To use the function keys without pressing Fn on a Windows 10 laptop, turn on Fn Lock. On many keyboards you press Fn + Esc, or Fn + Caps Lock, or a key labeled F Lock. If your keyboard has no lock, change the function key setting in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI. Windows 10 itself has no setting for this, because the keyboard controls it.
Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and keyboards with an Fn key. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Turn on Fn Lock
- Look for a key with a padlock and “Fn” on it. It’s often Esc, but it can be Caps Lock, Shift or a separate F Lock key.
- Press Fn and that key together. On a keyboard with an F Lock key, press F Lock by itself.
- Test it: press F5 in File Explorer. If the window refreshes, F1 to F12 now work without Fn. The brightness and volume keys now need Fn instead.
Press the same keys again to switch back. Some keyboards show a small light when Fn Lock is on. Fn Lock also decides whether you need Fn for the keyboard light shortcut in Windows 10.
Change the setting in BIOS or UEFI
If there’s no Fn Lock key, most laptops have a setting in BIOS or UEFI.
- Open BIOS or UEFI. See how to enter BIOS or UEFI in Windows 10.
- Look for a setting named Function Key Behavior, Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode or Fn Lock. It’s often under Advanced, Configuration or Keyboard.
- Set it so the function keys come first (for example Function Key, or Disabled for Action Keys Mode).
- Save and exit. The PC restarts.
Only change the one setting you came for. If you aren’t sure, choose to exit without saving.
Where to find it by brand
- Dell: press Fn + Esc. In BIOS, look under POST Behavior > Fn Lock Options.
- HP: most models use Fn + Esc or Fn + Shift. Otherwise, in BIOS go to System Configuration > Action Keys Mode and set it to Disabled.
- Lenovo: press Fn + Esc. You can also switch it in the Lenovo Vantage app under the keyboard settings, or with Hotkey Mode in BIOS.
- ASUS: press Fn + Esc. Newer models also have a function key setting in the MyASUS app.
- Acer: in BIOS, open the Main tab and set Function Key Behavior to Function Key.
- Microsoft Surface: press the Fn key on its own. A light on the key shows when Fn Lock is on.
Menu names change between models, so check your laptop’s manual or support page if yours looks different.
Other things to check
- Some laptops also show a Function Key Row option in Windows Mobility Center. Press Windows logo key + X and select Mobility Center to see if yours has it.
- If keys don’t respond at all, see how to unlock the keyboard in Windows 10.
- You can also press F1 to F12 on the On-Screen Keyboard. Select Fn on it first if the keys don’t show. See how to open the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my function keys change by themselves?
Fn Lock was probably turned on or off by accident. Press the Fn Lock keys again to switch back. On a Windows 11 laptop, our guide on how to turn off Fn Lock in Windows 11 lists the settings each maker uses.
Is this the same on every laptop?
No. The keys and the BIOS setting names depend on who made your PC. Your PC maker’s support site lists the exact keys for your model.
Does Fn Lock stay on after a restart?
On most laptops, yes. On some, it turns off again when the PC restarts. If that happens, use the BIOS or UEFI setting instead, because it stays set.
Can I use an external keyboard’s function keys instead?
Yes. Most desktop keyboards send F1 to F12 by default. If yours has an F Lock key, make sure it’s turned on.
Microsoft’s reference is How do I use the Fn key/F Lock key/Alternate command keys? More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to Use Function Keys Without Pressing FN in Windows 11.
Related: how to fix WASD swapped with arrow keys in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.