On the top of computer keyboards there are function keys , thanks to which you can perform special operations, such as increasing or decreasing the screen brightness, volume, etc. simply squeezing them. It is just a pity that on most keyboards it is also necessary to press the Fn key , generally located at the bottom left, to be able to activate them, an operation that for most can be a little inconvenient.
Just taking into account what has just been stated, I decided to write this tutorial on how to use the function keys without pressing Fn and if now if here and you are reading these lines it seems clear to me that the topic is of interest to you. Believe it or not, it’s feasible and, I’ll tell you more, it’s not too complicated either. Therefore, follow the instructions you find in this guide and you will find out how to do it in a flash.
Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, it makes no difference – everything is explained below. But now enough chatter and let’s get to work. I wish you, as usual, happy reading and I wish you a very big good luck for everything!
Index
- How to use function keys without pressing Fn: Windows
- Solution 1: Fn Lock
- Solution 2: BIOS or UEFI
- Solution 3: third party software
- How to use function keys without pressing Fn: macOS
How to use function keys without pressing Fn: Windows
Are you using a computer with Windows installed and would like to know how to use the function keys without pressing Fn ? Then follow the instructions you find right below.
This can be done in various ways: by pressing the Fn Lock key on the keyboard in advance, by using the BIOS / UEFI or by using some third-party software . Find everything explained in detail below.
Solution 1: Fn Lock
If you want to use the function keys without pressing the Fn key, the first solution you can consider is to use the Fn Lock key , which allows you to directly enable the use of the function keys without having to press the Fn key to exploit them. .
To locate the Fn Lock key on your computer keyboard, keep in mind that it is usually characterized by an icon depicting a small padlock and the abbreviation “Fn” and is located at the top left. In some cases, it is implemented as a second function of another key, for example the Esc or Shift key .
To give a practical example, if you want to use the function keys without pressing Fn Lenovo , at the bottom of the Esc key there is the abbreviation FnLock , which indicates that the key in question can also be used to activate and deactivate the use permanent function keys.
Once you have found the key in question, to activate it, press it and simultaneously press the Fn key too (you have to do it only this time!), After which the action keys function will be permanently active. The correct activation of the thing could also be signaled to you with a specific message on the computer screen.
However, keep in mind that not all keyboards offer the Fn Lock key, so if you can’t find it it might be that this is the case for you. For the avoidance of doubt, you can do a Google search or consult any manuals of your keyboard to learn more.
When you see fit, you can restore the function keys to normal operation by pressing the Fn Lock key on the keyboard again and the Fn key simultaneously . Even then, a desktop message may indicate that you have disabled the feature.
Solution 2: BIOS or UEFI
On some computers, especially laptops, it is possible to disable the use of the Fn key to directly use the function keys by intervening from the BIOS or UEFI . Let’s see immediately how to do this.
First, access the BIOS or UEFI following the instructions I have provided you in my tutorial dedicated to the subject . Once this is done, use the arrow keys on the PC keyboard to access the section dedicated to system configuration or to the section dedicated to advanced options .
At this point, select, again using the arrow keys , the option relating to action keys mode and press the Enter key on your keyboard. Select, therefore, the option to proceed with the activation from the menu that appears and press the Enter key on the keyboard to confirm the choice made.
After making changes, you can exit the current panel and save the BIOS settings by pressing the Esc key on your computer keyboard. Then highlight the Yes / Yes item in the save settings message that appears in the center of the screen and press the Enter button on the keyboard to exit the BIOS and restart the computer.
If you are using the UEFI, to save and apply the changes you have made go to the Save and exit / Save & exit tab , choose the option to save the changes and exit and answer affirmatively to the warning that appears on the screen to save the changes and restart your computer.
Unfortunately, I can’t be more precise, as the entries in the BIOS and UEFI can be slightly different depending on the make and model of computer. Therefore keep in mind that what you see on the screen may not correspond exactly to the information I have given you. If it helps, though, you can check out my specific BIOS entry tutorials for the following PC brands: ASUS , Acer , and Lenovo .
Solution 3: third party software
As anticipated, you can use the function keys without pressing Fn on Windows also by resorting to the use of third-party software that allow you to remap the keyboard and which, consequently, can be useful to perform the operation covered by this tutorial. If this interests you, below you will find the ones that I believe to be the best in the category.
- SharpKeys– it is a free program that supports 104 keys, which can be reassigned and changed on the computer keyboard, by intervening on the registry keys. There is also a no-install version and works with all versions of Windows.
- Key Remapper– it is a powerful key remapping tool that allows you to intervene not only on the keyboard, but also on the mouse buttons. Furthermore, it can be customized for each program used. It is compatible with all versions of Windows and is free, but it applies some limitations that can be circumvented by purchasing a license (at a cost of $ 59.95).
- PowerToys– have you never heard of it? Strange, it is a very famous and at the same time very powerful tool. In any case, there is no problem, let’s fix it immediately. It is a solution created directly by Microsoft, free and open source, including various utilities to improve Windows management and optimize its use. Among the various tools available there is also the one that allows you to remap the keyboard at will. There are also useful tools for managing windows, checking which files are in use in processes, resizing images, managing the mouse and much more.
How to use function keys without pressing Fn: macOS
Do you have a Mac (desktop or laptop that is) and would you like to be able to use the function keys without having to press Fn every time? Well, you really shouldn’t do anything special, as on macOS the function keys work as such by default, without having to hit the Fn key as well.
However, if the above does not occur on your Apple-branded computer, it is evidently because you have mistakenly (or intentionally, previously) changed the keyboard settings from the system preferences. To remedy, therefore, you must always act from there, without having to use third-party software and without having to make various “tweaks”.
So, first of all click on the System Settings icon (the one in the shape of a gear wheel ) located on the Dock bar , in the Launchpad or in the Applications folder of macOS and, in the window that appears on the desktop , click on the Keyboard item located in the left sidebar.
Next, press on the Keyboard Shortcuts key, then on the Function Keys option in the side menu of the opened panel and turn OFF the switch next to the option Use the F1, F2 keys etc. as standard function keys , then save the changes made by clicking the Finish button .
If you are using an older version of macOS (e.g. macOS 12 Monterey ), instead, do this: go to System Preferences> Keyboard , select the Keyboard tab and remove the check mark on the box next to the item Use the F1 keys , F2 etc. as standard function keys .
Only in the specific case of MacBook Pro equipped with the Touch Bar , keep in mind that the function keys are not present on the keyboard and are visible on the just mentioned Touch Bar only by pressing the Fn key . Once displayed, to be able to use them just press the corresponding virtual key.
