How to Change Function Key Settings in Windows 10

Function keys on laptop and desktop keyboards with an Fn key can serve different purposes, depending on if you are using them as a regular function or not.

For example, if most of your F1 through F12 function keys have small icons next to them, they can do more than one thing.

Some manufacturers set the F1 through F12 keys to their primary functions, while others default to their multimedia functions (e.g., adjusting volume, mute, changing brightness).

Depending on your PC model, you need to perform a different action to change Fn key settings, but the process is mostly the same.

How Can I Change the Function Key Settings in Windows 10?

Apple

To change the function key settings of Apple Fn keys, follow the steps below.

1. Click the Apple menu icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.

2. Select System Preferences... from the drop-down menu.

3.In the System Preferences menu, click the Keyboard icon.

4.Under the Keyboard tab, check the box next to Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.

Hewlett-Packard - HP

To change the function key settings of HP Fn keys, follow the steps below.

1. Turn off the computer by pressing and holding the Power button for at least five seconds.

2. Press the F10 key repeatedly when the device restarts, to open the BIOS Setup Utility.

3. Press the right or left arrow key to select the System Configuration menu.

4. Next, select the Action Keys Mode.

5. Press the Enter key to display the Enabled / Disabled options.

Dell

To change the function key settings of Dell Fn keys, follow the steps below.

1. Reboot your device and press F2 to enter the BIOS settings.

2. Go to the Advanced tab, using the arrow keys.

3. Scroll down to the Function Key Behavior option.

4. Change the setting to the Functions key.
Press Exit.

ACER

To change the function key settings of Acer Fn keys, follow the steps below.

1. Simultaneously hold the F2 key and Power button.

2. In the BIOS screen go to the System Configuration Menu.

3. In the Action Keys Mode option press the Enter key to display the Enable/Disable menu.

Lenovo

To change the function key settings of Lenovo Fn keys, follow the steps below.

1. Click the Start icon and select Settings.

2. Next, click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Recovery and then select Restart now.

4. From the Options menu, select Troubleshoot.

5. Click UEFI Firmware Settings and choose Restart.

6. In the BIOS menu, select the Configuration tab.

7. Select Hotkey Mode and set it to Enabled or Disabled, depending on your preference.

8. Save and Exit the BIOS menu (press F10 and then Enter).