Most laptop keyboards come with the Fn key and this is particularly because they’re designed to have a smaller footprint. To extend the functionality of the keyboard apart from the built-in operations, a function key is introduced.
However, this Fn key can often mess around with an average user by interfering with the F1 to F12 functionality. In order to access the F keys function, users have to press the Fn Key simultaneously and that can be quite annoying.
But don’t worry because we have a solution for that. You can use the F1 to F12 keys without having to press the Fn key. To do so, you simply need to disable the Fn Key but the question is how to disable the Fn key?
In this guide, you’ll find a quick workaround for that problem of yours so make sure to stick till the end!
What Are Function Keys On A Keyboard?
Function keys are located on the top of a keyboard, above the numeric row. These keys are labelled as F1, F2, F3, and so on.
Each function key acts as a shortcut for some specific operation and can help the user save a lot of time by performing tasks just in a click.
Most laptops or keyboards have twelve function keys from F1 to F12, located on top of the number row. However, in some cases, you can find up to 24 function keys.
Uses of Function Keys
Every laptop is programmed with different operations for the function keys. However, the most common functions include F1 for Help, F5 for refreshing a page, etc.
Other functions that can be performed by these keys are:
- Printing Data
- Saving Files
- Adjusting Volume
- Adjusting Brightness Levels
- Bluetooth and many more.
These functions can differ depending on the manufacturer of your laptop.
How To Lock The Fn Key On A Laptop?
A quick workaround to get rid of the Fn key interference with the Function Keys functionality is to lock it. Locking the Fn key is quite easy and fortunately, most laptops do support this function. To lock the Fn key,
- Press the Fn Key along with the Esc key
- Now you can easily use the F1,F2, .. keys without pressing the Fn key.
Read More: Best cheap laptops under $300 (Lenovo included)
How To Disable Fn Key In Lenovo Ideapad?
To directly access the function keys of a keyboard without having to press the Fn key, you will have to disable it.
Upon disabling the Fn key, you’ll be able to directly use the function keys of your keyboard. However, keep in mind that this will limit the additional functionalities of the hotkeys.
So if you simply cannot do with locking the Fn key by pressing Esc+Fn, you can follow this method alternatively and disable the key:
- Open the BIOS configuration of your laptop
To do so:
- Turn on your laptop and press F12 key twice during start-up to launch the BIOS configuration.
- Next, locate the configuration menu in BIOS.
- Now, look for Hotkey Mode and disable it.
- Apply the changed settings and save.
By using this method, you can easily disable the Fn key in Lenovo Ideapad. Once these steps are done, you should be able to use the function keys without pressing the Fn button.
Note: The method of accessing the BIOS configuration of a laptop may vary depending on its model or Windows version.
Alternative Method
A very common alternative for the above mentioned method is this:
- On the login screen of your laptop, press the Shift key and keep holding it.
- Once the menu appears, select the Power Functions and restart your computer.
- Upon restarting, the laptop will show a blue screen.
- Now, release the Shift key.
Following these steps can help you access the BIOS configuration of your laptop. (If compatible with the model of your device)
How To Disable Fn Key In Lenovo Laptop Windows 10?
The procedure to disable the Fn key in Lenovo Laptop Windows 10 is no different from the one mentioned above.
You simply need to access the BIOS configuration of your laptop and disable the Hotkey function from the menu. This should disable the Fn key of your laptop and you can use the function keys individually.
To enable the Fn key back, You’ll have to go to the BIOS configuration again and undo the previous steps. In simple words, you will have to enable the Hotkey function from the configuration to get the Fn key functionality back.
Note: For some Lenovo laptops, the Hotkey Mode is not found in the BIOS configuration menu. If you encounter a similar problem, you can get in touch with the Lenovo support centre to get any leads for your specific device model.
Conclusion
Once you disable the Fn key, it will not hinder your usage of the function keys. However, disabling the key is only recommended if you want direct access to the function keys. Otherwise, doing so will limit the additional functions programmed with the Hotkeys.