Most computer users are familiar with the typing keys as they use them almost every day. However, few of them may pay attention to the function keys in the top line of the keyboard. They are labeled F1 to F12 and very useful. The exact function of these keys may be different in different applications but the basic rules are the same. In this article, we’ll tell you the use of function keys F1 to F12. Follow this guide to check them out,choose the frequently used ones and keep them in mind always.
Tips: If your keyboard doesn’t have the functions keys,they are set up as secondary functions on other keys, you can look up the menu of your laptop.
Also Read: Ultimate Windows 10 Shortcut Keys List
F1:
- F1 key is used tobring up the help window of many applications, including browsers, Microsoft Office and more.
- Ctrl + F1: open Task Pane in Microsoft Office.
- Shift + F1 formatting in MS Word.
- Windows key + F1 open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
F2:
- The key for renaming any of the high lighted icon, file or folders. Just select the icon or folder and press F2 to rename it.
- Alt + Ctrl + F2 open document window in Microsoft Word.
- Ctrl + F2: show the print preview window in MS Word.
- Fn + F2: mute the volume on your PC.
- When Windows is booting up, press F2 key will enter the BIOS setup of PC.
F3:
- Activate the search function in many applications, such as Google Chrome browser, Firefox,Microsoft Edge, Windows Explorer.
- Fn + F3: decrease volume in some laptop.
- Shift + F3:search function in Google Chrome.
- Ctrl + F3:increase3 any highlighted text in MS Word.
- Windows key + F3 open advanced find windows in MS Outlook.
F4:
- Address bar in Windows Explorer and Microsoft Edge.
- Full screen windows in applications like Space Cadet and 3D Pinball.
- Fn + F4: increase the volume in some laptops.
- Alt + F4: close the program windows in MS Windows.
F5:
- Refresh or reload the page for all internet browsers.
- Refresh the list of contents in a folder.
- Open a slide show when clicked in PowerPoint.
- Open “Find &Replace” windows in MS Word.
- Fn + F5: decrease brightness on the laptop monitor.
F6:
- Press this key will lead you to the address bar in some browsers, such as Google Chrome,Firefox, Microsoft Edge.
- Reduce laptop speaker volume.
F7:
- Spell check and grammar check in MS Word and Outlook.
- Increase laptop speaker volume (on some laptops)
- Shift + F7: open the saurus in MS Word.
- Fn + F7: second screen options
F8:
- Boot Windows system from safe mode.
- Access Windows recovery system on some computers.
- Extend selection in MS Office.
F9:
- Update or refresh WS Word document.
- Send or receive email in MS Outlook.
- Reduce laptop screen brightness.
- Fn + F9: open Mission Control on mac OS X.
F10:
- Open Menu Bar in the open application.
- Shift + F10:right-click on a highlighted icon, file or link.
- Access the hidden recovery partition on HP and Sony computers.
F11:
- Enter or exit Full screen mode in almost all the popular browsers.
- Ctrl + F11 open the hidden recovery options in some Windows laptops.
- Alt + F11 open the Visual Basic Editor.
- On mac OS, hide all open windows and shows the desktop.
F12:
- Open “Save as”dialog in MS Office.
- Preview a page in Microsoft Expression Web.
- On Apple Mac,shows or hides the dashboard.
- Shift +F12: save the MS Word document.
- Ctrl +Shift +F12: print a document in MS Word.
If your keyboard not working properly or some keys are damaged, you can replace the keys on your laptop or buy a new laptop. Online keyboard supplier like gemwon is a good choice as they provide the keyboard for all brands of laptop in a very low price.
Summary
In this article, we’ve shown you how to use of function keys f1 to f12. I guess you must know the basic functions of them clearly by now. If you like this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends. If you cannot remember every function, just save this page for later use.
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