How to Enable and Use the F1 through F12 Keys 2026

The F1 to F12 keys are keyboard shortcuts that save you time every day. Each one has a specific function. Here’s what each key does and how to activate it on your computer.

1. How do I use the F1 to F12 keys on Windows?

On a PC, the F1 to F12 keys are quite useful in everyday life. Here's what you need to know.

How do I activate the F1 to F12 keys on Windows?

The key Fn allows switch between multimedia functions (volume, brightness, playback) and the standard function keys F1 through F12. You'll find it in the bottom left row of the keyboard, right next to the key Ctrl.

On a cell phone, you hold Fn Hold it down, then press the desired key.

On desktop keyboards, the Fn is often missing. In that case, you press F1 to F12 without any additional steps.

If you don't like the default behavior, you can change it in the system settings or in the BIOS at startup.

What are the functions of the F1 to F12 keys on a PC?

Here are, key by key, the shortcuts the most useful ones on Windows and in the software you use every day.

F1

F1 opens or closes the help center from your computer or the active software. Associated with Ctrl, it shows or hides the Ribbon controls in Word.

F2

F2 is used for rename quickly open any selected file. In Excel, it also allows you to change the active cell.

F3

The key F3 is equivalent to the combination Ctrl + F. She launches the word search in a web browser or a program.

F4

F4 Place your cursor in the address bar the File Explorer or compatible browsers. With Alt + F4, you close the open program window directly.

F5

F5 allowsupdate a web page in your browser. It also starts the slide show in PowerPoint.

F6

The key F6 moves the focus to the address bar in the browser. Pressing it a second time takes you from one area of the window to another.

F7

F7 launches the spell checking and grammar checking from a document open in Word.

F8

On Windows 7, F8 provided access to the safe mode at startup. On Windows 10 and 11, this method no longer works by default: fast startup combined with the speed of the firmware UEFI Modern technology makes the detection window virtually nonexistent.

F9

F9 is especially useful in software for electronic mail. It checks for new emails and forces the sending of pending messages.

F10

The jumpsuit Maj + F10 opens the context menu in Windows, such as a right-click.

F11

F11 switches your web browser to full-screen mode, and exits it if you press it again. Combined with Maj, she adds a new spreadsheet to Excel.

F12

F12 opens the function Save as in Word. In a browser, it provides access to the source code of the page and the developer tools.

2. How do I use the F1 to F12 keys on a Mac?

How do I activate the F1 to F12 keys on a Mac?

On macOS, by default, the F1 through F12 keys control system functions (brightness, volume, etc.). To use them as standard function keys, follow these steps:

• Open the System settings (known as System Preferences on macOS Monterey and earlier versions).
  

  

• Click on Keyboard.
  

  

• Enable the «Use the" option F1, F2 keys, etc., such as standard function keys.».
  

  

What are the functions of the F1 to F12 keys on the Mac?

Here are the Functions of the F1 through F12 keys on macOS :

Still on the subject of keyboard shortcuts, you can see how to copy and paste text using the keyboard in our dedicated guide.

FAQs

Why aren't my F1 through F12 keys working?

On some computer, you must enable the Locking F. Just press the button Verr F or use the combination Fn + Échap.

Which key replaces the Fn key on a keyboard?

On Windows, you can use the key Verr F if your keyboard has one. On macOS, the Control button can serve this purpose, but keep in mind that it isn't available in all software programs.

How do I activate the F1 to F12 keys without using Fn?

The method involves going through the’BIOS setup utility. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the computer, then turn it back on. Before he gets started, press F10 several times to open the configuration utility BIOS.
   

   

2. Use the left and right arrows to access the menu Configuration.
   

   

3. Use the up and down arrows to enter Action Keys Mode (Action Button Mode).
   

   

4. Press Entrance, then select the option Enable (Enabled).
   

   

5. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
   

   

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