How to lock and unlock the Function (Fn) key in Windows 11

The top row of the

keyboard is populated with function (F1, F2, F3, etc.) keys, which often serve a dual purpose as both multimedia keys and as the specified key. However, some users have been wondering how the Windows 11 Function (Fn) Key Lock works.

The function keys, or F-keys, are a great way to perform some quick actions, and with each key playing multiple roles, it makes things even easier. However, this does confuse a group of users who prefer simplicity and simplicity.

The best part is that you can always choose whether to use the F-keys to perform multimedia changes/modify settings or use them as standard roles. So, let’s understand the concept of function keys and how to lock Fn key in Windows 11.

How do function keys work?

Although not every keyboard does this, most of them have F keys that perform dual actions. These actions are generally printed on these buttons.

Function keys on the keyboard

The above picture is an example. The and keys can also be used to decrease and increase the brightness F1 respectively. You can use the , and keys to F2controlF7playbackF8 while watching a video. F9

Additionally, you may have keys that you can use to change the volume or mute the audio output.

But what if you want to use these keys for standard purposes? For example, use the F5 refresh key or the help key in your browser. F1

You can hold Fn and click the desired key or use Windows 11 Function Key Lock. However, the latter is more convenient if you want to use the F keys in a standard character.

If you have Windows 11 Function Key Lock, this basically means that the Fn key is always pressed, and you don't have to hold it down when pressing any F key, F1 such as F2, or F3.

Also, in this case, to perform multimedia operations, you must hold down the Fn key. So in this case, things are basically the exact opposite.

Caps LockThis is very similar to how keys work on your system. If you enable it, all letters are entered in uppercase letters, but if you hold down the Shift key and then enter a character, it is in lowercase letters. Likewise, the opposite happens when Caps Lock is disabled.

Now that you have an idea of ​​how things work, let’s take a look at how to lock the Function (Fn) key in Windows 11.

How to lock and unlock the Fn key in Windows 11?

1. Use keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are usually the easiest way to lock function keys in Windows 11. But the problem with it is that every manufacturer is different.

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Usually there is a key with a small lock logo and Fn printed on the lock body. All you have to do is hold down Fn and then hit the key with the lock symbol.

Enabling Function Key Lock on Dell Laptops

For Dell systems, you can use Lock Function KeyEsc. However, some manufacturers may use the left or right click of the Windows 11 Caps Lock keyCaps Lock, while some manufacturers do not provide keyboard shortcuts at all. Shift

If your keyboard has one, you'll be able to identify the relevant key for locking Fn in Windows 11 at a glance. If you can't find it, try any of the other two methods listed here.

Also, to unlock the function keys, follow the same process of holding down the Fn key and then pressing the dedicated lock key you previously identified for your system.

2. Press

Windows

1. S through Control Panel to launch the Search menu and enter "Control" in the text field at the top Panel" and click on the relevant search results that appear.
2. Next, click the View by drop-down menu and select Small Icons from the list of options.
3. Click the Windows Mobility Center entry here.
4. Now, click on the Function Key Row drop-down menu and select Function key.

Once completed, the Windows 11 Function Key Lock will now be active and you won't have to hold down the Fn key every time to use the F key in its standard role.

To unlock the Function (Fn) keys in Windows 11, you just need to select the Multimedia Keys entry from the drop-down menu in the last step and you can start using the function keys with dual roles.

But the option to change these settings is not available on all computers, if this is the case you can try the first or last method listed here.

3. Via BIOS

The steps listed below may vary by different manufacturers. But it will give you a basic idea of ​​the concept and using it, you can make changes on your computer.

1. Go to the desktop, press Alt F4Start shutting down the Windows box, click the drop-down menu, and select Restart from the list of options.
2. Next, click OK to restart your computer.
3. After the system restarts and the manufacturer's logo appears, press the F2 or F12 key (or the computer's dedicated key) to enter the BIOS. If you're not sure which key to press, check the manufacturer's website.
4. After entering the BIOS, navigate to the Main tab. You must use the cursor keys to navigate in the BIOS as the mouse will most likely not work.
5. Now, select the Function Key Behavior option.
6. Select the Function Key entry here.
7. After making changes, click F10 to save, then click Yes on the confirmation prompt.

That’s it, Fn Keylock is now in place in Windows 11. If you want to disable it again, select the Media Keys option in the penultimate step.

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