Many models of laptop computers have Fn keys (function keys) on their keyboards, and by combining them with the keys (F1–F12), you can easily change your PC’s settings.
You can also change the keyboard settings on most models with the Fn key to lock or unlock the Fn key.
How to lock/unlock function keys (Fn) in Windows
If you are using a Windows laptop, you can lock or unlock the Fn key by entering shortcut keys, UEFI/BIOS settings, or Mobility Center settings.
Method 1: Lock/Unlock with Shortcut Keys
On many Windows laptop keyboards, the Fn key can be locked and unlocked with a shortcut key.
To lock the Fn key, hold down the Fn key and simultaneously press a specific key. To unlock the Fn key, press the same key again.
The key to press at the same time as the Fn key varies depending on the laptop model, but many have an Fn padlock. Also, if you have an Fn key lock light, the light will come on when the Fn key is locked.
The shortcut keys to lock/unlock the Fn key of major manufacturers are as follows:
- Fn key + Caps Lock key (such as Microsoft)
- Fn key + ESC key (DELL, Lenovo, ASUS, Fujitsu, etc.)
- Fn key + Left Shift key (HP, etc.)
- Fn key + NumLk key (Lenovo, etc.)
- Shift key + NumLk key (Lenovo, etc.)
- Fn key + Shift key
If you do not know the key to unlock the Fn key, please refer to the manual of your laptop.
However, some models may not have a shortcut key to lock the Fn key. If you don’t have a shortcut key, try the following methods.
Method 2: Lock/Unlock with UEFI(BIOS)
If you cannot lock and unlock the Fn key with shortcut keys, change the keyboard settings from the UEFI (BIOS) settings.
Follow the steps below to lock or unlock the Fn key in UEFI (BIOS). Here we have an HP Laptop.
- On many HP laptops, you can use the action keys without always pressing the fn key.
- To do this, you need to go to the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) menu.
- Turn off your computer to get to this menu.
- When you turn on the computer, press the F10 key over and over again to open the BIOS Setup Utility.
- Use the left and right arrow keys to get to the System Configuration menu, use the left and right arrow keys.
- Then, move to Action Keys Mode by using the up and down arrow keys.
- When you press the Enter key, you can choose between “Enabled” and “Disabled.”
- Enabled means that you don’t have to press the Fn key to do what’s written on the function keys.
- While Disabled means you have to press the fn key to use the actions on the function keys, Enabled means you don’t have to.
- Choose the one you like best.
- When you’re done making your choice, go to the Exit menu.
- Choose Save Changes and Exit, and then choose Yes to confirm.
If you can lock or unlock the Fn key in UEFI (BIOS), press the function key after booting the PC and check if it works as you want.
Method 3: Lock/Unlock with Windows Mobility Center
Depending on the model, you can also use Windows Mobility Center, which comes with Windows, to change the Fn key lock. To lock/unlock the Fn key using Windows Mobility Center, follow the steps below.
- Click the search icon in the taskbar and type Control panel.
- Change the view on the top right to “Large icons (or Small icons)”.
- Click Windows Mobility Center.
- Click the “Function Key Column” select box and select Function Keys or Multimedia Keys.
After changing the settings, press the function key to see if it works the way you want.
How to Lock/Unlock Function Keys (Fn) on Mac
If you want to lock or unlock the Fn key on your MacBook, please change the keyboard settings in System Preferences. The specific steps are as follows.
- Click the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
- Click Keyboard.
- Make sure that the Keyboard tab is open, and switch the check for “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys to “On” or “Off“.
With the above steps, you can also switch between locking and unlocking the Fn key on your MacBook.
