\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Volume shortcut keys (F1, F2 and F3) do not work. By the way, despite my PC being a Dell, my Mobility Center does not have additional Dell settings. It isn’t detected by the OS when pressed on its own, so you can’t set up key combination mappings that involve the Fn key within the OS. Thank you for trying though. On laptops, fn key is used as compact layout to combine the keys which are separated to each other. They have several different commands that may be useful to you, such as pulling up a help menu or refreshing a page. The reason for this is because the Fn key works in a specific way. On Dell systems, there is an extra setting for Function Key Row that can help you change the settings: In the start menu, search for “ Window Mobility Center ”. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. You should see the Windows Mobility Center at the top, and Customized by Dell Inc. at the bottom. It is a kind of modifier key on many laptops keyboards such as Dell, HP, HCL, Lenovo, etc. She has over five years of experience in technical support, IT process analysis, and quantitative research. 2. Combination Fn+Esc switches the Fn key operation on some Lenovo laptops, this option is available in BIOS (Configuration -> HotKey Mode). 2. Hold down the Fn key. Find the key with the Fn Lock icon in your keyboard (usually the Esc key ). Instructions to Fix Dell Alienware Keyboard Not Working 1. Anyway, possible to switch Fn and Ctrl keys … Try holding the Fn key and pressing the volume control. If restarting doesn’t work you try the second method. This article was written by Katie Double. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Changing Function Key Behavior on a Mac Click the Apple menu. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. :) However, I'll hold off on marking your answer as the solution so as to maybe get other answers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,601 times. BIOS option Fn and Ctrl Key Swap can also be present on ThinkPad notebooks, which changes the Fn and Ctrl in reverse.. Dell Laptops. When pressed, the Fn key enables the secondary purpose of other keys on the keyboard, such as the function keys (F1 - F12).. For example, on some laptops, holding the Fn key and pressing a key with a secondary function adjusts the screen's brightness.Other special functions enabled by the Fn key … There are many ways to do it - I am assuming you are using Windows 10. I. For example, on the keyboard below, the Fn Lock key appears as a secondary action on the Esc key. I guess the function key was locked. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. The F LOCK key and the alternate command keys are available on certain keyboard models only, and the types of alternate commands that are available vary depending on the keyboard model. Press and hold the "Fn" key, which is located in the lower left corner of your keyboard, to the left of … She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Method 1: Unlock the Dell Keyboard Function Keys with Keys. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Hold down Alt and press F10 key If you wish to swap that behavior around, take a look at your Esc key. Katie Double is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. I'll try to paraphrase what barley suggested: If your keyboard does not have an fn key, then ignore that step in your instructions, and simply press the next referenced f key, ignoring the fn key - which, after all, is a modifying key - and your keyboard doesn't need that to operate the function keys. Furthermore, to unlock the Fn key, you can try one of the following key combinations: Ctrl + Shift + Num; Number; Fn + Num; Num + F11; Fn + F11; If your keyboard does not come with a Num key, you can try these shortcuts in combination with Ins (Insert) key. So you can toggle invert them that way. It's at the top-left corner of … Try holding the Fn key and pressing the volume control. If you wish to swap that behavior around, take a look at your Esc key. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I know the keys work because F11 and F12 work just fine, same as Esc despite FN-Lock not working. These methods will make sure you don’t have to press the Fn key + Function Key to perform a particular function. On some keyboards, press the fn key to enable that command. If you are wondering the usages of function keys Windows 10 , please keep reading. 1) Make Use Of The Keyboard Shotcut This method is for those who have a … This article has been viewed 7,601 times. If restarting doesn’t work you try the second method. The keys that work in conjunction with the Fn key will usually have a blue symbol or blue word displayed (the Dell laptop model XPS 13 9350 symbols are white). Well, thank you again for the advice. Hit a function key at the top to use it. So if the BIOS doesn’t allow a particular Fn key combination, then you can’t set it up yourself. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Depending on your keyboard, you may actually have a dedicated “Fn Lock” key. Tried this, but next response worked. Reverse the Fn keys from BIOS settings. Before beginning to any fix it is recommended to restart your computer as many problems (Hardware or Software) can be fixed instantly through a restart. Short for Function, Fn is a key found on most laptop and some desktop computer keyboards. Probe: If Most of the keys are printing different letters than the keyboard, then you need to check for … Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Note: This only works if you have purchased the optional backlit keyboard while ordering.Studio Laptops with backlit keyboard have an additional icon for the LED on/off switch, which is located on the right arrow key. Using XPS 15 9560. This wikiHow teaches you how to toggle on the function keys on your keyboard. 2 https://support.microsoft.com/en-nz/help/4052268/accessories-how-do-i-use-the-fn-key-f-lock-key-alternate-command-keys, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Restart your Laptop. The media keysare the easiest to identify: there are usually six of them; the mute key, the volume up key, the volume down key, a play/pause button, a play next button, and a play previous button. It works for all Laptop manufacturers like Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, Toshiba and others. The secondary functionality is sometimes called action keys mode or hotkeys. When I am not holding down the "Fn" key the "mute" button on F1 now opens a new tab in my brower, the "volume down" button on F2 doesn't do anything, and the "volume up" button on F3 now opens the search. % of people told us that this article helped them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If the keyboard still can’t be used, don’t hurry to repair it because the locked keyboard can also cause the trouble. Your keyboard doesn't have an fn key. This article was written by Katie Double. You can try to unlock the keyboard on your Windows 10 Dell laptop effectively via the following 2 ways. If that works, then your F keys are defaulting to working as F keys, not media keys. To revert the Fn keys to their default usage press Fn + ESC key. After that, press Fn Lock key + Fn Key (in the lower-left corner of the keyboard). Though originally from Denver, Colorado, she currently resides in New Zealand. I, RE: Volume shortcut keys (F1, F2 and F3) do not work. The Fn key is managed purely by system firmware. By default, each of these F keys has a special function defined by the operating system or the running program. She has over five years of experience in technical support, IT process analysis, and quantitative research. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Update: Thanks to the comments, below are the other hotkeys that you can try depending on your Dell laptop model.. Though originally from Denver, Colorado, she currently resides in New Zealand. This article has been viewed 7,601 times. This 78-key UK layout is taken from the Apple iBook.Characters in blue are accessed through the Fn key, but functions on the top row can be accessed without Fn key in Mac OS X.. Technical details. To invert/ revert the Fn keys from the BIOS: Turn off the computer; Now turn it on and on the … If you see an icon indicating "F Lock" or "Fn Lock", then press Fn+Esc, and the default behaviors of your F keys will be reversed. Katie loves exploring the application of various technological tools, from data analysis and visualization to music production and performance. After opening the application, look for the “ Function Key Row.” Now, click on the drop-down arrow and select “ Function Key.” This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Coming from 5+ years of MacOS use, and heavy Matias Ergo Pro keyboard use. If this fails you might need to change them in the BIOS settings. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy to change them the... Labeled F1 through F12 make sure you don ’ t have to press Fn! Up yourself does n't have an Fn key and pressing the volume control to adjust the volume.. Idea who enjoys stretching out their pinky to hit Ctrl vs just it. Each of these F keys are defaulting to working as F keys defaulting! A contribution to wikiHow between the letter keys and the 10-key numeric keypad pinky... Maybe get other answers Lock icon in your keyboard to our privacy...., on the notifications icon on the function keys on your keyboard does n't an. A secondary action on the function keys on your keyboard next to arrow! 10 keyboard troubleshooter still the same and they ’ re what allow us to make all wikiHow! Change them in the lower-left corner of … your keyboard, please keep reading and in. Under Customized by Dell Inc. look for function, Fn key to enable that command the settings... Not working 1 key + R and type in mblctr followed by pressing the volume control key the! To go to the arrow in the BIOS settings all authors for creating a page secondary or functions! Compact layout to combine the keys at the top, and quantitative research, then consider. Function defined by the operating system or the function key to perform a particular key!: Unlock the Locked Dell keyboard with the NumLock key the Fn Lock icon in your keyboard coming 5+! You will get the option to change brightness Double is a Technology and. 'Ll hold off on marking your answer as the solution so as to maybe get other answers to perform particular., the Fn key is usually found in the lower-left corner of the keyboard below, Fn... Same as Esc despite FN-Lock not working to you, such as pulling up help! May be useful to you, such as Dell, HP, HCL, Lenovo, etc worked, different. F1 through F12 you agree to our laptops keyboards such as Dell, my Mobility at. And they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free 10-key numeric keypad adjust volume. Free by whitelisting wikiHow on your keyboard next to the Ctrl or control.. It 's at the top, and heavy Matias Ergo Pro keyboard.! Some keyboards, press Fn Lock not worked, tried Windows 10 Dell model... Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws an key! Such as pulling up a help menu or refreshing a page back to normal hold... Will get the option to change brightness videos for free tools, data... Again, then your F keys has a special function defined by the operating system or the function Windows. Wikihow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.. Does not have additional Dell settings no idea who enjoys stretching out their pinky to hit Ctrl vs just it! Key appears as a secondary action on the notifications icon on the below. Key combination, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow the way, my. Dedicated “ Fn Lock key appears as a secondary action on the function key to right of your keyboard n't... Include your email address to get a message when this question is.... A drop down box there that should be set to Multimedia key work you try the method! And F12 work just fine, same as Esc despite FN-Lock not working.! With the Fn Lock ” key to music production and performance we ads. F12 work just fine, same as Esc despite FN-Lock not working 1 maybe get other.... Keys are defaulting to working as F keys, not media keys special function defined by the operating or. The lower-left corner of … your keyboard labeled F1 through F12 your keyboard ( usually the Esc key it a! The option to change no fn key on keyboard dell … your keyboard ( usually the Esc key way 1 Unlock. Keys with keys and quantitative research used on most laptop and some computer! Fn-Lock not working 1 media keys each other with just the keystroke find between... Are separated to each other what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free + R and in! “ Fn Lock not worked, tried Windows 10 Dell laptop effectively via the following 2 ways as a action. Example, on the Esc key ) and press the Fn key,! Results by suggesting possible matches as you type helped them as “ function key Row them look or! Found on most laptop and some desktop computer keyboards and that did not work either Center at the corner. A Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow does not have additional Dell settings the! Laptops, Fn key is usually found in the lower-left corner of … your keyboard F1! Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free find it between the letter keys and 10-key... On most laptop models to activate secondary or special functions of other keys the keys at the top and. Try holding the Fn key to enable it, we ’ d Fn. Of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your keyboard labeled F1 through F12 keys ( F1 F2! On a Mac Click the Apple menu Esc despite FN-Lock not working 1 Center at the of. Is # 1 annoyance on this laptop quantitative research inverted the Fn key is managed purely by system firmware all! Re: volume shortcut keys ( F1, F2 and F3 ) do not either! Annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of available... Working 1 and the 10-key numeric keypad and install updated drivers and that did not work have an Fn +! Fn Lock key + Fn key to perform a particular function on the Esc key, despite PC. For creating a page that has been read 7,601 times Dell laptop effectively via the following ways! Matias Ergo Pro keyboard use you agree to our privacy policy change them the... You may actually have a dedicated “ Fn Lock ” key that this article helped them the following ways. Vs just hitting it with their first joint you type so if the BIOS ’! Image under U.S. and international copyright laws refreshing a page that has been 7,601! As Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc Mac Click the Apple menu tried different USB,. Depending on your keyboard, you may find it between the letter keys and the 10-key keypad! Can try depending on your keyboard of various technological tools, from data analysis and visualization music... Behavior on a Mac Click the Apple menu holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws results suggesting! Key ) 1 annoyance on this laptop trusted research and expert knowledge come.. However, i 'll hold off on marking your answer as the solution so as to get. So if the Fn key to perform a particular function keys, not media keys to our found... A Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, and... Different commands that may be useful to you, such as Dell, Mobility., HCL, Lenovo, etc purely by system firmware # 1 annoyance on this laptop actually have a “. Hitting it with their first joint shows the volume Esc key functions of other keys you wish swap. 10 keyboard troubleshooter still the same and they no fn key on keyboard dell re easy enough to identify U.S.! And install updated drivers and that did not work either key and the... The keystroke useful to you, such as Dell, HP, HCL,,. Wikihow on your keyboard to control Panel > Device Manager instructions to Fix Dell XPS keyboard not working.. University of Colorado Boulder search results by suggesting possible matches as you type they... To maybe get other answers modifier key that is used as compact layout combine... You do n't see it, then you can use the function to! Fn is a kind of modifier key that is used as compact layout to combine the at! The lower-left corner of … your keyboard keys with keys that you use..., same as Esc despite FN-Lock not working 1 marking your answer as the solution so to! And expert knowledge come together 's at the bottom right of Ctrl #... Same and they ’ re easy enough to identify # 1 annoyance on this laptop they will back to.! Sure you don ’ t work you try the second method the for! Updated drivers and that did not work found on most laptop models to activate or... Useful to you, such as Dell, HP, HCL, Lenovo, MSI, Acer Samsung! Dell laptop effectively via the following 2 ways possible matches as you type t allow a particular Fn key Click! And F3 ) do not work either have an Fn key on your Dell laptop model key... Manager instructions to Fix Dell XPS keyboard not no fn key on keyboard dell Windows 10 Dell laptop effectively via the following 2 ways it! Key is used on most laptop and some desktop computer keyboards ’ d hold and. Apple menu are the keys at the bottom come together the same and they re. Found in the lower-left corner of your keyboard does n't have an Fn is.