Windows key + G → Open Game bar when a game is open. Windows key + H → Open the Share charm. Windows key + I → Open Settings. Windows key + K → Open the Connect quick action. Windows key + L → Lock your PC or switch accounts. Windows key + M → Minimize all windows. Windows key + R → Open Run dialog box. Windows key + S → Open Search. Windows key + U. Keys with an Fn key or F Lock provide two sets of commands for many keys. This includes the top row of standard function keys (F1–F12). Standard commands are labeled on the front of the keys (such as F3). Alternate commands are labeled on top of the keys (such as Redo). In some programs, the function of a standard command and an alternate command may be the same (for example, F1 typically displays Help for the active window, and on some keyboards.

Unlike Windows 10 desktop PC, every Windows laptop keyboard has special keys we know as the Function Keys or the F1, F2, …F12 keys on the top row that lead to different shortcuts to certain features or functions. But what if you don’t aren’t a frequent user of such features or functions and you just want to use them as the regular function keys? Want to use the function keys without pressing the Fn button?

There’s a whole lot of things you can do with the function keys, you can change the brightness, control the volume, control the music using the dedicated media playback keys, toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection, and so on. These keys are just fine and come handy at times, however, the function keys on your Windows 10 PC comes with a specific Fn key that temporarily gives you access to the standard Fn keys such as F1, F2, …F12 keys and disables these features.

What if you don’t want to press the double keys (F1, F2… keys along with the Fn key) to work with the actual F1, F2, …F12 keys? You can disable the special features that your laptop offers via the function key and simply gain access to the regular F1, F2, …F12 keys on Windows. However, altering the function keys on Windows 10 isn’t as easy as you see on Mac. Macs come with an easy option to use function keys without pressing fn key.

How To Use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn Key [Windows 10]

There are two methods that you can apply to use the function keys without pressing the Fn key on your Windows laptop.

1) Make Use Of The Keyboard Shotcut

This method is for those who have a Windows laptop with the Fn lock key on the keyboard. The quickest way to disable the Fn key and use the standard function keys instead of the special features, no need to enter the BIOS settings for changing it.

Although this shortcut is pretty much handy, not all laptops come with the Fn lock key, notice the Fn lock icon or lock/unlock symbol on the F1, F2… keys or Esc key.

Once you find it, press the Fn Key + Function Lock key simultaneously to enable or disable the standard F1, F2, …F12 keys. Voila! You can now use the functions keys without pressing the Fn key.

2) Make Use Of The BIOS or UEFI Settings

Your laptop manufacturer offers you either software for disabling the function key features or you do it through the BIOS or UEFI settings. Your laptop needs to boot into the BIOS mode or UEFI settings which can be accessed before starting the Windows.

Using The Function Keys On A Microsoft Keyboard Using

Whenever you restart your laptop or start by pressing the power button, a quick screen with a logo at the start comes by and this is where you can access the function key and the rest of the system settings.

Look for the shortcut like Press F2 or F10 for BIOS settings. The shortcut isn’t the same across the manufacturers, you may press the shortcut given to your Windows laptop.

In some cases, the shortcut can be F1, F9, or F12 too, but before pressing these keys, make sure you look at your laptop’s start screen carefully for the shortcut mentioned below. You can try for F2 if the screen doesn’t show at the start.

Once you enter the BIOS or UEFI settings, locate to the function keys option in the system configuration or advanced settings, once you find it, enable or disable the function keys as desired.

Note: Every laptop manufacturer offers its own UEFI depending on the specific laptop models. Not every laptop is the same, you may need to search a little and locate the function keys option somewhere in the BIOS or UEFI settings. Don’t change any other thing in here otherwise your laptop settings could be mess up and it may not start normally. Keep your laptop’s BIOS software up to date for the latest UEFI features.

Access UEFI From Windows Settings

For those who can’t enter your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI, you can do it from the Windows settings.

Launch Windows Settings, click On Start Menu, and type Settings.
Click on Update & Security from the list and head to the Recovery on the left side.
Click on the Restart now button. Your laptop will now restart and take you to the UEFI settings.
Click Troubleshoot option once your Windows boots in recovery mode.
Choose Advanced Options under the Troubleshoot.
Under Advanced Options, choose UEFI firmware Settings and click on Restart.

Your laptop will now restart and take you straight to the UEFI, now search for the function key option and disable or enable it as per your wish. There you have, two methods for disabling the Fn key or using the function keys without pressing the Fn key.

Want more? Check out Windows 10 guides, tutorials, tips, and tricks as well as for Mac. To get updates on the latest smartphones and tech, follow us on our social media profiles.

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This term collection covers how to refer to keyboard shortcuts and the names of specific keys.

For information about describing customers' interactions with UI, see Procedures and instructions.

Keyboard actions and access

Term	Usage
keyboard shortcut, accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, speed key	In general, use keyboard shortcut to describe a combination of keystrokes used to perform a task. Example Alt+Ctrl+S Don't use accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, or speed key.
access key	Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for developers or content about customizing the UI, it's OK to distinguish between an access key and a shortcut key. An access key is a letter or number that users select to access UI controls that have text labels. For example, the F in Alt+F. A shortcut key is a key or key combination that users select to perform a common action. For example, Ctrl+V. If you use these terms, explain the difference.
Key Tip	In general, don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content teaching basic skills or content for a technical audience, it's OK to use Key Tip to refer to the letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed.
key combination	Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously) and a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially). If you use these terms, explain the difference.
key sequence	Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially) and a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously). If you use these terms, explain the difference.
keypad	Use numeric keypad on the first mention. Don't use