Introduction
Ever wondered What Does FN Lock Do key does on your keyboard? You have likely used the FN key at some point when you were trying to raise the brightness of your screen or silence some music, without having thought about it.
The function key (FN) and the FN Lock is something of a mystery to many users, including students and professionals. In this guide, you will know all you should know about the FN Lock as well as the functionality of the keyboards and how you can get the maximum of your keyboard shortcuts.
What Is the FN Key?
The FN key is the modifier keyboard key that is abbreviated as Function and is available on most laptops and a few desk keyboards. It enables you to get to the second row functions of your keyboard either labeled F1-F12 usually. Using the FN key, you may adjust your volume, manage media playback, switch on the Wi-Fi, adjust the brightness of the screen, and so on.
What Is FN Lock?
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Keyboard
New laptops and small keyboards do not necessarily have enough space to include keys to all functions. To overcome this, the manufacturers will give the same key several functions. The FN key can be used in conjunction with other keys, which enables the FN key to execute its other feature so that you can do more with fewer keys.
Common FN Key Uses
- Regulating the brightness of the screen.
- Muting or changing volume
- Enabling airplane mode
- Toggling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Controlling media playback
- Switching the backlight of the keyboard on or off.
Typical FN Key Shortcuts
| Function | Key Combination | Result |
| Increase Brightness | FN + F2 | Screen gets brighter |
| Mute Volume | FN + F6 | Mutes sound |
| Play/Pause Music | FN + F8 | Controls media playback |
| Enable Wi-Fi | FN + F12 | Turns Wi-Fi on/off |
| Keyboard Backlight | FN + Space (varies) | Toggles backlight |
What Is FN Lock?
FN Lock is an option, which allows you to lock (FN) key such that you do not need to hold it down to access secondary functions. In case you always had to adjust the volume, or adjust the brightness of the screen, FN Lock can simplify your life and change the default settings of your F1-F12 keys.
How Does FN Lock Work?
The default change is that when FN Lock is turned on, then when the top-row keys (F1-F12) are pressed, the alternate functions (such as volume or brightness) will be turned on without the necessity to press the FN key. All the same keys become standard function keys (e.g. F5 is a refresh button) when FN Lock is turned off.
How to Enable or Disable FN Lock
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
Every keyboard should have FN Lock which can be enabled by using FN + Esc or FN + Caps Lock though this can differ depending on the brand and model. There is a little indicator light which sometimes indicates the FN Lock status.
Adjusting in BIOS or UEFI
There are laptops where the FN Lock can be configured in the BIOS or UEFI. This will be useful in case you want to make permanent changes to the default.
Customizing with Software
Keyboards are commonly supplied with software to manage them by manufactures such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and ASUS. In these programs, you are able to configure your FN key settings, reassign keys and shortcut management.
FN Lock Shortcuts by Manufacturer
| Brand | FN Lock Shortcut | Software Option |
| Dell | FN + Esc | Dell QuickSet |
| HP | FN + Esc or BIOS/UEFI | HP System Event Utility |
| Lenovo | FN + Esc | Lenovo Vantage |
| ASUS | FN + Esc or FN + Insert | Armoury Crate |
| Acer | FN + F12 or BIOS/UEFI | Acer Care Center |
FN Lock vs. Caps Lock: What’s the Difference?
FN Lock and Caps Lock are both keys that are used as locks, but in very different cases.
- FN Lock: Alters the default of the function keys (F1-F12).
- Caps Lock: This button makes all the letters typed into the upper case until you press it (again).
Caps Lock is not new to the majority but FN Lock is relatively novel and found only on laptops or small keyboards.
Why Use FN Lock?
Convenience for Everyday Tasks
FN Lock can save time in case you spend most of your time on your laptop watching movies, listening to music, or modifying settings. You will not have to press the FN key when you want to make an adjustment, simply press the key required.
Productivity Boost
Those professionals who are using the function keys to activate a software shortcut (such as F5 to refresh a browser or F2 to rename a file) may want to leave FN Lock off. In this manner, F1=F12 are standard keys except when the FN key is depressed.
Troubleshooting of FN Key and FN Lock
FN Key Not Working?
- Ensure that FN Lock is turned off or on.
- Latest the drivers of your keyboard.
- Restart your laptop or PC.
- Attempt to use the appropriate shortcut in FN Lock.
- Search settings related to BIOS/UEFI of function keys.
FN Lock Shortcut Not Working?
- Make sure that you have a keyboard that has FN Lock.
- Check the manual or the internet website of your device.
- Test keyboard on a different computer, in case possible.
Customizing Your Keyboard to Suit Your Needs
A lot of new laptops are flexible in as much as keyboard shortcuts are concerned. Find your way into the preferences of your machine or install the manufacturer software. F112 can also be set to either multimedia controls or ordinary functioning keys.
External keyboards that can be programmed have even more customization to gamers, programmers, and power users. Mechanical keyboards do tend to have remapping / macro ability, so you can have complete control over what you are up to.
FN Lock on Different Operating Systems
- Windows
FN Lock is widely supported on windows laptops, particularly on such popular brands as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Look through your keyboard and look whether you have an FN Lock symbol or use the conventional shortcuts.
macOS
Keyboards of Macs do not contain FN Lock similarly but rather the Fn button on newer models can be configured in System Preferences to either behave like a modifier or display the emoji picker.
Chromebooks
As a default setting, chromebook keyboards typically make the top row dedicated action keys, although settings can be changed to use them as standard F11-12 functions.
- Other Suggestions on Mastering Function Keys.
- Identify the shortcuts that you use the most and memorize the combination.
- Consult your laptop manual to find out the features available in your brand.
- Enhance workflow with the help of keyboard software.
- It is important to update your keyboard drivers on a regular basis to prevent compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off FN Lock permanently?
A: Yes, the majority of the laptops allow configuration of the default in BIOS/UEFI or through manufacturer software.
Q: What if my keyboard does not have an FN key?
A: Sometimes, desktop keyboards do not contain FN key, and they contain special function and media keys.
Q: Why does not my FN key work for all shortcuts?
A: There are also shortcuts that are considered brand specific or that need extra software.
Summary
Even non-technical users can understand what FN Lock does but it is useful to those who want to use more effectively their keyboards. You can save time and be more productive with learning how to use the FN key and FN Lock whether to adjust brightness or skip a song or use some advanced shortcuts.
The current laptops and small keyboards can fit dozens of features within a few keys. With learning how to use FN Lock and how to fit your setup, you will have more control in terms of viewing movies, working on documents or even surfing online.
The next time you are wondering why a shortcut is not working or you want your volume key to have a different functionality, it is time to remember about FN Lock. Learn how to use all the features of your keyboard, follow all of the tips mentioned above, and have a smarter and easier everyday computer experience.
