How to Disable the Function (Fn) Key on Windows or Mac

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Make your Function keys work without holding the Fn key

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: June 15, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Using Function Lock (Windows)
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• Using BIOS (Windows)
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• Changing Fn Key Defaults on Mac
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• Video
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• Tips

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On many modern keyboards (especially on laptops), the F1–F12 keys at the top of the keyboard act like hotkeys by default. This can be frustrating when you're gaming and want to quickly press a function key without holding down Fn, or if you keep triggering the keys’ default functions (like muting volume or adjusting screen brightness) by accident. But don't worry, you can disable the function key so you can press F keys like normal. We'll give you several easy options for changing the behavior of the function key on Windows and macOS.

How to Disable the Fn Key

• On Windows, you can temporarily disable the Function key by pressing Fn and the designated Fn Lock key at the same time.
• To permanently disable Fn in Windows, turn it off in BIOS.
• On a Mac, you can change the Fn key’s behavior in System Settings.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Function Lock on a Windows PC

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1. 
   1
   Find the “Fn Lock” key on your keyboard. The Fn Lock often displays a small lock icon, and sometimes the letters "Fn" or “Fn Lock.” It may be shared with another key, such as Esc or Shift. Pressing this key in combination with the Fn key will turn on Function Lock. This should cause the top row F1-F12 keys to perform their special function without you having to hold down Fn.

   • The Fn Lock key may not always be clearly marked on your keyboard. If you don’t see an obvious Fn Lock, it’s likely to be one of these:
     • Esc
     • Shift (especially on HP laptops)
     • Caps Lock (this is common on external keyboards and some Windows Surface devices)
     • Num Lock
     • On some keyboards (like the Surface Keyboard), you can simply tap the Fn key itself without pressing any other keys to lock or unlock it. You’ll see a light on the key turn on or off to indicate its status.
   • For example, if you're using a Lenovo ThinkPad, the Esc key says "FnLk" at the bottom, which means that you'll use the Esc key as the function lock key.
   • Not all keyboards have a Function Lock key, so this method won't work for everyone.
   • Almost any key can be an Fn Lock key, so consult the manual for your computer or keyboard if you’re not sure.
2. 
   2
   Press and hold the Fn key on your keyboard. Don't lift it yet.

   • If the Fn key itself toggles Fn Lock on or off, simply tap the Fn key once to enable or disable Fn Lock.
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3. 
   3
   Press the Fn Lock key while continuing to hold down Fn. When you release your fingers, the Fn key will no longer be needed to use the F1–F12 keys as normal (or as hotkeys, depending on the manufacturer's original settings).

   • You can restore the original settings at any time by pressing those two keys again.
   • This setting may revert when you restart your computer. To make it permanent, you can disable Fn in the BIOS.
   • Some Surface devices allow you to change the function keys’ default actions in Settings.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing the BIOS Settings on a Windows PC

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1. 
   1
   Enter the system BIOS or UEFI. Depending on your computer manufacturer and BIOS version, you may be able to change the behavior of the function keys in the BIOS. Start by booting into the BIOS. The standard way to do this is to reboot your PC and press the required key (usually F1, F2, F10, or Del). However, most modern Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 PCs now have an easier way to do this:

   • Click the Start menu.
   • Hold down the Shift key as you click the Power icon > Restart.
   • Your PC will reboot to a blue screen with menu options. On that menu, select Troubleshoot.
   • Click UEFI Firmware Settings to enter the UEFI/BIOS.
2. 
   2
   Select the Configuration or System Configuration tab. You can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate, and press Enter to make selections.

   • If you don't see an option with a name like this, look for System Options or similar.
   • You may need to select an Advanced menu first.
3. 
   3
   Set "Hotkey Mode" or "Action Keys" to Disabled. The name of this feature varies by manufacturer. When the feature is disabled, you will not have to press the Fn key to use the F1–F12 keys as regular F1–F12 keys.

   • You can toggle this feature back on by returning to these BIOS settings at any time.
4. 
   4
   Press F10 and then Enter to save. This saves your settings and reboots into Windows, where you'll no longer have to hold down the Fn key to use the Fx keys.

   • If you want to use the hotkey functions of the keyboard, such as toggling Wi-Fi on or off or muting the volume, you can still press Fn and the associated Fx key to do so.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Function Key Behavior on a Mac

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1. 
   1
   Click the

   

   Apple menu. It's at the top-left corner of the screen.

   • Mac keyboards now make the F1–F12 keys act like special hotkeys by default unless you press Fn. If you'd rather the F1–F12 keys act like F1–F12 keys rather than their hotkey functions (like muting sound or pausing a song), this method has you covered.
2. 
   2
   Click System Settings. It's near the top of the menu.
3. 
   3
   Click Keyboard. You’ll need to scroll down in the menu bar on the left to find it.
4. 
   4
   Click Keyboard Shortcuts. This button is about halfway down the main Keyboard menu.
5. 
   5
   Select Function Keys. It’s in the left-hand menu pane in the Keyboard Shortcuts window, near the bottom.
6. 
   6
   Toggle on the switch next to "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys." When this option is enabled, you won't have to press Fn to use the function keys as F1–F12 rather than the default hotkey action printed on the key. Click Done to save and close the window.

   • If you decide you want to use one of the special functions printed on the F1–F12 keys, just hold down the Fn as you press the key.
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Tips

• If you are unable to change the way the Fn key works using any of these methods, you may want to purchase a generic keyboard and use that instead.
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