How to Take Off Fn Lock or Fn Key in Windows Laptops?
The Fn key works as a modifier key that changes how the function keys behave. When Fn Lock is enabled, you can use multimedia functions like volume control and brightness without holding the Fn key. When it is disabled, the function keys perform their traditional roles, such as F1 for help, F5 for refresh, and F2 for rename.
Different laptop manufacturers implement Fn Lock differently. Some offer a dedicated Fn Lock key combination, while others require accessing the BIOS settings. In certain cases, you can also use system software or keyboard utilities provided by the laptop manufacturer.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to take off the Fn Lock or disable the Fn key on Windows laptops. The methods provided work on most major brands such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and others.
How to Take off the Fn Lock or Fn Key in Windows?
To take off the Fn Lock on a Windows laptop, press the Fn key together with the Esc key or the dedicated Fn Lock key on your keyboard. If this does not work, access the BIOS or UEFI settings and change the Function Key Behavior to standard function keys. Some laptops also allow disabling the Fn key using keyboard settings or manufacturer software.
Before making any changes, identify whether your function keys are locked. If pressing F5 changes brightness instead of refreshing a page, the Fn Lock is likely enabled.
The following steps will help you remove the Fn Lock and restore normal function key behavior.
Step 1: Check the Keyboard for an Fn Lock Key
The first step is to inspect your laptop keyboard carefully. Many laptops include a built-in Fn Lock shortcut that allows users to toggle the function lock quickly.
Look for the Esc key or one of the function keys that has a small lock icon with the letters Fn printed on it. This symbol usually indicates the Fn Lock function.
Press and hold the Fn key, then press the key with the lock symbol, often the Esc key. On many laptops, pressing Fn + Esc toggles the Fn Lock on or off instantly. After pressing the combination, test your function keys to see if they perform their standard actions again.
If this method works, you do not need to change any system settings. However, if nothing changes, move to the next step.
Step 2: Use the Dedicated Fn Lock Shortcut Combination
Some laptops use different key combinations to control the Fn Lock. These combinations vary by manufacturer, but they typically involve pressing the Fn key with another key that has a lock icon or function symbol.
On many HP laptops, pressing Fn + Esc toggles the Fn Lock. On certain Dell and Lenovo devices, you may need to press Fn + Shift or Fn + Caps Lock. Asus laptops sometimes use Fn + Num Lock.
Press the Fn key together with the suspected lock key, and then test the function keys. If F1 to F12 begin working normally without holding the Fn key, the lock has been disabled.
If you are unsure about your laptop’s specific shortcut, check the keyboard symbols or refer to the user manual for confirmation.
Step 3: Change Function Key Behavior in BIOS or UEFI Settings
If the keyboard shortcuts do not work, you can disable the Fn Lock through the BIOS or UEFI settings. This method works on most Windows laptops and allows you to change the default behavior of the function keys.
Restart your laptop and press the required key to enter BIOS or UEFI settings. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc. The correct key usually appears on the screen during startup.
Once inside the BIOS menu, navigate using the arrow keys to find a section named Advanced, System Configuration, or Keyboard Settings. Look for an option called Function Key Behavior, Action Keys Mode, or Hotkey Mode.
Change the setting from multimedia keys to Function Keys or Standard Function Mode. After making the change, save the settings and exit the BIOS by pressing the indicated key, usually F10.
When your laptop restarts, the Fn Lock should be disabled, and the function keys should work normally.
Step 4: Use Windows Mobility Center Settings
Some laptops provide an option to control function key behavior directly from Windows through the Windows Mobility Center.
Press the Windows key + X and select Mobility Center from the menu. In the Mobility Center window, look for a section labeled Function Key Row or similar.
If available, switch the setting from multimedia keys to function keys. Save the changes and close the window. Test your keyboard to confirm that the Fn Lock has been removed.
This method is mostly available on Dell and some HP laptops. If you do not see the option, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Use Manufacturer Keyboard Software
Many laptop manufacturers provide dedicated software to manage keyboard settings. These tools can help you disable or customize the Fn key.
For HP laptops, open HP Support Assistant or HP Keyboard Control and check the keyboard settings. On Lenovo devices, open Lenovo Vantage and look for input or keyboard configuration options. Dell users can check Dell QuickSet or Dell Power Manager.
Inside these applications, find the option for Function Key Behavior and switch it to standard function keys. Save the settings and restart your laptop if required.
Using manufacturer software is often the easiest method when BIOS access is restricted.
Step 6: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Sometimes the Fn key behaves incorrectly due to outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers. Updating or reinstalling drivers can fix the issue.
Open Device Manager by pressing the Windows key and typing Device Manager. Expand the Keyboards section and right-click on your keyboard device. Select Update Driver and allow Windows to search automatically for updates.
If the issue continues, uninstall the keyboard driver and restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically, which may restore normal function key behavior.
Step 7: Check for BIOS Updates
If none of the methods work, your laptop may require a BIOS update. Manufacturers occasionally release updates that fix keyboard-related issues.
Visit the official website of your laptop brand and download the latest BIOS update for your model. Follow the instructions carefully to update the BIOS. After updating, check the BIOS settings again for function key behavior options.
Updating BIOS should be done cautiously, as incorrect installation can affect system performance.
Faqs
Why is my Fn key always on?
Your Fn key may always be on because the Fn Lock is enabled. This setting makes the function keys perform multimedia actions by default. You can disable it using keyboard shortcuts or BIOS settings.
How do I know if Fn Lock is enabled?
If pressing F1 to F12 changes brightness, volume, or WiFi instead of performing standard actions, the Fn Lock is likely enabled.
Can I disable the Fn key completely?
Most laptops do not allow completely disabling the Fn key, but you can change the function key behavior so you do not need to press Fn for regular function keys.
Why is Fn Lock not turning off?
Fn Lock may not turn off due to BIOS settings, outdated drivers, or missing keyboard software. Try using BIOS settings or updating drivers to resolve the issue.
Does every laptop have Fn Lock?
Not all laptops have a dedicated Fn Lock feature. Some only allow changing function key behavior through BIOS or manufacturer software.
How to turn off fn lock on an HP Laptop?
To turn off Fn Lock on an HP laptop, press the Fn key and the Esc key together. This toggles the function lock on most HP models. If it does not work, restart the laptop and enter the BIOS settings by pressing F10 during startup. Look for Action Keys Mode and disable it to restore standard function keys.
How to turn off fn lock on a Lenovo Laptop?
On most Lenovo laptops, press Fn and Esc together to disable Fn Lock. Some models require opening Lenovo Vantage and changing the function key settings. You can also enter the BIOS by pressing F1 or F2 during startup and set Hotkey Mode to disabled.
How to turn off fn lock on a Thinkpad?
On a ThinkPad, press Fn and Esc to toggle Fn Lock. If the shortcut does not work, restart the device and enter BIOS using the F1 key. Navigate to the Config section, open Keyboard settings, and change the Fn and Function Keys behavior to standard mode. Save and exit to apply changes.