F lock on the keyboard. Computer educational program: the mysterious fn button

Good day!

Oh, these modern keyboards, with which manufacturers are now doing everything. And the problem with the functionality of the keys even on a new device is not uncommon...

Actually, today’s article will be about the operation and configuration of the F1÷F12 and Fn function keys on laptops. The fact is that often they either do not work at all, or do not work as they should. Moreover, many manufacturers “fence” the shape of the keys, their functions, on/off, settings as they please (no standardization).

Meanwhile, the Fn, F1, F2, F3, etc. keys are very important, they allow you to quickly increase/decrease brightness and sound, turn on/off the Wi-Fi network, touchpad and much more. In general, refusing them means depriving yourself of the necessary functionality, which is not good.

Reasons for Fn and F1÷F12 not working

I remind you, that in most cases, in order for the function keys to perform an alternative function (reduce the same brightness), you must press them simultaneously with the key Fn. For example, in order to turn Wi-Fi on/off, you need to press the combination Fn+F2 (this is just an example! Each laptop has its own combinations, look carefully at the pictures on the keys).

Pressing Fn+F2 simultaneously turns Wi-Fi on or off // as an example!

1) Is Fn turned on? Is there an alternative button on the keyboard?

Some types of keyboards have additional buttons F Lock or F Mode. They allow you to block (disable) function keys. Take a closer look - do you have them?

F Lock key (most often found on classic keyboards, not laptops)

I also note that in order to use the Fn button, on some laptops you need to press a combination of buttons Fn+Esc(see screenshot below - a small lock should be drawn on the key). By the way, instead of Fn+Esc, the combination Fn+NumLock can be used.

2) BIOS settings (Hotkey Modes and analogues)

As a reference!

If you don’t know what BIOS is and how to enter it, I recommend reading this article:

In some laptops (for example, Dell Inspiron, Lenovo ThinkPad, etc.) in the BIOS you can set the operating mode of the function keys (that is, they can act in a classic role, or without pressing Fn they can immediately perform their second function: turn down the volume , enable/disable the touchpad, etc.).

Most often, to enter the BIOS, you need to restart the laptop, and when loading, immediately press the F2 or Delete keys (the buttons may be different, depending on the device model).

These modes are called: Hotkey Mode, Action Keys Mode (and other derivatives). To change their operating mode, you need to go to the BIOS Configuration section and change the mode from Enabled to Disabled (or vice versa).

3) Lack of drivers and special software from the manufacturer

When drivers are installed automatically along with Windows, or various kits/packs are used (for example, Driver Pack Solution), the system often does not have special software from the laptop manufacturer. As a result, some keys may not work (including function keys).

Below I will look at an example of updating such drivers using ASUS as an example (if you have an excellent brand of laptop, say HP, Acer, Dell, Lenovo - all actions will be similar, only the official website address will be different).

In general, if we sum it up: You just need to update the drivers by downloading them from your laptop manufacturer’s website. Moreover, this needs to be done for the specific version of Windows that you are currently using.

If for your version of Windows There are no drivers on the laptop manufacturer's website - this is a serious reason to think about switching to another version of the OS (it is quite possible that because of this, some of the functionality, including function keys, does not work).

Addition!

Perhaps someone will find this article useful on how to install drivers on a laptop or PC (various options are considered) -

4) Problem with the keyboard itself

If you dropped or - it is quite possible that the key does not work due to a physical malfunction of the keyboard.

Pay attention to whether the key responds at least sometimes (maybe try pressing it a little harder). If there is a problem with the tracks under the key, then often pressing harder will work (for example, the tracks may oxidize after being filled, or behave this way due to wear).

What can be done:

Additions are welcome.

"Fn" on the keyboard of any laptop, including devices from ASUS, plays an important role, allowing you to control additional features using function keys. In case of failure of this key, we have prepared these instructions.

Most often the main cause of problems with the key is "Fn" consists of a recent reinstallation of the operating system. However, in addition to this, there may also be driver malfunctions or physical damage to the buttons and keyboard as a whole.

Reason 1: Disabling keys

In most cases, function keys are turned on and off on ASUS laptops by using the following combinations:

• "Fn+NumLock";
• "Fn+Insert";
• "Fn+Esc".

Try using the following keyboard shortcuts while checking if they work "Fn".

Reason 2: BIOS Settings

In the case of ASUS laptops, you cannot disable or enable function keys through the BIOS, but you can configure their operation. If you have it on a laptop "Fn" does not work correctly, our instructions may well help.

After the completed actions, the key "Fn" will become mandatory when accessing the function keys of the laptop. If the described actions do not bring any results, you can move on to the following causes of the malfunction.

Reason 3: Lack of drivers

Most often, the main reason for the key not working is "Fn" on an ASUS laptop is the lack of suitable drivers. This may be due to the installation of an unsupported operating system or a system failure.

1. Click on the link provided and on the page that opens, enter the model of your laptop in the text field. You can find out this information in several ways.



2. From the list of results in a block "Product" Click on the found device.



3. Use the menu to switch to the tab "Drivers and Utilities".



4. From the list "Specify OS" select the appropriate system version. If the OS is not in the list, specify a different version, but of the same bitness.



5. Scroll down the list to the block "ATK" and click on the link if necessary "Show all".



6. Next to the latest version of the package "ATKACPI driver and hotkey-related utilities" click the button "Download" and save the archive on your laptop.



7. Next, install the driver automatically, after unzipping the files.
   

   Note: On our website you can find instructions for installing drivers on specific models of ASUS laptops and more.

In a situation with drivers from another system, there should be no errors. Otherwise, try installing the package in compatibility mode.

ASUS Smart Gesture

Additionally, you can download and install the driver "ASUS Smart Gesture" in the same section on the official ASUS website.

Now all that remains is to restart the laptop and check its functionality "Fn".

Reason 4: Physical breakdown

If none of the sections of this manual helped you fix the problem, the cause of the problem may be a broken keyboard or a specific key. "Fn". In this case, you can resort to cleaning and checking the connection contacts.

Fatal damage, for example due to physical impact, is also possible. The problem can only be solved by completely replacing the keyboard with a new one, depending on the laptop model.

Almost every laptop has a special key that allows you to quickly perform additional functions. Using the FN button on your laptop keyboard, you can change the brightness level and turn wireless connections on or off. However, not everyone knows where the FN button is on a laptop, or how to turn it on if it doesn’t work.

Enabling features

In most cases, the FN key on the keyboard works by default and you do not need to do any additional steps to activate it. However, some laptop models require the FN button to be turned on first.

In order to activate the ability to use the functions of the FN key, you must press the key combination FN + NumLock or FN + Escape. If this does not work, then you need to find a button on the keyboard with a drawn lock. In some cases, features are activated using a separate FNLock button.

If none of this helped to activate the FN, then you need to configure it through the BIOS. To enter additional settings, you need to restart the laptop and click on the special button during boot. This could be Delete, F2, F11, F12 or ESC. Depends on the model of laptop you are using.

After getting into the BIOS, you need to find the System Configuration section and find the Action Keys Mode parameter. After turning it on, you will be able to use all the functions that the FN key provides.

Additional software

If after completing the steps the FN key still does not work, it is recommended to install the software from the laptop manufacturer’s website. With the help of such drivers, you can completely customize the operation of FN.

This algorithm is different for each laptop. This is what the process looks like on ASUS laptops:

1. You must visit the official website of the manufacturer. There you need to find the “Support” section and go to it.
2. Now you select the version of the operating system you are using. It is important to consider its capacity.
3. A list of suitable drivers and utilities will appear. You need to download the one whose name contains the phrase Hot Key.

For Samsung laptops, the utility is called Easy Display Manager. For Toshiba - Hotkey Utility.

Some manufacturers still have not released software for Windows 10 operating systems. In this case, you can download a utility for Windows 8 with a suitable bit depth. After installing the software, the FN key should work.

In addition, some manufacturers do not have specialized utilities for operating the functions of the FN button. In this case, you can install the universal Magic Keybord program. It fits most modern laptops.

Principle of operation

In most cases, the button is located in the lower left corner of the laptop keyboard. However, this depends on the laptop model and its manufacturer.

The FN key stands for the English word Function. This button is also called a shortcut key. With its help, you can control the brightness level, volume, enable or disable wireless networks, turn off the display and touchpad, and also put the device into sleep mode.

Typically, FN is used in combination with other keys. In most cases, these are the F1 - F12 buttons or numbers from 1 to 0. Each of them has a picture drawn on it that corresponds to the action performed when you press it.

Each manufacturer has different buttons for different actions. This is how the operating principle looks on Acer laptops:

• FN + F3 - enable or disable connection to wireless networks.
• FN + F4 - put the laptop into sleep mode.
• FN + F5 - screen projection settings when connected to a TV or projector.
• FN + F6 - turn off the monitor display. To turn it back on, just press any keyboard button.
• FN + F7 - disable the ability to use the touchpad.
• FN + F8 - mute sound.
• FN + Home - pause while listening to music or watching videos.
• FN + Page Up - stop media playback completely.
• FN + Page Down - play the previous video or track.
• FN + End - play the next video or track.
• FN + Up arrow - increase the system volume.
• FN + Down arrow - reduce the volume level of the systems.
• FN + Left arrow - reduce the brightness level of the monitor.
• FN + Right arrow - increase the brightness level of the monitor.

Thus, using the key, you can conveniently perform an impressive number of functions in a matter of seconds, without using a mouse.

In recent years, desktop computers have faded into the background and given way to their more compact counterparts - laptops. They are light, practical, mobile. They are convenient to take with you on a trip, to the country, on a visit, or just to sit in a cozy cafe, surfing the Internet over a cup of hot cappuccino.

You've probably noticed on your laptop Fn key. It is located in the lower left corner, to the left or right of Ctrl. What is this mysterious button for (which you have probably never used in your life)?

The name of the Fn key itself comes from the first vowels of the word F u n ction. On your laptop keyboard, you may see keys that have symbols and lettering in a different color. Mostly it is red or blue. These keys are called shortcut keys. With their help, you can control the media player on your laptop, work with screen brightness and battery saving modes, enable or disable wireless network access, and adjust the volume. You can also put your laptop into sleep mode. All these functions will only work in combination with the Fn key.

How does the Fn key work? (example on a Lenovo laptop)

It is difficult to answer the question where and what combination for each individual device. Each brand of laptop has different shortcut keys. But the principle of their operation is absolutely the same for all major brands HP, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, LG. And they differ slightly. I will describe the functionality of the Fn button for a Lenovo laptop.

So, holding down the Fn button in combination with hot keys, we get:

• Fn+F1 - puts the computer into sleep mode.
• Fn+F2 - turn on/off the monitor.
• Fn+F3 - switches the display to the connected monitor or projector module.
• Fn+F4 - monitor extension.
• Fn+F5 - enable wireless communication modules: wireless network adapters, Bluetooth.
• Fn+F6 - enable/disable the touchpad - laptop mouse.
• Fn+F9, Fn+F10, Fn+F11, Fn+F12 - work with the media player - resume/pause, stop, track back, track forward, respectively.
• Fn+Home - pause in media files.
• Fn+Insert - enable/disable Scroll Lock.
• Fn+up arrow/down arrow - increase/decrease monitor brightness.
• Fn+left arrow/right arrow - decrease/increase volume for media players.

As you can see, the functionality of our key is very large; knowledge of these combinations will allow you to use your computer keyboard very effectively without resorting to a mouse.

How to enable or disable the Fn key?

In order to enable or disable the Fn key on a laptop, you can use several methods. The first method is to use the Fn+NumLock key combination. Pressing these keys simultaneously will disable the Fn button, pressing again will activate the key. This method may not work on all laptops.

In some cases, the Fn key is enabled or disabled through Bios. To do this, you need to enter Setup Utility, then go to System Configuration and in the Action Keys Mode tab turn off Disabled or enable Enabled given Fn function.

If the Fn key does not work on a laptop

If the above two methods do not work or the Fn key does not work at all. Then you need to use programs for the Fn key. You can find a great variety of such programs on the Internet. To make it easier to decide which programs are suitable for your brand of laptop, we suggest you familiarize yourself with a short list of such programs.

For Samsung laptops - Easy Display Manager (the disk with the program is included with the laptop). This program is freely available on the Internet.

For Sony laptops, you should use the following programs - Sony Shared Library, Setting Utility Series, Vaio Event Service, Vaio Control Center.

For Toshiba laptops - Hotkey Utility, Value Added Package, Flash Cards Support Utility.

Also, many laptops use the universal Magic Keyboard program.

Drivers for the Fn key

If your button still does not work, then you should check the drivers for your keyboard, or more precisely for the Fn key. Such “firewood” should come with the laptop (be sure to check it when purchasing), or you can download it from the Internet. Download from the Internet from the official pages of laptop manufacturers. So on the official websites there are Fn button drivers for Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, HP, DNS, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, LG.

Buying a new laptop is always a very pleasant event. In the modern world, for many people, a computer is not only entertainment, but also a source. Therefore, the presence of even minor faults is very annoying. Such troubles also include cases when the fn button does not work. This could be due to several factors.

Often, a laptop is configured to automatically detect the keyboard and its functionality, but there are exceptions to this rule. In this case, you need to go to the official website of the laptop manufacturer and find drivers for a specific model. After this, you should install them and If the problem was the lack of a driver, then after this procedure all keyboard functions will be available.

Sticky keys

If the keys on a laptop do not work, then the reason may lie in their sticking. This rarely happens with new devices. But, if the fn button does not work together with several other keys, then it is likely that they are stuck. To fix this kind of malfunction, you need to open the laptop and clean the buttons and keyboard panel with an alcohol solution. If you have just purchased a laptop, this is not recommended, because... If you disassemble it yourself, the owner will lose the warranty. It is better to contact a service center, which will fix the problem, albeit within a longer period of time.

Also, you should not clean the keyboard yourself if you are not sure that you can carefully disassemble and reassemble the laptop correctly. If you still decide to solve the problem yourself, then first examine the nuances of disassembling your model, and also remember the location of the keys on the panel.

Bios Settings

Another reason that it does not work may be incorrect system settings in Bios. To fix this, you need to go into settings by holding F2 or del while the system boots. Next, you need to select System Configuration and make the necessary changes depending on the problem that has arisen. If after this the fn button does not work, then you can try switching other parameters related to Action Keys.

In some laptop models, there are malfunctions in which all keys work, but only when combined. So, it happens that they are active only when pressed together with the fn button. The problem is also solved in the Bios-> System Configuration-> Action Keys Mode-> Disable settings.

In addition to mechanical and software causes of malfunctions, assembly errors or damage during delivery or storage may also have an impact. Sometimes the problem is that the fn button does not work correctly. The reason for this often lies in the Bios settings. In any case, for better and safer maintenance of a computer or laptop, you need to contact specialized service centers or, at least, those people who have already had to solve similar problems.