Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Tech News Today
Home»Hardware»Peripherals»Function Keys Not Working? Here’s How to Fix it

Function Keys Not Working? Here’s How to Fix it

nishantBy nishantSeptember 6, 2022
Function-Keys-Not-Working

The function keys are not used regularly but come in handy while carrying out some functions like refreshing a page, printing, and others. These can also perform media functions like volume and brightness control, taking screenshots, and many more. Therefore, if these keys malfunction, it may reduce your overall productivity.

The functions keys malfunction when the keys are clogged by dirt or even when there is an issue with the drivers. This issue usually gets fixed with normal cleaning and configuring of the keyboard settings as well as the drivers.

Table of Contents

  • Why is your Function Keys Not Working?
  • How to Fix Function Keys Not Working?
    • Unlock the Function Keys
    • Inspect and Clean the keyboard
    • Use Keyboard Troubleshooter
    • Update Keyboard Drivers
    • Disable Filter Keys

Why is your Function Keys Not Working?

    Generally, the keyboard keys wear off and start malfunctioning after prolonged usage. However, for the specific keys like the function keys to not work, there are some reasons behind it. Here are some of them.
  • Dirt and debris clogged underneath the function keys.
  • Issue with the keyboard driver.
  • Priority mode for the function keys is disabled.
  • Glitch in the operating system.
  • Faulty keyboard.

How to Fix Function Keys Not Working?

If the keyboard is not cleaned for a prolonged period, it might start showing some signs of malfunction. Thus cleaning it might help solve the issue with the function keys. The problem can also occur due to some glitches with the OS. Therefore, check the function keys after restarting the computer first. Also, ensure that the keyboard cables are well connected to the device.

Additionally, test the function keys on a spare keyboard by connecting it to your device. If the keys work properly, the issue is with your old keyboard. However, if they don’t work, try these fixes to solve the issue. 

Unlock the Function Keys

If the function keys are not working on your laptop, check if the function keys are enabled. The laptops come with a feature that lets you prioritize the hotkeys over the function keys. In such cases, you must press the Fn and the desired function keys to make it work.

You can also configure to use the function keys without pressing the Fn key. To do it, you have to access the BIOS. Just follow these steps to do it.

  1. Go to the power options from the start menu.
  2. Click on the Restart button while holding down the Shift key. You will now get booted into the recovery environment. 
  3. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.uefi-firmware
  4. Click on Restart.
  5. In the BIOS, go to the Advanced tab.
  6. Go to the Function Key Behavior section and modify it to the Function key instead of the Multimedia key. In some devices, the function key behavior option exists on other menus. So, check on all the tabs to find this setting.BIOS function key settings
  7. Press F10 to save and exit. 

Inspect and Clean the keyboard

cleaning-dust-of-keyboard

The dirt and debris accumulated under the keys might be the major reason for the function keys not working. Therefore, the first obvious troubleshooting is to clean the keyboard thoroughly.

If you own a mechanical keyboard, you can easily pull out the function keys with a tool that comes with it and clean it. Other keyboards can also be cleaned easily by prying the keys from the edges using some tools. However, it isn’t easy to clean underneath the keyboard for laptops. Thus, regularly cleaning the keyboard is crucial if you own a laptop. 

Use Keyboard Troubleshooter

The Windows operating system comes with a hardware issue troubleshooter that is also useful to solve keyboard issues to some extent. Try running this troubleshooter to fix the issues with the function keys.

Here’s how to do it.

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.Troubleshooting keyboard
  3. Find the Keyboard section and click on the Run button.run-keyboard-in-pc
  4. Follow the prompts, and it will diagnose to fix the issues with the function keys.

Update Keyboard Drivers

The issue also must lie with the keyboard drivers if the keys are not working. So to fix them, it is ideal to update or roll back the drivers. You can do this using the Device Manager.

Follow these steps to update the keyboard drivers.

  1. Press Windows Key + X and click on Device Manger.
  2. Expand the list under the Keyboard and right-click on the Standard PS/2 Keyboard.
  3. Select Update Driver.
    device manager keyboard
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers to make the Windows search online for the best stable driver for your keyboard. However, if you have already downloaded a third-party driver, choose to Browse my computer for drivers to install it.
    browse-my-drivers-online
  5. Follow the instructions and install the latest keyboard drivers.

If the latest drivers are already installed, they might be at fault for the malfunctioning function keys. Therefore, you can also try rolling the driver back to see if it works. 

  1. Right-click on the keyboard driver and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Drivers tab and click on Roll-back drivers.Roll back keyboard drivers
  3. Do as instructed in the prompt and revert the drivers to their previous version.

Disable Filter Keys

Filter keys is an accessibility feature for people with disability; this option minimizes repeated keystrokes. If this feature is enabled on your device, you will have difficulty using any keys. Thus, disabling it can make the function keys work better.

To disable the filter keys, use these steps.

  1. Press Windows + I and go to the Settings 
  2. Now, Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.Keyboard accessibility
  3. If you see the Filter keys options enabled, click on it to set the slider to off.Disable filter keys
fix
nishant

Nishant is an enthusiast who loves writing about technology. He also is heavily invested in keeping himself updated about the latest happenings in the tech world. At Tech News Today, he covers Operating Systems, how-to-topics, and Fixes.

Related Posts

usb keeps disconnecting

Why Does My Usb Keeps Disconnecting? How To Fix It

December 2, 2022
how-to-disable-a-key-on-keyboard

How to Disable a Key on Keyboard

November 19, 2022
logitech-speakers-not-working

Logitech Speakers Not Working? Here’s How to Fix it

November 15, 2022
Keyboard and Mouse Not Working

Keyboard and Mouse Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

November 11, 2022
How to Screenshot on Logitech Keyboard

How to Screenshot on Logitech Keyboard

October 21, 2022
how to Enable or Disable fn lock Key in Windows

How to Enable or Disable Fn lock Key in Windows

October 20, 2022
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts
what is ghost of tsushima legends

What is the Ghost of Tsushima Legends Mode

January 12, 2023
raid 5 vs raid 10

RAID 5 Vs RAID 10 – Which One Is Better?

January 12, 2023
best-tv-settings-for-gaming

Best TV Settings for Gaming

January 9, 2023
You may also like
pc stuck on boot screen

PC Stuck on Boot Screen? Here’s How to Fix It

January 16, 2023
tv-screen-goes-black-randomly

TV Screen Goes Black Randomly? Try These 11 Fixes

January 15, 2023
how to find unique values in excel

How to Find Unique Values in Excel

January 15, 2023
Recommended
Cookie Clicker Garden Guide

Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed

September 26, 2021
monitor no signal

Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix)

November 10, 2022
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
© 2023 TechNewsToday.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.