How to activate function keys on a laptop. The "Fn" button does not work - what to do

The "Fn" button is usually found only on laptops, its name is short for the word "function". By itself, it does nothing, if you click on it, nothing will happen. It works only together with other keys, for example, together with the F1-F12 keys, and is responsible for various service functions - turning on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, changing the brightness and volume, sending the computer to sleep, and others. There is no single standard, each manufacturer has its own set of functions enabled using the Fn button.

Where to find the "Fn" button

On the vast majority of laptops, the Fn button is located in the lower left corner of the keyboard, usually next to the Windows button (read our article).

How to use the Fn button

It is necessary, while holding the "Fn" button, to press a key with an additional function. For example, if you just press "F1", then "Help" will open, and if "Fn + F1", then the computer will be sent to sleep.

Often the button and "Fn" and additional functions used with its help are highlighted in a special color.

The "Fn" button does not work - what to do

It is very likely that you do not have additional hotkey drivers installed. You need to go to the website of your laptop manufacturer, find your laptop model there and download the latest drivers.

It is not always clear which drivers need to be installed - you can determine by the word "HotKey" in the title. If you have problems finding and installing a driver, tell us your laptop model and we will help you find it.

Also, if you have any other questions - we will promptly answer you!

Computer educational program: the mysterious Fn button

Our today's article is devoted to laptops, or rather the Fn button on a laptop. Many people ask quite natural questions related to this key. After reading this topic, you will learn what the Fn key is for and where it is, how to turn Fn on or off. In general, everything about this mysterious Fn button is here.

AT modern world, laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks sit firmly in our lives. They are multifunctional, compact, practical. Many who have moved from a computer to a laptop will never return to bulky PCs. Laptops can be used everywhere: in transport, at home, on the street, in other public places. To improve this versatility of laptops, the Fn key is needed. Let's try to answer many popular questions related to this button. But first things first.

Where is the Fn button on the keyboard?

The Fn key in almost all laptops is located in the same place - this is the lower left corner of the keyboard. For various popular brands of electronics such as HP, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, LG, the Fn key has taken a permanent place on the keyboard. The difference for some is only in whether this button is before or after the Ctrl key. This arrangement of this key is very convenient for users.

Location of the Fn key to the left of the Ctrl button

The location of the Fn key on a laptop to the right of the Ctrl button

What is the Fn key for and how does it work?

So, we will tell you why this button was created and how this button works. The very name of the Fn key comes from the first vowels of the word Function. On your laptop keyboard, you may see keys that have symbols and inscriptions in a different color. Basically it is red or blue. These keys are called shortcut keys. With their help, you can control the media player on your laptop, work with the screen brightness and battery saving mode, enable or disable wireless network access, and adjust the volume. You can also put your laptop into sleep mode. All of these functions will only work in combination with the Fn key.

Fn key on a Lenovo laptop

It is difficult to answer the question of where and what combination for each individual device. For each brand of laptops, the shortcut keys are different. But the principle of their work is absolutely the same for all major brands of HP, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, LG. And they differ slightly. I will describe the functionality of the Fn button for a Lenovo laptop.

So, holding down the Fn button in combination with hot keys, we get:

Fn + F1 - put the computer into sleep mode.
Fn + F2 - turn on / off the monitor.
Fn + F3 - switch the display to the connected monitor module, projector.
Fn + F4 - monitor extension.
Fn + F5 - enable wireless communication modules: wireless network adapters, Bluetooth.
Fn + F6 - enable / disable touch panel- laptop mice.
Fn + F9, Fn + F10, Fn + F11, Fn + F12 - work with the media player - resume / pause, stop, track back, track forward, respectively.
Fn+Home - pause media files.
Fn + Insert - enable / disable Scroll Lock.
Fn+Up Arrow/Down Arrow - Increase/decrease monitor brightness.
Fn+Left Arrow/Right Arrow - Decrease/increase volume for media players.

As you can see, the functionality of our key is very large, knowing these combinations will allow you to use your computer keyboard very efficiently without resorting to the mouse.

How to enable or disable the Fn key?

In order to enable or disable the Fn key on a laptop, you can use several methods. The first way is to use the Fn+NumLock key combination. Pressing these keys at the same time will disable the Fn button, pressing again will activate the key. This method may not work on all laptops.

In some cases, the Fn key is enabled or disabled via Bios. To do this, you need to enter the Setup Utility, then follow the System Configuration and in the Action Keys Mode tab turn off Disabled or turn on Enabled this Fn function.

If the Fn key does not work on a laptop

If the above two methods don't work or the Fn key doesn't work at all. Then you need to use programs for the Fn-key. There are a lot of such programs on the Internet. In order to make it easier to decide which programs are suitable for your brand of laptops, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a short list of such programs.

For Samsung laptops - Easy Display Manager (the disk with the program comes with the laptop). This program is freely available on the Internet.

For Sony laptops, use the following programs- Sony Shared Library, Setting Utility Series, Vaio Event Service, Vaio Control Center.

For Toshiba laptops - Hotkey Utility, Value Added Package, Flash Cards Support Utility.

Also, for many laptops, the universal Magic Keyboard program is used.

Drivers for the Fn key

If your button still does not work, then you should check the drivers for your keyboard, or rather for the Fn key. Such “firewood” should come with a laptop (be sure to check when buying), or they can be downloaded from the Internet. Download from the Internet follows from the official pages of laptop manufacturers. So on the official sites there are Fn button drivers for Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, HP, DNS, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, LG.

Instruction

Pressing the Fn key leads to the execution of the functional roles of the F1-F12 buttons. If this opportunity interferes with your typing and working at the computer, you can turn it off by holding Fn and Num Lock at the same time.

If, after pressing this combination, the button still performs its functions, read the manual for using a laptop or keyboard, find the appropriate section that describes the capabilities of the key. Try to search the Internet for a solution to the problem in the forums dedicated to your device.

Turn off Fn on Toshiba laptops using a special HDD Protector utility. Download the application from the official website of the manufacturer and install following the instructions of the installer.

Run the program and go to the "Optimization" tab, which will list utilities for working with devices connected to the laptop. Click "Accessibility". In the window that opens, uncheck the "Use Fn key" option and save all changes by clicking Ok.

The corresponding option in the BIOS is also responsible for disabling this parameter. To enter the setup utility, hold down the F10 button while turning on the laptop. If nothing happens after pressing it, try pressing another key - often its name spelled at the bottom of the download screen or in the device manual.

Among all the settings, find the item Active Key Mode and set its value to Disable. It is this function that is responsible for the operation of multimedia keys. Save your changes and wait for the operating system to load. The Fn key will be disabled.

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Helpful advice

By disabling the function key, you can manage the laptop settings using the functions of the system itself or the corresponding utilities from the device manufacturer. These programs are supplied on a disk with the device, they can always be downloaded from the website of the laptop manufacturer.

Sources:

Toshiba Support Page
how to use fn buttons without keyboard

latest version The Windows 7 operating system, although it is a quality product of Microsoft Corporation, still has some drawbacks. One of them is the incorrect operation of the function keys. Therefore, in case of uselessness, these are better keys disable.

You will need

- computer with operating room Windows system 7;
- Internet connection.

Instruction

Go to the manufacturer's website at the link: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support. This is the same section of the site that is aimed at solving various problems. Please read this information carefully and follow the recommended steps. Download the add-on. After downloading the required components, restart your computer and install the application. It will fix the existing errors, as well as show information about all files in real time. Then, in the Performance and Maintenance menu, choose to view "Keyboard Information" and turn off functional keys.

If the first option does not suit you, then use special programs. For example, download the Function Flip utility and fix problems with it. This program is free and you will not have any questions. After the download is complete, launch the application, which, in fact, is an addition to system settings and, having selected a list of keys you do not use from the menu, click "disable". The program also makes it possible to re-qualify function buttons like the F buttons, but here be guided by what is more convenient for you.

Just replace the keyboard. This is the easiest and most reliable way. Buy a standard inexpensive keyboard that lacks functionality keys. In this case, no further action will be required. Just plug it in system unit via ps2/usb output and functional keys they will definitely not interfere with you, because they will be absent.

note

Please note that when using the "Function Flip" program, you will not be able to even use the "Mute" key to adjust the sound.

Helpful advice

You need to know English when you visit the Microsoft website. There is a risk of misunderstanding the text before downloading the program and during its use.

Sources:

Microsoft support site in 2017

If you are uncomfortable with the sound Windows boot each time you turn on the computer, you can set the sound scheme settings so that the computer turns on in complete silence.

Instruction

Open the "Start" menu and go to the "Control Panel" section.

Now click "Change Sound Scheme".

In the dialog menu, go to the "Sounds" tab, and in the "Program Events" list, select "Windows Startup".

Backlight keyboards phone often drains the battery and is not always a necessary function, but it is very easy to turn it off by going to the appropriate settings item on the mobile device.

Instruction

Open your phone's menu. Go to the general setting of its parameters, backlight settings or any other menu that in one way or another may be associated with the function you need to disable. For example, in ordinary Samsung phones this parameter is located in the display brightness setting and other settings that affect battery performance in one way or another.

If you have Nokia smartphone on the Symbian platform, open the main menu and go to the "Control Panel" item. Go to the general settings, usually the very first item, and then go to the menu style configuration, disable flashing indicator light when receiving messages or missed calls.

Next, open the "Light sensor" menu and configure screen brightness. Customize backlight keyboards in the same section. Keep in mind that most new phone models have a power saving mode, which can be entered using the power button menu.

In order to disable backlight keyboards in smartphone Samsung, open the configuration options and select the menu item responsible for the settings appearance, turn off the backlight on mode. Keep in mind that many modern phone do not have backlight off settings in the menu keyboards, or this parameter is hidden so far that you still have to read the instructions for your mobile device, which will be far from superfluous even for confident cell phone users.

Select the specific mode setting in your phone, setting the backlight parameters in it keyboards, this is true for some models of smartphones. Carefully study the interface of your mobile device in order to easily navigate its functions in the future, since recently the functionality cell phones and smartphones are expanding.

note

Remember in which section of the menu you changed one or another phone parameter.

Helpful advice

Set the timer to use the keyboard backlight.

The battery is one of the most vulnerable parts of mobile computers. Improper use of this battery may lead to its premature deterioration and other irreparable consequences.

You will need

set of screwdrivers.

Instruction

Experts categorically do not recommend using a laptop with a defective battery. In this case, it does not matter at all what exactly is the cause of the incorrect operation of the device. Remove the battery from the mobile computer as soon as a malfunction is detected.

Turn off first a laptop. Make sure the device is completely turned off and does not work in hibernation mode. Now unplug the power supply alternating current. Remove the cable from the socket a laptop a.

flip mobile computer and examine the battery mount batteries. If you are dealing with a relatively old model a laptop a, you may need a screwdriver. Remove the fixing screws from the mobile device case.

Pry off the edge with a flat head screwdriver batteries and remove the battery. In modern a laptop ah Batteries are attached using special latches. The most commonly used system is to prevent accidental disconnection of the battery.

Set the first knob to the Open position. Usually on the body a laptop and apply a special pattern in the form of an open lock. Now change the position of the second slider. Pry up the loose end of the battery and remove the battery.

Now connect the power supply to the mobile computer. Open the lid a laptop and press the power button. Wait for the operating system to load. Turn off the missing battery warning.

It is important to understand that the battery a laptop ah performs not only the functions of a battery, but is also a passive protection system against voltage surges. After removing the battery, do not connect the mobile computer to unreliable power sources. Use a surge protector or voltage stabilizer to protect a laptop.

Sources:

laptop without battery

When the computer is not used for a certain period of time, the display may turn off to save power. Shutdown screen- configurable option. The user can set the parameters he needs at any time.

Instruction

Call the "Power Options" component. This can be done in several ways. Click on any free space on your desktop right click mouse and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Open the "Screen Saver" tab and click on the "Power" button in the "Energy Saver" group. The dialog box for the component you are looking for will appear.

Alternative way: across Windows key or the Start button, open the Control Panel. In the Performance and Maintenance category, select the Power Options icon. In the dialog box that opens, click the Power Schemes tab.

In the "Scheme settings [Name of the scheme you have chosen]" group, expand the drop-down list in the "Turn off the display" field. Scroll to the very end of the list and left-click on the "Never" item. Click on the "Apply" button for the new settings to take effect, and close the "Properties: Power Options" window with the OK button or the [x] icon in the upper right corner of the window.

After that, you can return to the settings on the "Screensaver" tab in the "Screen" component window (the way to call it was described in the first step). If you do not want the screen saver to appear on the display after a certain time of inactivity of the computer, that is, the desktop is always displayed, use the drop-down list to set the "Screensaver" group to "(None)".

In this mode, there is no need to set additional parameters for the time interval, so just save the new settings with the Apply button and close the Display Properties window.

In some cases, the multimedia functions of the F1-F12 keys appear without pressing the Fn function key. This error can be corrected by the user himself, although there are specialized programs designed specifically for this. True, this does not apply to all models.

Instruction

First of all, carefully read the user manual that comes with any laptop model. The section on working with the device keys may contain additional information on how to resolve this error. In the absence of technical documentation, it is recommended to refer to specialized Internet forums dedicated to specific model laptop.

Try disabling the device's multimedia keys feature by pressing at the same time function keys Fn and Numlock. In some cases, this action is sufficient.

Reboot the laptop and press the function key F2 or Del (depending on the model) to enter the BIOS mode. Navigate to the System Configuration tab using the up and down arrow keys. Find the line named Action Keys Mode d on the left side of the settings dialog that opens and change the checkbox to Disabled. Click the Exit tab and select the Save Changes & Exit command. Confirm the selected action by clicking the OK button in the system prompt window that opens. This procedure should fully restore the functionality of the Fn key.

If your notebook is manufactured by Toshiba, please use a specialized HDD program Protector, available for download on the official website of the company. The application is free and can be easily installed on a computer. To do this, run the program's executable file and follow all the recommendations of the installation wizard.

Run the installed application and select the "Optimization" tab in the main window of HDD Protector. Expand the "Ease of Access" link and uncheck the "Use Fn key" line in the dialog box that opens. Click the OK button to apply your changes (for Toshiba laptops).

Function key

Laptops (netbooks) from HP, Asus, Smasung, Compaq and others are equipped with special function keys, with which the user can quickly switch between music, start wireless networks, increase or decrease the volume and perform other manipulations with the device. Sometimes these function keys can be inconvenient, and therefore it becomes necessary to disable them. For example, when buying a computer from HP, a user may experience factory settings, after the usual pressing of the F1-F12 keys (without the Fn button), they will activate the additional functions.

Disabling the Fn key

Of course, you can change the settings for these keys or even disable the Fn button on your netbook. First, it must be said that this method is far from the easiest, but if you do it right, you can avoid a lot of different problems. On HP laptops (netbooks), you need to disable the function key directly from the BIOS "a. In order to enter the BIOS, you must turn on (restart) the computer and press the ESC or F10 key (depending on your device model). After the BIOS window" and it opens, you need to go to the System Configuration tab. There are many different options here, but to disable or change the function keys, you need the Action Keys parameter. It must be changed to Disabled and save the changes using the F10 button. After that, the Fn key will be disabled.

On devices from Asus, Samsung, and Fujitsu, it's easier to disable the function key. For example, on laptops (netbooks) from Asus, the Fn key is disabled using the Fn and NumLk key combination. On other models, other key combinations may work, for example: Fn and Insert, Fn and F11, Fn and F12, or even NumLk.

It is worth noting that laptops (netbooks) from Toshiba will cause the most problems with disabling the function key, since this will have to download and install a special software- HDD Protector. After installing and running this program, you need to go to the "Optimization" tab, where you need to find the "Accessibility" item. When a new window opens, uncheck the "Use Fn key" box. These changes must be confirmed with the OK button. As a result, the function key will be disabled.

Tip 11: Why is the Fn button needed on a laptop or netbook?

Many laptop or netbook keyboards have an Fn button. Why is she needed?

The Fn button is present on the keyboard of most laptops, ultrabooks and netbooks, but unfortunately the instructions for the gadget do not always contain a description of its use and inexperienced users randomly clicking on it can accidentally turn off Bluetooth or wireless network, touchpad, will switch to the numeric keypad from the main one, and it will seem to the user that the laptop is broken.

In fact, the Fn button is a quick access to some of the features and settings of the computer. It must be remembered that to quickly call up the settings or enable / disable the function, you just need to hold down Fn and at the same time the second key - with the function symbol.

Take a look at the keyboard. In addition to letters and control buttons with the designations Enter, Shift. Ctrl, Alt, etc., on the keyboard you will find buttons with small icons drawn in the same color as the letters "Fn" (usually a more faded color than the rest used in the design of the keyboard). By pressing Fn at the same time as the button that has a loudspeaker on it, you can control the sound on and off by pressing Fn at the same time as the button that has an icon that represents WiFi network you can turn on and off the receiver-transmitter laptop WiFi etc. Turning the touchpad on and off, sleep mode, adjusting the screen brightness, as well as switching to working with the numeric keypad (if the laptop keyboard is not full-size) works in the same way.

It is worth understanding the functions that can be quickly controlled using the Fn button, since changing the same settings in operating system often much more difficult and longer.

If the Fn key on a laptop If it doesn't work, it might be disabled in the BIOS. If this is not the case, you will have to install special software that comes with a specific PC model.

An example of using the Fn button: The photo shows that pressing Fn and F3 at the same time turns Bluetooth on and off.

Computer tips for novice users

Where to find the "Fn" button

How to use the Fn button

The "Fn" button does not work - what to do

What is the Fn key for and how does it work?

Fn key on a Lenovo laptop

Drivers for the Fn key

Function key

Disabling the Fn key

Tip 11: Why is the Fn button needed on a laptop or netbook?

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