Windows 10/11 – How to Fix Fn Keys Not Working

Having trouble with your Fn keys not working on Windows 10/11? This article will provide you with some simple solutions to fix the issue.

Verify Function Keys Lock Status

To verify the function keys lock status on Windows 10/11, you can check if the Fn keys are working properly. Press the “Fn” key along with another key that has a function assigned to it, such as brightness or volume control. If the function is activated, then the Fn keys are working. You can also check the lock status by looking for an indicator light on your keyboard that shows when the Fn keys are locked. If the indicator light is on, then the Fn keys are locked. If the indicator light is off, then the Fn keys are not locked.

If the indicator light is not working, you may need to update your device drivers or troubleshoot further to fix the issue.

Utilize Key Combinations

• Check for Updates:
  • Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I
  • Select Update & Security
  • Click on Check for updates
• Update Keyboard Drivers:
  • Open Device Manager by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting Device Manager
  • Expand the Keyboards section
  • Right-click on the keyboard driver and select Update driver
• Reset Keyboard Settings:
  • Open Control Panel by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting Control Panel
  • Click on Hardware and Sound
  • Under Devices and Printers, select Keyboard and then select Properties
  • Click on the Driver tab and select Uninstall Device

Update Keyboard Drivers

To update the keyboard drivers in Windows 10/11 and fix Fn keys not working, start by accessing the Device Manager. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Device Manager” from the context menu. Once in the Device Manager, locate the keyboard section and expand it to see the list of keyboard drivers.

Right-click on the keyboard driver and select “Update driver” from the context menu. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. If Windows finds a new driver, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to manually download and install the latest driver for your keyboard. Before updating, it’s always a good idea to backup your current driver just in case anything goes wrong during the update process.

After updating the driver, restart your computer and test if the Fn keys are now working properly. If the issue persists, you may need to consider other troubleshooting methods or seek assistance from a technical expert.

Troubleshoot with Windows Tools

To troubleshoot Fn keys not working on Windows 10/11, you can use built-in Windows tools to diagnose and fix the issue. First, try restarting your computer to see if that resolves the problem. If not, check for Windows updates to ensure you have the latest software. Next, make sure your device drivers are up to date by going to Device Manager and updating the keyboard drivers. If the issue persists, run the built-in Windows troubleshooter to identify and fix any keyboard-related problems.

If these steps don’t work, you can try using the Windows System File Checker to scan for and restore corrupt system files. Additionally, you can use the Windows Update tool to ensure that all system files and drivers are up to date. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider using a third-party keyboard troubleshooting tool or seeking assistance from a technical writer for further support.

Adjust BIOS for Function Keys

To adjust the BIOS for function keys on Windows 10/11, start by restarting your computer and entering the BIOS setup menu. Look for an option related to “Action Keys Mode” or “Hotkey Mode” and change it to “Enabled” or “Function Key Mode.” Save the changes and exit the BIOS. This should allow your function keys to work as intended.

If your function keys are still not working after adjusting the BIOS, you may need to update your device drivers. Go to the Device Manager, find your keyboard, and update the drivers. You can also try using the Windows Update feature to check for any available driver updates.

In some cases, third-party software or settings may be causing issues with your function keys. Consider uninstalling any unnecessary programs or performing a clean boot to troubleshoot the issue.

Reinstall Synaptics Driver

To reinstall the Synaptics driver for Windows 10/11 and fix Fn keys not working, start by opening the “Device Manager” from the Start menu. Look for the “Mice and other pointing devices” section and expand it. Right-click on the “Synaptics” device and select “Uninstall device.” Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” and click “Uninstall.”

Next, navigate to the official Synaptics website or a trusted third-party driver download site and download the latest Synaptics driver for your operating system. Once the download is complete, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

After the installation is complete, restart your computer. Your Fn keys should now be working properly with the newly installed Synaptics driver. If you encounter any issues during the process, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before making any changes to your computer’s hardware or software.

Reset to Factory Settings

If your Fn keys are not working on Windows 10/11, you may need to reset your computer to factory settings. This can help resolve any issues related to the function keys. To do this, first back up any important files and data to ensure they are not lost during the reset process. Then, navigate to the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.

From there, go to Update & Security > Recovery. Click on the “Get started” button under the “Reset this PC” section. Choose the option to “Remove everything” to reset your computer to its factory settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Keep in mind that this will remove all installed apps and programs, so be sure to back up any important files beforehand. After the reset is complete, your computer should be restored to its original state, and the Fn keys should hopefully be working properly.

F.A.Qs

How do I fix unresponsive keyboard keys?

To fix unresponsive keyboard keys, you can start by unplugging the keyboard and then plugging it back in. You can also try using a different cable, replacing the batteries, cleaning the keyboard, blowing out the unresponsive switch, using contact cleaner, inspecting the solder joints, or replacing the switch if necessary.

Why are my f3 and f4 keys not working?

Your f3 and f4 keys may not be working because the Function Lock on your keyboard may be enabled. Try pressing the Fn key + the function key to see if that resolves the issue. If not, try pressing the Esc + Fn keys to remove the Function Lock.

How do I enable F function keys?

To enable F function keys, press the fn key and the left shift key at the same time to activate fn (function) mode. Once the fn key light is on, you can press the fn key and a function key to activate the default action.

How do I get my F keys to work again?

To get your F keys to work again, check if your keyboard has an F Lock key and toggle it to switch between standard and alternate commands. When the F Lock light is Off, alternate functions work, and when it’s On, standard functions work.

Henry Howard