Does the Fn key on the keyboard confuse you and can’t understand its exact function? In this article, you will learn how to use the Fn key.
Fn stands for function and allows you to access a range of alternative functions for your other keyboard keys. The Fn key was originally created due to a lack of space on previous keyboards. Instead of adding more keys, manufacturers decided to give each key several functions.
For example, if you press the Fn key with another key, on some laptops you can adjust the brightness of the screen or backlight keyboard keys. You might say that you should consider the Fn key as a key similar to the shift key. Depending on your device, Fn can also allow you to:
- turn the volume up and down.
- mute your laptop’s built-in speaker.
- increase or decrease the brightness or contrast of the monitor.
- enable stand-up mode.
- put your laptop in hibernate mode.
- TAKE OUT THE CD/DVD.
- lock the keyboard.
Depending on the operating system, this key is used differently, but Mac, Windows, and even Chromebooks all have versions of the Fn key.
Where is the Fn key located on the keyboard?
On Apple and Zune laptops, the Fn key is usually located in the lower-left corner of the keyboard next to the Ctrl key. On the other hand, some Chromebooks may not have this key, or in some of them, it is close to the space key.
On MacBook laptops, you can usually find the Fn key in the bottom row of the keyboard. On Apple’s full-size keyboards this key is next to the delete key. Also on Apple’s Magic wireless keyboards, the Fn key is located in the lower-left corner.
If your computer doesn’t have an Fn key, your keyboard probably doesn’t have any alternative functions. In that case, you may need to buy a better model.
How does the Fn key work?
How you use the Fn key varies based on the operating system you use. This key is similar to other modifier keys such as shift, often used along with F1-F12 keys (functional keys) located at the top of the keyboard. Functions are usually characterized even on different platforms with the same symbols. For example, the sun icon is commonly used to represent the brightness of the screen.
Note: The Fn key doesn’t always work as the main computer with peripheral devices. For example, on an external Fn compression monitor and the brightness key may not adjust the brightness.
windows
On Windows PCs, access to F1-F12 special functions will be accessible by holding the Fn key and then pressing one of the function keys. This can include functions such as mute sound or adjusting screen brightness. So to use the Fn key on a PC, hold down the Fn key and then press any function key you want to use at the same time.
Some keyboards have an Fn key that turns on if activated. If your keyboard is the same, make sure the Fn key is enabled before pressing the function keys.
mac
On Mac computers, F1-F12 keys perform special functions by default. For example, the F11 and F12 keys make the computer sound low or high without pressing the Fn key first. Pressing the Fn key and then one of the F1-F12 keys will result in a specific secondary operation for each application you are currently using.
Some Fn keys have color codes to match specific functions. On the Fn key of these keyboards, you will see fn in two different colors. These keyboards have two secondary function sets with color code (e.g. functional keys in two colors: blue and red). For example, if your Fn key had two red and blue colors, pressing Fn and a red key would work differently by pressing Fn and a blue key.
Most computers allow you to customize your performance keys to some extent. On the MacBook, you can choose whether to use your F1-F12 keys by default. Some keyboards allow you to disable the Fn key using fn lock.
We hope this has been interesting and efficient for you. If you have more information about the Fn key, share it with us and Wironal users.
