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Keyboard Function Keys (F1-F12) and Their Use
Learn about all keyboard function keys (F1 to F12) and their uses.
What are Keyboard Function Keys (F1-F12)?
Function keys are used to perform specific commands or actions which can vary depending on the operating system, application software, and context in which they are used. They appear on the top of the keyboard and consist of 12 keys i.e., F1 - F12. These function keys are a shortcut for carrying out any task and helping the user to perform the specific function more quickly. It is used to make user's work more efficient.
How Many Function Keys Are on a Keyboard?
Function Keys on Windows Keyboard
A normal Windows keyboard has 12 function keys from F1 to F12. But Modern keyboards differ in their function key layout and some special keyboards extend up to F24.
Function Keys on Apple Keyboard
Modern Apple keyboards have standard F1-F12 keys. While some older MacBook Pro models (2016-2020) featured a Touch Bar instead of physical function keys. But, after taking the user's feedback, MacBook models have returned to traditional physical function keys.
How to Use Function Keys on Laptops?
In laptops, the function keys are located on the top row. Due to space issues, smaller laptops have function keys that are used as secondary features on other keys. In these cases, we have to press the function key along with the key to get the functionality of a particular key on the keyboard. This design helps maintain the functionality aspect while keeping the form factor compact.
Keys for Multimedia Functions
Some keyboards allow you to change the function keys to operate as multimedia keys. Multimedia keys are used to perform functions related to media like volume adjustment, brightness control, and playback management.
Enabling Function Keys on Laptop
You can enable function keys on a laptop through BIOS settings. The following are the steps −
- Restart your computer
- Press the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F10, or Del)
- Use arrow keys to find the "System Configuration" menu
- Press Enter to select it
- Look for "Action Keys Mode" or Function Key Behavior
- Select Action Keys Mode
- Toggle between Enabled/Disabled
- Enabled − Function keys work without Fn key
- Disabled − Must use Fn key with function keys
- Press F10 to save changes
- Select "Yes" to confirm
List of All Keyboard Function Keys (F1 - F12) and Their Uses
Let's explore the functions of each of these keys one by one −
F1 Key
F1 Key is used to open the help center on computers with a single press. On laptops, it requires pressing the Fn+F1 key. It is also used for accessing software documentation and various help topics.
F2 Key
F2 Key is used to rename files/folders quickly. In Microsoft Office, combines with Alt+Ctrl for document window, Ctrl for print preview, and Alt for Save As dialog. It also uses Shift+F2 to add comments in Excel.
F3 Key
F3 Key functions as a search key for applications and browser text. On laptops, requires the Fn+F3 key. In Microsoft Word, Shift+F3 toggles text cases between upper, lower, and capitals.
F4 Key
F4 Key has no standalone function but Alt+F4 closes current applications, which are running on the screen. It is used to show shutdown/restart options on a desktop.
F5 Key
F5 Key is used to refresh the current screen or webpage. It provides a quicker alternative to right-clicking and selecting refresh, improving efficiency.
F6 Key
F6 Key is used to control volume reduction on laptops and moves to URL in browsers. In Microsoft Word, Ctrl+F6 switches between open documents.
F7 Key
F7 Key primarily checks grammar in MS Office applications. It also uses Shift+F7 to open the Research window.
F8 Key
F8 Key Enables safe mode during system boot and is also used in Word for selecting all document text for enabling the copy and pasting operation.
F9 Key
F9 Key is not used to perform any independent function in Windows. But it works with Ctrl and Alt in Microsoft Word for performing merging operations which are used to merge the mail.
F10 Key
F10 Key is used to work with Shift for opening the context menus and also it is used to replace the need for right-clicking.
F11 Key
F11 Key is used to toggle full-screen mode in browsers (exit with ESC). In Excel, we create new sheets with Shift+F11, while Alt+F11 opens Visual Basic.
F12 Key
F12 Key is used to enable the flight mode on laptops. In MS Word, It shows a save dialog, and with Ctrl opens documents. Shift+Ctrl+F12 is used to open the Print window.