A function key row is often found as the top row of keys on a laptop keyboard. However,
due to space constraints, some smaller laptops feature a reduced keyboard and no
function key row. On these tiny laptops, the function keys are frequently supplementary
functions on keys in another row.
If your laptop lacks a function key row, seek for keys that have the letters F1 through F12
printed on them as a supplementary function. To use the F1-F12 secondary functions on
those keys, press Fn + the key with the matching F1-F12 secondary function.
How to enable Fn Keys to use with Function Keys ?
Start laptop, then go to Bios setting and then move your cursor to system configuration.
You will find option of actions key mode and on same screen, you will get information
about how to disable or enable Fn key. If you will not enable Fn key, then also function
keys will work but not in manner they are made to. So, enabling Fn key is good idea, and
pressing Fn key with function keys will work better together. Keys from F1 to F12 are
also known as Action Keys.
Use of Keyboard Function Keys (F1 – F12)
One by one, we will get to know about functions of these keys.
F1 Key
F1 key is used to open help center. If you are using keyboard of your computer, then only
pressing F1 will work, but if you are using your laptop keyboard then pressing Function
key (FN) with F1 will open help center. With this help center, if you want to know about
any software or application or anything you can get help from there.
F2 Key
F2 key is used to rename folder or file. If you want to change name of folder, then you
don’t have to right-click on it, and then find rename option. You can simply click F2, and
it will work properly. This function key will save time of use.
Alt + Ctrl + F2 command opens document window in Microsoft Office. In Microsoft
office Ctrl + F2 displays print preview window. In Microsoft excel Alt + F2 opens ‘Save
As’ window. Shift + F2 add comment box in Microsoft Excel.
F3 Key
F3 key is used to search application on computer or laptop. If you are doing it on your
laptop, then pressing function key (FN) and F3 together will work. It will take you to
search box where you can search application.
Another use of F3 is that if you want to search text while using web browser, then also
this key is used to search text. In Microsoft Word, Shift + F3 transform text from upper
case to lower case or all capital letters.
F4 Key
F4 key does not work alone. Pressing only F4 will not work whether it is on computer or
laptop. Pressing Alt + F4 together works to close current application which is open on
screen. Also, pressing both keys together while on desktop screen, then there shut down,
restart option appears.
Alt + F4 used to close current window. If no program is open, it shutdown dialog box.
Ctrl + F4 used to close active window.
F5 Key
F5 key is used to refresh screen. When you want to refresh screen, you have to go to
desktop screen and then click refresh button, but F5 will simply do this work. Going to