Function Keys on Your Windows/Mac/Linux Laptop

Often overlooked, these versatile function keys in laptop can transform your productivity and streamline your workflow. Whether you’re a student rushing to submit assignments, a professional juggling deadlines, or a casual user exploring new shortcuts, understanding function keys can significantly enhance your computing experience.

Windows laptop default function keys (F1–F12)

This is for all versions of Windows 10 and 11. Including Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Enterprise, etc

Key	Default Function (Common Use)
F1	Opens Help for the active app or Windows
F2	Renames selected file or folder
F3	Opens Search in File Explorer
F4	Opens address bar in File Explorer Alt + F4 closes the active window
F5	Refreshes the current window or webpage
F6	Moves cursor to the address bar in a browser or cycles through screen elements.
F7	Turns on Caret Browsing in browsers (select text with keyboard); rarely used in Windows
F8	Used to enter Safe Mode (on older versions of Windows)
F9	Refreshes a Word document field; varies by app
F10	Activates the menu bar in some apps Shift + F10 = right-click
F11	Toggles Full Screen in browsers and some apps
F12	Opens Save As in Word or Developer Tools in browsers (like Chrome, Edge)

On Laptops with media keys (when Action Keys mode is ON)

On many laptops, F1–F12 do media controls instead unless you hold Fn. Here’s how they might work:

Key	Media/Hardware Function (with Fn Lock or Action Key Mode ON)
F1	Lower brightness
F2	Increase brightness
F3	Toggle display/project screen
F4	Toggle keyboard backlight (if available)
F5	Disable/enable touchpad
F6	Mute/unmute sound
F7	Lower volume
F8	Increase volume
F9	Play/Pause media
F10	Stop media
F11	Previous track
F12	Next track

Macbook default function keys (F1–F12)

When function keys are set to “Media Keys” (Default)

Key	Lower keyboard brightness (if the keyboard is backlit)
F1	Decrease screen brightness
F2	Increase screen brightness
F3	Open Mission Control (see all open windows)
F4	Open Launchpad (apps menu)
F5	Lower keyboard brightness (if keyboard is backlit)
F6	Increase keyboard brightness
F7	Skip back / previous track (music/video)
F8	Play / Pause media
F9	Skip forward / next track
F10	Mute sound
F11	Decrease volume
F12	Increase volume

These keys act as media controls unless you hold the fn key.

When Fn (“Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys” option) is turned on

With this setting enabled (in System Settings > Keyboard), the function keys behave like traditional F1–F12 keys:

Key	Standard Use (With fn Key or Setting Enabled)
F1	Custom use (varies by app – could be Help or manual shortcut)
F2	Custom (e.g., rename in some file managers)
F3	Can still be used for Mission Control if assigned
F4	Used in apps (e.g., Excel: repeat last action)
F5–F12	Can be used for shortcuts or assigned to app-specific actions

With touch bar (MacBook Pro 2016–2025)

Instead of real function keys, the Touch Bar shows:

• Brightness, Volume, Siri, etc. by default.
• You can show F1–F12 by holding Fn or customising the Touch Bar in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.

Linux laptop default function keys (F1–F12)

Standard function key behaviour (across most distros)

Key	Typical Default Function in Linux
F1	Opens the Help window in many apps
F2	Renames a file or folder (in file managers like Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar)
F3	Opens search or split view (varies by app)
F4	Often used with Alt as Alt + F4 to close windows
F5	Refreshes current window or webpage
F6	Moves cursor to address bar in web browsers
F7	Spell check or caret browsing in editors and browsers
F8	May control virtual desktops or windows (varies by desktop)
F9	Often used for hiding/showing panels or tools in some editors
F10	Activates the menu bar in apps
F11	Toggle full-screen mode in browsers or apps
F12	Opens developer tools in browsers (like Firefox, Chromium)

When function keys are set to media/hardware mode (on some laptops)

Many laptops ship with media keys as default, just like Windows and macOS. These functions may include:

Key	Typical Media/Hardware Action
F1	Lower screen brightness
F2	Raise screen brightness
F3	Toggle external display (projector/monitor)
F4	Toggle touchpad or keyboard backlight (if available)
F5	Toggle Wi-Fi or airplane mode (some models)
F6	Mute/unmute audio
F7	Lower volume
F8	Raise volume
F9	Play/Pause media
F10	Stop media
F11	Previous track
F12	Next track

These actions can be customised in system settings or using tools like AutoKey, xbindkeys, or desktop environment settings.

Extra tip

If you’re using a laptop where media keys are the default, and you want to use F1–F12 as “normal” keys:

• Hold Fn while pressing the key
• Or change the behaviour in your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually called “Function Key Behavior” or “Action Keys Mode“)

How to customise function keys on a Windows laptop (step-by-step)

Function keys (F1 to F12) are the keys at the top of your keyboard. You can change what these keys do to make your laptop work better for you!

You might want to:

• Make F1 open a favourite app.
• Make F2 turn off Wi-Fi.
• Make F3 open your calculator. Cool, right?

Step 1: Check what the keys do now

Press a few function keys and see what happens.
On many laptops:

• F1 opens help
• F2 renames a file
• F3 opens search
• Some may adjust volume, screen brightness, etc.

Step 2: Decide what you want them to do

Think about what you want to change:

• Open a program?
• Do a keyboard shortcut?
• Control sound or brightness?

Step 3: Use your laptop’s settings or software

Option 1: Check for function key settings in BIOS/UEFI

For advanced control like switching between media keys and standard function keys:

1. Restart your laptop.
2. While it’s turning on, press a special key like F2, Del, or Esc (depends on the brand).
3. Go to the “Advanced” or “Configuration” tab.
4. Look for “Function Key Behavior” or “Action Keys Mode”.
5. Change it to:
   • “Function key first” – F1–F12 work as normal.
   • “Media key first” – F1–F12 control sound, brightness, etc.
6. Save and exit.

💡 Tip: Look up your laptop model online to find the exact key to press.

Option 2: Use manufacturer software (Easiest Way)

Most laptops have special software to customise function keys:

Brand	Software Name
HP	HP Quick Launch or BIOS
Dell	Dell QuickSet or BIOS
Lenovo	Lenovo Vantage
ASUS	Armoury Crate or BIOS
Acer	Acer Quick Access or BIOS

Steps:

1. Open the software (search for it in the Start Menu).
2. Look for keyboard settings.
3. Find function key customisation.
4. Choose what each key should do!

Option 3: Use a Free Tool (for Custom Shortcuts)

You can also use tools like:

• AutoHotKey (Free, powerful tool)
  • Download it from https://www.autohotkey.com
  • Write simple scripts like:
    F1::Run notepad.exe
  • This makes F1 open Notepad!

This tool is more advanced and best for people who are okay learning simple code.

• Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center

Notes:

• Only works fully with Microsoft keyboards and mice (like Microsoft Surface Keyboard or Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard).
• Won’t work on all built-in laptop keyboards.
• If your laptop uses third-party software (like Dell QuickSet or HP Hotkey Support), you’ll need to use those tools instead.

1. Go to the official site:
   https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=55977
2. Click Download.
3. Choose the right version (32-bit or 64-bit — most modern laptops are 64-bit).
4. Install the app by opening the file and following the instructions.
5. Open Mouse and Keyboard Center from your Start menu.
6. Your connected keyboard should appear on the screen.
7. Click on a function key (like F5) in the diagram or list.
8. Choose a new action:
   1. Open a program or file
   2. Launch a website
   3. Use a common command (like “Copy” or “Play/Pause“)
   4. Set it to do nothing
9. Repeat for any other function keys you want to customise.

Click Apply or OK (if needed) to save your changes.

How to customise function keys on a Mac (Step-by-Step)

Function keys (F1 to F12) are at the top of your keyboard. You can make them do special tasks that help you work faster or easier.

You might want to:

• Use F5 to launch a favourite app.
• Use F6 to pause your music.
• Make sure F1–F12 always work as “real” function keys in some apps (like Excel or games).

Step 1: Know what they do now

Try pressing some of your function keys.

• F1 and F2 usually control brightness.
• F11 and F12 might control volume.
• They may not act like “F1–F12” unless you hold the fn (function) key.

Step 2: Change how function keys work

This will let you use F1–F12 without holding the fn key.

On macOS Ventura or later:

1. Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left.
2. Choose System Settings.
3. Go to Keyboard.
4. Turn on:
   “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.”

On older macOS (Monterey and earlier):

1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Click Keyboard.
3. Check the box:
   ✅ “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.”

📌 Now your F-keys will act like normal F1–F12 keys.

To use brightness, sound, and other special features, hold down fn while pressing a key.

Step 3: Customise keys with shortcuts

You can make function keys open apps or do shortcuts.

Option 1: Use System Shortcuts

1. Open System Settings or System Preferences.
2. Go to Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
3. Choose what you want a key to do (like launching Spotlight or Do Not Disturb).

Note: macOS doesn’t let you assign apps directly to F1–F12 from here, but you can use tools for that!

Step 4: Use a free app to customise more

To fully control what each function key does, try these:

Karabiner-Elements (Free & Powerful)

1. Download from: https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org
2. Install and open it.
3. Go to the “Simple Modifications” tab.
4. Pick a key (like F5).
5. Change it to do something else (like open an app or act like another key).

This tool is great if you want full control over your keyboard.

How to customise function keys on a Linux laptop (Step-by-Step)

Function keys (F1 to F12) are at the top of your keyboard. On Linux, you can make these keys do cool things—like open apps, run commands, or control your system.

You might want to:

• Use F3 to open your browser.
• Use F6 to pause music.
• Use F11 to run a command or script.

Let’s learn how to do that!

Step 1: Know what you’re using

Linux comes in many types (called distros) like Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc.

And they use different desktop environments like:

Desktop	Looks like
GNOME	Ubuntu default
KDE	Plasma (very customisable)
XFCE	Lightweight & simple
Cinnamon	Mint default

Step 2: Use built-in keyboard shortcut settings

Here’s how to change function key actions on common Linux desktops:

GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Click on Keyboard or Keyboard Shortcuts.
3. Click the + or Add Shortcut.
4. Choose:
   • A name for your shortcut.
   • A command (like firefox to open Firefox).
   • Press the function key you want (like F5).
5. Click Add.

Now, when you press F5, it will do that command!

KDE Plasma (Kubuntu, Neon, etc.)

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Shortcuts → Custom Shortcuts.
3. Click Edit > New > Global Shortcut > Command/URL.
4. Give it a name.
5. In the Trigger tab, press the function key (F1–F12).
6. In the Action tab, type the command (like konsole for the terminal).
7. Click Apply.

Done! That function key will now run your command or open your app.

XFCE (Xubuntu, etc.)

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Keyboard > Application Shortcuts.
3. Click Add.
4. Enter your command (like thunar to open the file manager).
5. Press the function key (like F4).
6. Click OK.

Super simple and works great!

Cinnamon (Linux Mint)

1. Go to System Settings.
2. Click Keyboard > Shortcuts > Custom Shortcuts.
3. Click Add Custom Shortcut.
4. Type a name and the command.
5. Set the shortcut key (like F7).
6. Save.

Now F7 will do that task!

Step 3 (Optional): Use tools for advanced customisation

AutoKey (for scripts and key actions)

1. Install with your package manager:
   sudo apt install autokey-gtk (for GNOME) or autokey-qt (for KDE)
2. Open AutoKey.
3. Create a new script.
4. Set a hotkey (like F6).
5. Type what you want it to do (run code, paste text, etc.)

Extra tip: Fn lock or BIOS settings

Some laptops need you to press Fn + F1–F12 unless you change it:

1. Reboot your laptop.
2. Press a key like F2, Del, or Esc to open BIOS/UEFI (watch the screen when booting).
3. Look for Function Key Behavior.
4. Change it to Function Key First or disable Action Keys Mode.
5. Save and exit.

This makes your F1–F12 work without pressing Fn.

Function keys in gaming: Common uses & customisation

Function Key	Common In-Game Use	Customisable Actions (with gaming software)
F1	Open Help menu or tutorial in multiplayer games	Open map, activate skill, toggle HUD
F2	Switch views or camera angle	Change loadout, toggle scoreboard
F3	Change gameplay mode or settings	Enable/disable voice chat, run macro
F4	Quick action or team command	Switch profiles, launch application
F5	Quick Save in many single-player games	Save current settings or use as custom shortcut
F6	Secondary quick save slot or stat view	Assign macro combo (e.g. crouch + reload + use)
F7	Toggle subtitles or replay settings	Voice line, emote, or reaction macro
F8	Load different user profile or display game info	Change RGB lighting mode (with Razer/Corsair software)
F9	Quick Load previous save	Restore last config, run performance boost macro
F10	Menu options or mute game audio	Screenshot, start/stop screen recording
F11	Toggle Full Screen Mode	Adjust resolution, toggle monitor mode
F12	Open developer console or take screenshot (e.g., Steam)	Launch overlay, execute in-game script

Extra features with gaming keyboards

Feature	Description
Macros	Combine multiple actions into one key press (e.g., crouch + reload + use item)
Profiles	Create different function key setups for each game
RGB Sync	Sync key lighting with in-game events or health levels
Voice Chat Controls	Bind F-keys to mute/unmute or push-to-talk

Popular software for customising F-Keys for gaming

Software	Used With	Features
Razer Synapse	Razer keyboards and mice	Macros, game profiles, lighting effects, cloud sync
Corsair iCUE	Corsair keyboards and devices	Key remapping, macros, lighting, performance tuning
Logitech G Hub	Logitech G-series gear	Macro editing, profile management, custom commands
SteelSeries GG	SteelSeries peripherals	Key bindings, auto-execution scripts, engine apps integration

Conclusion

Function keys (F1–F12) may seem simple, but they’re powerful tools that can boost your productivity, enhance your gaming experience, and make your daily tasks more manageable—no matter what operating system you use.