What is the Fn key and why is it on your keyboard? Everything you need to know

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For many keys, keys with an Fn or F Lock key give two sets of commands. Contains the normal function keys on the top row (F1–F12). The front of the keys are labeled with standard instructions (such as F3). At the top of the keys, alternative instructions (such as Redo) are labeled. The purpose of a normal command and an alternate command may be the same in some applications (for example, F1 normally displays Help for the active window, and on some keyboards, the alternate command for F1 is also Help).

Where is the Fn key located on the keyboard?

Laptops

On Apple laptops and PCs, the Fn key is usually located on the lower left side of the keyboard, next to the Ctrl key.

Chromebooks

Not all Chromebooks have an Fn key. For those who do, it’s often found near the space bar.

apple keyboards

  • On full-size Apple keyboards, the fn key is to the right of the Delete key, as shown here on a Magic Keyboard.
  • On MacBook laptops, the fn key is located further to the left on the bottom row of the keyboard.
  • On all Apple computers running macOS, the function keys F1 – F12 perform their special function by default (such as adjusting brightness or volume). If the fn key is held down, the F1 – F12 keys perform an action specific to the current application.
  • To toggle the default behavior of function keys on macOS, go to System Preferences > Keyboard and check the Use F1, F2, etc. keys box. as standard function keys.

other desktops

Most other full-size desktops don’t have an Fn key. For those who do, it’s often found around the space bar.

How do I use the Fn key?

With most computer keyboards, the Fn key is used like other modifier keys (eg Shift). Pressing and holding the Fn key together with another key activates its secondary function. On PCs, the function keys F1 through F12 are their default behavior, and the secondary function (for example, muting the sound) is accessed by holding down the Fn key and the function key. On Apple computers, the primary function is the special functions (eg, mute the sound), and the secondary function accessed by holding down the fn key is the F1 through F12 keys. Below are the steps on how to use the Fn key on PC and Mac computers.

pc and pc keyboards

Below is a Lenovo Thinkpad keyboard and an example of a PC keyboard with an Fn key and function keys with secondary functions. To use the Fn key, hold down the Fn key, and while holding down the key, press one of the function keys. In our example, the secondary key F1 is the mute button. Pressing and holding Fn and pressing F1 at the same time mutes the audio. Doing the same action again activates the audio. On desktop computer keyboards with an Fn key that lights up when enabled, make sure the key is enabled (lit) before pressing the corresponding function key. Once the key is lit, it no longer needs to be pressed (it is locked) and every secondary function is performed until the Fn key is disabled.

apple computer and keyboards

Below is an example of a MacBook Pro laptop; By default, the F12 key increases the audio volume. If this key is pressed while holding down the fn key, it registers as F12 and activates its specific function, instead of adjusting the volume. If you prefer not to press the fn key to access the function keys, you can set the keyboard to treat them as normal function keys by changing the default behavior.

Keyboards with a multicolored Fn key

As the picture shows, this laptop has a Fn key with green and blue Fn. For this type of Fn key, the secondary key’s function is color coded and works with more than just the function keys. Keys with symbols of the same color indicate that their secondary function is activated by pressing that key with the Fn key. In this example, pressing and holding the Fn key and the up or down arrows adjusts the brightness of the laptop screen.

My Fn key doesn’t have multiple colors

Most Fn keys are not color coded. Computers with a white or black Fn key still perform the same function and can be pressed in combination with other keys that have pictures on them. For example, pressing the Fn key and a key with a sun icon adjusts the brightness. Pressing the Fn key and a crescent moon key put the computer to sleep.

What functions can the Fn key perform?

The functions available for the Fn key depend on the manufacturer of your computer and keyboard. Below is a list of some of the common tasks this key is used for.

  • Raise and lower the brightness of the screen.
  • Turn the volume up and down.
  • Mute sound volume.
  • Mute the microphone.
  • Control multimedia functions like play, pause, fast forward and rewind.
  • Switch between windows.
  • Adjust the brightness of the keyboard light.
  • Open search.

Final words: What is the Fn key and why is it on your keyboard? Everything you need to know

I hope you understand this article, What is the Fn key and why is it on your keyboard? Everything you need to know. If your answer is no, you can ask anything via the contact forum section related to this article. And if your answer is yes, please share this article with your friends and family to give us your support.

Lucas Simonds
Lucas Simonds
Lucas Simonds is a skilled content editor at Bollyinside, specializing in "How to" and "Tips & Tricks" articles focused on Gaming, Software, and Apps. With a genuine passion for video games, he not only writes about them but also actively engages in gaming. His commitment to providing insightful and approachable content has earned him a trusted reputation within the online community.

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