded products, including ideapad and ThinkPad families. The setting’s enabled or disabled state determines whether hotkeys or standard F-keys take priority; check the instructions for your exact model. Lenovo also notes that Hotkey Mode may not be available on some devices and recommends checking the product support page for BIOS updates if the option is missing (Lenovo function-key guidance for Windows 10 and 11).
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Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
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- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
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Rank #3
- 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 the F-keys still do not behave as expected
- Confirm the exact device: Find its full make and model, then use that model’s manual or support page. A setting documented for another generation or product family may not exist on yours.
- Check which keyboard you are using: An external keyboard may have its own Fn or F Lock behavior, separate from the laptop’s built-in keyboard. Microsoft’s accessory guidance explains F Lock on keyboards that have that key and specifies Fn + Caps Lock for its All-in-One Media Keyboard; that shortcut is accessory-specific (Microsoft keyboard and alternate-command guidance).
- Do not look for a universal Windows toggle: The cited guidance points to the keyboard, a manufacturer-specific control or BIOS/UEFI rather than a Windows-wide Fn setting. Fn behavior varies by keyboard implementation; Microsoft Learn Q&A offers corroborating user-support context, not a device specification (Microsoft Learn Q&A).
- Restore a change that does not help: If a shortcut or BIOS setting produces the wrong default, undo the change and consult the support page for your exact model. Avoid applying instructions for a different model.
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