How to invert the Fn key

Question

I have this problem on my laptop: If my Fn key is pressed, the normal (PC-like) F1 - F12 keys will be triggered; when it isn't, then the special keys will be triggered (e.g. brightness control, sound volume).

Is there any way I can invert this, so that when I press the Fn key the special keys will be triggered and when I don't the F1 - F12 keys will?

Solution 1

That's probably due to an extra option in the BIOS made by the manufacturer. When booting press F2 (usually) to get into the BIOS settings and there you can revert back to function keys instead of multimedia.

Have you tried to press the numbers lock key to change the fn keys functions?

Solution 2

On my Dell XPS 15, it seems to be as simple as me accidentally pressing the Fn Lock button behind the Escape key. If you have this problem, simply hit Fn+Esc and it should revert back to normal, without having to go into the BIOS

Solution 3

On my Dell laptop I pressed Fn + Esc and the problem is solved for me. If you closely notice, there is a small lock (Fn written on it) sign on the Esc. Apparently, you can change the default behavior of Fn key using Fn + Esc.

Solution 4

It depends on the manufacturer, and sometimes even on the model. Some keyboards have a physical switch hidden somewhere, some keyboards support pressing fn+caps, others require changing a setting in the bios.

The last resort, which is far from ideal but works on all models, is the software approach using AutoHotKey.

Solution 5

Some Microsoft keyboards will recognize this keystroke as a toggle: “Fn” + “Caps”

View more solutions

Comments

[gronostaj]

Check your BIOS/UEFI settings. There may also be a laptop manufacturer's tool that will be able to change that behavior.

[and31415]

What's your laptop exact model?

[Kard Nails]

How about telling us your OS?

[gronostaj]

Related: How to invert function keys on Dell N5010?

[Jan Matousek]

Also some ThinkPad laptops (in my case me E440), the Fn+Esc solved the problem. Thanx!

[Arjan]

"assign for your function keys", assign what? Is there an option there to invert the Fn key?

[BeeOnRope]

Some manufactures add a custom option here to invert the fn key.

[Whome]

Another solution for Lenovo usb keyboard is installing a driver which I had to use, anyone interested see this accepted answer superuser.com/questions/752800/…

[Kenny]

Excellent! I didn't even see that little lock symbol with FN inside it on the ESC key. Kinda obvious once you know what it is. :o)

[Spyder]

On my HP EliteBook the default setting is also that the fn button is inverse (i.e. when you press any of the function keys, like F1 for help or F5 to refresh, then instead of triggering the Funtion-keys, it changes the volume or something random), very annoying. I noticed my fn key can be 'locked' so that it would trigger the f-keys correctly. Holding my Shift+fn key locks the fn key so it is inverse. My fn key has a background light to indicate when it is locked.

[David Brossard]

Oh wow, what a lifesaver!

[Christian Strang]

Even worked on my non Laptop Keyboard "Leopold FC 660M" (I pressed "FN + 1" to revert back to normal).

[Shekhar]

Thanks. saved my trip to BIOS

[Fabrice T]

On my Dell Inspiron 7786 FN+ESC switch between Functions and Multimedia ... Thanks

[robm]

This made my PC suspend.

[Stabledog]

Unfortunately, my new gaming laptop (Gigabyte Aero) completely lacks any way to invert the Fn key (no Fn lock feature in bios, etc.) So your suggestion offers the only hope!

[Stabledog]

This answer only applies to a certain manufacturer's BIOS. You should specify which manufacturer you're referring to. It is not a universally-true concept.

[Nafeez Abrar]

@Stabledog I have tested this in DELL and used similar functionality in HP.

[xarantolus]

If you installed "Lenovo Vantage" and enabled its toolbar you can open it and toggle the "F1" symbol

[MattSt]

Wow, this was rediculous.

[TexasB]

What a ridiculously easy fix for such a frustrating problem. And no need to venture into the BIOS to sort it out. Thank you.