How to toggle Fn keys on Windows 10

A Windows 10 laptop has Fn or Function keys at the top. They perform two different functions; media control, and general app control. In order to switch between these actions, users must hold down the Fn key when they tap one of these keys.

The Fn key will switch the state/function of the Function keys from their primary to their secondary one. This key works like the Shift key i.e., it must be held down in order to use the secondary function of the Function keys. It doesn’t act as an on/off switch.

You can easily change the primary function of the Function keys on a Windows 10 laptop however, you have to go through BIOS to do so. If you’d like to be able to change the primary function of these keys from inside Windows 10 though, you’re going to have to settle for an Fn key that toggles the functions.

The Fn key can be ‘locked’ i.e. it can enter an On state where the Function keys will execute their secondary function. When the Fn key is turned Off, the Function keys will revert to their primary function.

This can all be done from Windows 10 and you don’t have to boot to BIOS but, it depends on the keyboard that you have. Your keyboard must have a key that can lock the Fn key (see Escape key in screenshot below). 

To enable the Fn key lock, follow these steps.

Function keys are often useful in games but if their primary action is set to control media, brightness, WiFi, etc on the system instead of giving the game (or any other app) control over it, they cannot be used within the game. You won’t really find apps that can toggle the Fn keys on the fly or add a virtual ‘Fn lock’. If your keyboard doesn’t have an Fn lock key, you’re out of luck.

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

This just saved me a headache and a call to Dell support (which is another headache). Worked like a charm. Thanks much!

I have searched loads for the answer to why my keys had changed but nothing was working until i found this! Thank you!

This is the best tip I’ve ever seen for Windows, thank you so much.

It worked! Thank you very much! Life saver!

Thankyou. Saved me so much heart ache.

Very helpful, thank you

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