Keyboards have an entire row of keys at the top, above the number keys, that are actually labeled F1 to F12. These keys are present on practically all keyboards regardless if they are for Macs or PCs. These keys actually perform two different functions. As Fn keys, they have a separate action and as a secondary action, they control the volume, brightness, music playback, etc. In this article, we are going to talk about How Do I Lock and Unlock the Fn Key – Tutorial. Let’s begin!
On a PC, the default function of the Fn keys is set in the BIOS. Your keyboard has an Fn key that, when held down, will allow you to use the secondary action of the Fn keys. Some laptops let you lock the Fn keys. This is like turning Caps lock on that allows you to type all capital letters. The Fn key lock works the same way. When you turn it on, it is like you are holding down the Fn key.
Lock key feature
Not all keyboards have an Fn key lock. This is purely subject to the make of a keyboard and is not something to do with drivers or a Windows 10 feature.
The Fn key lock is enabled by holding down two keys the Fn key and the Fn lock key. The Fn lock key is usually the Escape key and it will have a padlock on it (see image below). The lock may be present on some other key so look around. If it is not present on any key on your keyboard, you cannot enable the Fn key lock.
Turn on Fn key lock
To turn on the Fn key lock, tap and hold the Fn key, and then click the Escape key (or whichever is the Fn lock key), once. Release the Fn key after and the Fn key lock will be on.
If your Fn keys by default controlled media e.g., volume, playback, etc. If you turn on the Fn key lock then it will make it so that the Fn keys now execute the secondary function that F1-F12 do e.g. F1 opens Help in an app or F12 opens the web console in your browser.
To turn Fn key lock off, you just have to repeat the process you followed to turn it on. Tap and hold the Fn key, and then tap the Escape key once. Release the Fn key.
There is no way to force a keyboard to lock the function keys. You can actually put an AutoHotKey script together that will allow you to toggle the Function keys however if you find you often need to use the secondary action of the keys. It is better to just change their default behavior from BIOS.
Conclusion
Alright, That was all Folks! I hope you like this Lock and unlock the fn key article and find it helpful to you. Give us your feedback on it. Also if you guys have further queries related to this article. Then let us know in the comments section below. We will get back to you shortly.
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