How to Lock and Unlock the Function (Fn) Key in Windows

The Fn key on your keyboard serves as a hidden modifier, enabling additional functions on your F1-F12 keys. If you find yourself constantly needing those functions, here are some easy ways to lock (or unlock) the Fn key on Windows.

1. Lock or Unlock the Function Key Using Your Keyboard

On several keyboards, the Esc key doubles as a Fn (Function) lock key, often denoted by a small padlock icon on the Esc key. To lock the Fn key on these keyboards, press the Fn and Esc keys simultaneously.

The lock icon should light up to indicate the Fn key is locked. To unlock it later, press the Fn and Esc keys together again.

2. Lock or Unlock the Function Key From the BIOS Menu

The BIOS menu on your PC allows you to change various system settings, such as boot order, hardware configurations, and power management options. Here's how you use it to lock or unlock the Fn key:

1. Use your preferred way to boot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Head to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
3. Click UEFI Firmware Settings and hit Restart on the following screen.
4. Once the BIOS menu opens, head to the System Configuration section and choose the Action Key Mode.
5. Disable Action Key Mode.
6. Alternatively, in the Advanced tab, access Function Key Behavior.
7. Choose the Function Key option to lock it.
8. Click F10 to save the changes, then click Yes when the prompt appears.

If you don't plan to use the Fn key at all, you can also disable it using the KeyTweak app. Check out our guide on disabling specific keys on your keyboard in Windows for more information about KeyTweak.

3. Lock or Unlock the Function Key via the Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center is a useful tool for configuring common settings like your PC's brightness and volume. You can also use it to lock or unlock the Function key. Note that this method might not work if you do not have the Function Key Row section in the Mobility Center.

1. Open the Windows Mobility Center using the search menu.
2. Locate the Function Key Row section.
3. To lock the Fn key, select the Function key option in the dropdown menu. To unlock it, select the Multimedia key option.

Why Should You Lock or Unlock the Fn Key?

The F1-F12 keys at the top of your keyboard can perform two functions. Individually, they perform one action, but they can perform different actions when pressed with the Function (Fn) key.

When using the secondary function, you must press the Fn key along with any function key each time you wish to perform a specific operation. But if you prefer not to do that, use any of the above methods to lock the Function key permanently.

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