Every keyboard has a set of Function Keys F1-F12 on the top row; however, the old computer sets used to have these keys gathered on the left side of the keyboard. While every function key caters special function, these can also be combined with Alt Keys and Ctrl Command keys to make helpful keyboard shortcuts.
If you are a casual computer user, you might not be aware of these function keys and their use. This post will discuss what these keyboard F1 to F12 function Keys do.
Besides these F1-F12 12 function keys, a unique Fn key is next to the Ctrl key on your keyboard. The Fn key activates special Function Keys marked by unique icons in the same color.
For example, the F1 key on my laptop’s keyboard has a small icon of the Touchpad Off in a color code matching the Fn Key, which means Fn+F1 will turn my Touchpad Off/On. Function keys work differently on different programs.
What do Keyboard F1 to F12 Function Keys do
F1 Key
- The F1 key is universally linked to Help in almost every program, whether Chrome or Microsoft Word.
- Win Key+F1 opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
- Shift + F1 reveals formatting in MS Word.
- Ctrl+F1 opens Task Pane in MS Office.
F2 Key
- Hotkey to rename any of the highlighted icons, files, or folders. Select a file/folder/icon and click F2 to rename it.
- Ctrl+F2 opens the print preview in MS Word.
- Fn+F2 mutes the volume of your PC.
- Alt+Ctrl+F2 opens the document library in MS Office.
- When clicked during the Boot Process, the F2 key takes you to the BIOS setup of your PC.
TIP: Read how to swap or change Function key behavior in Windows laptops.
F3 Key
- F3 often activates search functions in different applications, including the leading browsers, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
- Fn+F3 to decrease the volume in some laptops.
- Click Shift + F3 to change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lowercase.
- Shift +F3 opens the search in Google Chrome.
F4 Key
- F4 is often used to close the applications. Alt+F4 closes the currently open program.
- Alt+F4 opens the shutdown option when no program is open.
- Ctrl+F4 closes a part of the running program, such as a tab or a document.
- Click Fn+F4 to increase the volume in some laptops.
- F4 takes you to the address bar in Windows Explorer and Microsoft Edge.
- F4 opens a fullscreen window in some applications like Space Cadet and 3D Pinball.
F5 Key
- F5 Key is often used to refresh a web page.
- Click F5 to open the Find & Replace window in MS Word.
- Starts a slideshow when clicked in PowerPoint.
- Fn+F5 decreases the brightness of some laptops’ monitors.
Read: How to type Does not equal sign on keyboard.
F6 Key
- This key takes you to the address bar in some browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and many other popular browsers.
- Fn+F6 increases the brightness of your monitor on some laptops.
F7 Key
- F7 opens spelling and grammar checker in MS Word.
- Shift+F7 opens thesaurus in MS Word.
- Fn+F7 opens second screen options on some laptops and opens display schemes on some laptops.
F8 Key
- Commonly used to start your Windows PC in Safe Mode.
- Takes you to the Windows Recovery system at times.
F9 Key
- If you are using MS Word, the F9 key will update your document.
- Click F9 to send or receive an email in Microsoft Outlook.
F10 Key
- F10 Key opens the Menu Bar in the open application.
- Shift+F10 works as a right-click option.
F11 Key
- Enters and exits Full-Screen Mode in almost every popular browser, including Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
- CTRL+F11 opens the hidden recovery options in some Windows laptops.
- Alt+F11 opens the Visual Basic Editor.
F12 Key
- If you are working on MS Word, click F12 to open the Save As window.
- Win+F12 saves your document in MS Word.
- CTRL+F12 opens a document in MS Word.
- Opens Inspect Element in popular web browsers.
Some of these features are available only on selected laptops. Usually, these Function Key Options have default actions or icons printed on them.
PS: Have you ever wondered why there are bumps on the F and J on a computer keyboard? See this post if Function keys are not working.
