If you have a Windows laptop, you may know the keyboard has a ‘Function Key’. The Function Key is written (FN) and is used to perform special tasks when pressed with F1, F2, F3, etc.

The function key is not only limited to laptops; it’s also available on Bluetooth keyboards. However, the functionality of the Fn key might vary depending on the keyboard brand.

Function (Fn) Key on Keyboard

If you only press the F1, F2, and F3 keys on your keyboard, it will perform basic tasks. For example, selecting a folder and pressing the F2 button will allow you to rename it. Similarly, pressing the F5 key will refresh the desktop.

Modern laptops and keyboards now have a dedicated Function (Fn) key that temporarily gives you access to special features and disables the original functionality of function keys such as F1, F2, and F12 keys.

For example, pressing the F2 and Fn keys will open the email service rather than renaming a file. Similarly, pressing the Fn+F5 keys together will open the music player instead of refreshing a window. The settings & features might vary depending on your laptop brand.

How to use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn (Windows 10/11)

If you don’t want to press the double keys (Fn key + F1, Fn Key + F2) and want to work with actual function keys, you need to disable the special feature your laptop or keyboard offers.

Below, we have shared a detailed guide on using Function keys without pressing the FN key on Windows.

1. Turn on the Fn Lock Key

If your Windows Laptop or keyboard has an FN lock key, you need to use a specific keyboard shortcut. The Fn Lock key is the quickest way to disable the Function (Fn) key.

If you disable the Fn key on your keyboard, the function keys (F1, F2, F3) will perform standard functions instead of using the special features.

Look at your keyboard and find a dedicated Fn Lock key. The key would have a lock symbol with an FN written over it. If your Windows 10/11 laptop or keyboard has a dedicated FN lock key, press the Fn key + Fn Lock key to disable the special functions.

Once disabled, you can use the Function keys’ default features, such as F1, F2, F2, F4, and so on, without pressing the Fn keys.

2. Make Changes to the UEFI or BIOS settings

If your laptop manufacturer offered you a keyboard manager app to enable/disable the Fn key, you don’t need to implement this method. However, if there’s no option to disable the function key features, you need to make some changes to the BIOS or UEFI settings.

First, you need to enter your computer’s BIOS settings. To do that, restart your PC, and before the logo screen appears, press the F2 or F10 button.

This will open the BIOS settings. Please note that the shortcut to open BIOS settings might differ depending on the manufacturers. Some might need to press the ESC button to enter the BIOS settings; in some cases, it might be the F9 or F12 buttons.

Once you enter the BIOS settings, move to the Advanced tab and select the function key behavior. Set ‘Function key’ under the Function key behavior.

Important: Please be careful while changing the BIOS or UEFI settings. Any wrong setting could mess up your computer/laptop. Please make sure to backup your essential files before playing with the BIOS settings on a computer.

What if your keyboard does not have an Fn key?

If your keyboard doesn’t have a dedicated FN key, you likely have a different keyboard layout.

The FN key is mainly found on laptops and compact keyboards but not on every keyboard. If your keyboard doesn’t have the FN key, there are still ways to access the secondary functions printed on it.

For example, many keyboards without the FN key use specific key combinations to activate the secondary functions. They usually require pressing two or more keys at the same time, like ‘CTRL’ + ‘SHIFT’ + ‘ALT’.

You can read your keyboard manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to learn the specific key combination. Third-party key mapping tools also let you configure your keyboard and access the secondary functions without the FN key.

These are the ways to disable the FN key on Windows. If you need further help on this topic, let us know in the comment box below.