Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Fn (Function) key is a modifier that selects a second command printed on another key—usually a laptop’s volume, brightness, media, display, or keyboard-lighting control. Hold Fn while pressing the marked key, unless your keyboard is configured to make that action the default.
What does “Fn” mean?
Fn is short for Function. It is not one of the numbered function keys: F1 through F12. Instead, it changes what another key does. The keyboard’s firmware, hardware, BIOS/UEFI settings, and manufacturer software usually manage this layer, so Fn is not a universal Windows command.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like Shift, Ctrl, and Alt, Fn is used with another key. Unlike those keys, a laptop keyboard often processes Fn internally rather than sending a separate, ordinary “Fn” keystroke to the operating system.
Where is the Fn key?
On most laptops it is in the lower-left area, near Ctrl, the Windows key, or Alt. Some keyboards place it on the right side. Apple keyboards usually label it fn or show a Globe symbol near the lower-left corner. Compact external keyboards can put it almost anywhere, so use the printed label and the keyboard’s manual rather than assuming a fixed position. HP’s keyboard guidance illustrates how placement and behavior vary by model.
#1 Best Overall
- Brilliant Color Illumination- With 11 unique backlights, choose the perfect ambiance for any mood. Adjust light speed and brightness among 5 levels for a comfortable environment, day or night. The double injection ABS keycaps ensure clear backlight and precise typing. From late-night tasks to immersive gaming, our mechanical keyboard enhances every experience
- Support Macro Editing: The K671 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard can be macro editing, you can remap the keys function, set shortcuts, or combine multiple key functions in one key to get more efficient work and gaming. The LED Backlit Effects also can be adjusted by the software（note: the color can not be changed）
- Hot-swappable Linear Red Switch- Our K671 gaming keyboard features red switch, which requires less force to press down and the keys feel smoother and easier to use. It's best for rpgs and mmo, imo games. You will get 4 spare switches and two red keycaps to exchange the key switch when it does not work.
- Full keys Anti-ghosting- All keys can work simultaneously, easily complete any combining functions without conflicting keys. 12 multimedia key shortcuts allow you to quickly access to calculator/media/volume control/email
- Professional After-Sales Service- We provide every Redragon customer with 24-Month Warranty , Please feel free to contact us when you meet any problem. We will spare no effort to provide the best service to every customer
What does the Fn key do?
Look at the symbols printed on the top row and other keys. A key can have both a standard command and a device command.
| Key layer | Typical examples |
|---|---|
| Standard function | F1–F12 commands interpreted by the operating system or an application |
| Secondary device action | Brightness, mute, volume, play/pause, previous or next track, display switching, airplane mode, keyboard lighting, touchpad, webcam, microphone, sleep, or screen controls |
| Other compact-keyboard actions | Numeric-keypad emulation, Home, End, Page Up, Insert, Print Screen, or Scroll Lock |
The icon is the best guide. A sun commonly indicates brightness and a speaker indicates volume, but the location and exact shortcut differ among models.
Fn versus F1–F12
F1–F12 are standard function keys. Their meaning is application-dependent: F1 often opens Help where an application supports it, but a program may assign another command or no command at all. Fn changes the layer used by another key.
For example, a sun icon may be printed on F5. On one laptop, F5 alone changes brightness and Fn+F5 sends ordinary F5. On another, F5 alone sends ordinary F5 and Fn+F5 changes brightness. Microsoft describes these dual-purpose keys as alternate commands; Lenovo likewise documents separate standard and hidden hotkey functions. Microsoft’s explanation and Lenovo’s FnLock documentation cover the distinction.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connection Keyboard: AULA F75 Pro wireless mechanical keyboards work with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB wired connection, can connect up to five devices at the same time, and easily switch by shortcut keys or side button. F75 Pro computer keyboard is suitable for PC, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, PS, XBOX etc, to meet all the needs of users. In addition, the rechargeable keyboard is equipped with a 4000mAh large-capacity battery, which has long-lasting battery life
- Hot-swap Custom Keyboard: This custom mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable base supports 3-pin or 5-pin switches replacement. Even keyboard beginners can easily DIY there own keyboards without soldering issue. F75 Pro gaming keyboards equipped with pre-lubricated stabilizers and LEOBOG reaper switches, bring smooth typing feeling and pleasant creamy mechanical sound, provide fast response for exciting game
- Advanced Structure and PCB Single Key Slotting: This thocky heavy mechanical keyboard features a advanced structure, extended integrated silicone pad, and PCB single key slotting, better optimizes resilience and stability, making the hand feel softer and more elastic. Five layers of filling silencer fills the gap between the PCB, the positioning plate and the shaft,effectively counteracting the cavity noise sound of the shaft hitting the positioning plate, and providing a solid feel
- 16.8 Million RGB Backlit: F75 Pro light up led keyboard features 16.8 million RGB lighting color. With 16 pre-set lighting effects to add a great atmosphere to the game. And supports 10 cool music rhythm lighting effects with driver. Lighting brightness and speed can be adjusted by the knob or the FN + key combination. You can select the single color effect as wish. And you can turn off the backlight if you do not need it
- Professional Gaming Keyboard: No matter the outlook, the construction, or the function, F75 Pro mechanical keyboard is definitely a professional gaming keyboard. This 81-key 75% layout compact keyboard can save more desktop space while retaining the necessary arrow keys for gaming. Additionally, with the multi-function knob, you can easily control the backlight and Media. Keys macro programmable, you can customize the function of single key or key combination function through F75 driver to increase the probability of winning the game and improve the work efficiency. N key rollover, and supports WIN key lock to prevent accidental touches in intense games
How to use the Fn key
- Find the key carrying the desired icon.
- Press and hold Fn.
- Press the icon-marked key.
- Release both keys and check the result.
Thus, if a speaker icon is printed on F2, Fn+F2 may mute or unmute the computer. It is only an example: Fn+F2 has no universal meaning, and your keyboard may already be in a mode where the icon works without Fn.
What is Fn Lock?
Fn Lock changes which layer is used by default. With one state, F1–F12 may send standard function keys and Fn selects the icons. With the other, the icons work with one press and Fn selects F1–F12. Holding Fn changes one keypress; Fn Lock changes the default until you toggle it again. Lenovo describes FnLock as switching the default and hidden functions of the hotkey row.
This is a workflow preference, not normally a fault. Choose action-first mode for frequent volume and brightness changes, or function-first mode if your work in spreadsheets, development tools, games, or other software depends on direct F1–F12 shortcuts.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to turn Fn Lock on or off
There is no universal shortcut. Use an FnLock symbol, your model’s manual, BIOS/UEFI, or the manufacturer’s utility.
Rank #3
- The Keychron C2 (non-backlight version) is a 104 keys full size wired retro color keycaps mechanical keyboard made for Mac and Windows. Engineered to maximize your productivity with most popular full size layout with number pad.
- With a layout optimized for Mac, the C2 has all necessary multimedia and function keys (Num Lock works with Windows only), while compatible with Windows, and comes with a dedicated Siri or Cortana key. Extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows operating systems are included.
- Designed with reliability in mind, the C2 comes with USB Type-C wired connection with a braid cable, which ensures a constant power supply, and best to fit home and light gaming. Inclined bottom frame and 2 level adjustable feet (6˚ & 9˚) makes the C2 more comfortable to type.
- The pre-installed tactile Keychron switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke durable lifespan.
- Outfitted the C2 Non-Backlight version with retro-inspired color scheme looks as good in the office as it does in the game room.
| Keyboard or computer | Documented method | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo | Press Fn+Esc when Esc carries the FnLock symbol. | Model-dependent; not every Lenovo keyboard supports this shortcut. Lenovo documentation |
| Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard | Press Fn+Caps Lock. | This applies to that keyboard’s documented design, not every Microsoft keyboard. Microsoft Support |
| Microsoft Surface keyboards and Type Covers | Use Fn or the key’s indicated Fn-lock state to access the alternate top-row behavior. | Exact indicators and behavior vary by Surface accessory. Surface keyboard guidance |
| Supported HP notebooks | Change System Configuration → Action Keys Mode in BIOS Setup. | Menu availability varies by model and firmware. |
| Other laptops and external keyboards | Check the printed lock icon, manual, BIOS/UEFI, or vendor utility. | Do not assume Fn+Esc will work. |
HP: change Action Keys Mode in BIOS
- Shut down the notebook.
- Turn it on and immediately press F10 repeatedly to open BIOS Setup.
- Open System Configuration and select Action Keys Mode.
- Choose Enabled for the printed action without Fn, or Disabled for direct F1–F12 with Fn required for the printed action.
- Press F10 to save and restart.
These labels and steps are documented for supported HP models at HP Support; another HP model may use different firmware.
Mac keyboards
On a Mac, the top row commonly controls brightness, Mission Control, media, or other macOS features. The key may read fn or show a Globe. Hold Fn/Globe with a top-row key to use its standard F1–F12 behavior, as Apple explains in its Mac User Guide. macOS also offers a keyboard setting for making standard function keys primary; the wording and location can change between macOS releases, so check the Keyboard settings for your installed version.
Why are my F1–F12 keys doing the “wrong” thing?
A changed function-row mode is often the explanation, not a broken keyboard. Work through this sequence:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Press the key by itself, then repeat it with Fn, and note which layer responds.
- Look for an Fn-lock indicator on Esc, Caps Lock, or another key.
- Try the model-specific toggle printed on the keyboard or stated in its manual.
- Test the key in another application. A standard function key may appear inactive when the current program has no command assigned.
- Check BIOS/UEFI and the manufacturer’s hotkey or keyboard utility.
- If only an external keyboard is affected, check that keyboard’s Windows/Mac, media, or function mode.
- Restart and test again, especially after docking, a firmware update, or connecting a new keyboard.
- Consult the exact model guide if the behavior remains unchanged.
Common symptoms and what they suggest
- Fn+Esc did nothing: the keyboard may use another shortcut or require BIOS/UEFI or vendor software.
- Icons work but F1–F12 do not: action-key mode may be active, or the application may not use that function key.
- Keys work in Windows but not during startup: firmware and operating-system layers can use different defaults; follow the computer’s manual.
- Fn is absent from a key tester: this can be normal when the keyboard handles Fn internally rather than emitting it as a regular key.
- Behavior changed after an update: firmware, hotkey software, or operating-system changes can alter vendor-defined actions. Lenovo notes that associated applications and OS updates may affect hotkeys; see its user guide.
Fn key, F-Lock, and remapping
Fn Lock is the laptop or compact-keyboard mode that swaps the default top-row layer. F-Lock is Microsoft’s name for a related toggle on some desktop keyboards. They solve a similar problem but are not guaranteed to use the same hardware or shortcut. Microsoft documents F Lock and alternate commands at Microsoft Support; Lenovo discusses the naming distinction at Lenovo’s glossary.
Rank #4
- 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
- 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
- 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
- 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
- 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use
Software remappers can usually change the F-key event that reaches the operating system, but they may not be able to treat a laptop’s Fn layer as an ordinary remappable key. External keyboards may provide their own hardware modes instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Fn work on an external keyboard?
Usually, yes, when the keyboard was designed with an Fn layer. Its mode is independent of the laptop’s built-in keyboard: a compact keyboard can be in Windows, Mac, media, or function-key mode while the computer itself is unchanged. Check the external keyboard’s legends and manual. Adding one will not change a damaged laptop keyboard’s built-in Fn behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use F1–F12 without holding Fn?
Yes, if standard function keys are the default. Otherwise, toggle Fn Lock or the manufacturer’s Action Keys setting, when supported.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIs Fn the same as Ctrl or Shift?
It is similar in that it modifies another key, but its implementation is usually keyboard-specific and may be handled before the operating system receives a key event.
Best Value
- Tactile Quiet mechanical key switches with a satisfying tactile bump you feel - for precise feedback, reactive key reset, and less noise so your typing doesn't disturb those around you
- Low-profile keys, more comfort: A keyboard layout designed for effortless precision, with a full-size form factor and low-profile mechanical switches for better ergonomics
- Smart illumination: Backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach the cordless keyboard and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions
- Faster workflow, more customization: Customize Fn keys, assign backlighting effects, enable Flow cross-computer, multi-device control, and more in the improved Logi Options+ (1)
- Multi-device, multi-OS: Pair MX Mechanical Bluetooth wireless keyboard with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt receiver(2)
Why does Fn+Esc work on one laptop but not another?
Fn-lock shortcuts are designed by the manufacturer and model family. Fn+Esc is documented for some Lenovo keyboards, not as a universal standard.
Why do function keys behave differently in games or Excel?
The application can intercept or ignore a standard function-key event. Test the same key in another program before changing firmware or keyboard settings.
How do I restore the original behavior?
Turn off the active Fn-lock state, restore the documented BIOS/UEFI setting, or use the model’s keyboard utility. If you cannot identify the model-specific control, consult its manual rather than trying random shortcuts.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
