Short answer: if your function keys aren’t responding, the most common causes are an active Fn Lock, missing vendor hotkey software, BIOS/UEFI settings that swap action keys, driver problems, or third‑party software intercepting those keys. This article explains why Function keys don’t work in Windows 10 and gives nine practical fixes — from quick toggles to BIOS changes and driver repairs — so you can restore normal F1–F12 behavior.
You’ll learn how to check hardware vs. software problems, where to find the relevant settings in Windows and BIOS, when to reinstall drivers or utilities, and what to try before contacting support.
Key Takeaway
If Function keys don’t work, first check the Fn Lock and your manufacturer’s hotkey utility; if that fails, update or reinstall the keyboard driver and check BIOS/UEFI “Action Key” settings — most issues are resolved by one of those steps.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Fn Lock is toggled | Press Fn + Esc (or Fn + NumLock) to toggle Fn Lock back and test. |
| BIOS/UEFI set to Action Keys Mode | Enter BIOS and change Function Key Behavior or Action Keys Mode to your preferred option. |
| Missing manufacturer hotkey utility | Download and install your laptop’s hotkey/ATK/QuickSet utility from the vendor support site. |
| Keyboard driver outdated/corrupt | In Device Manager, update or uninstall the keyboard driver and reboot. |
| Windows Fast Startup interference | Disable Turn on fast startup in Control Panel > Power Options. |
| Accessibility settings active | Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys at Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. |
| Third‑party key remapping software | Close or uninstall remapping software like AutoHotkey or gaming utilities and retest. |
| Hardware or physical damage | Test with an external USB keyboard or in BIOS to confirm hardware failure. |
| App captures function keys | Test in Notepad; if F keys work there, change the app’s hotkey settings or run it as administrator. |
Detailed Fixes for “Function keys don’t work in Windows 10”
1) Fn Lock is toggled
Why this causes the problem
- Many laptops have an Fn Lock that toggles whether the F1–F12 keys act as standard function keys or as special action/media keys (brightness, volume, etc.). If Fn Lock is on, you might need to press Fn to get F3, F4, etc., or the keys might only send media actions.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Look for a key labeled Fn, Fn Lock, or an icon (often a padlock) on your keyboard — commonly on Esc, Caps Lock, or one of the F‑keys.
- Press Fn + Esc. If that doesn’t work, try Fn + NumLock or Fn + Shift depending on model.
- Test the keys in Notepad or a web browser (press F5 to refresh) to see if behavior changed.
Notes
- Some models show an LED when Fn Lock is active. If pressing the combos does nothing, try the factory default by restarting and checking BIOS (next section).
2) Action Keys Mode or Function Key Behavior set in BIOS/UEFI
Why this causes the problem
- BIOS/UEFI often includes an “Action Keys Mode” or “Function Key Behavior” setting that reverses how the function keys behave at the hardware level.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Save your work and restart the PC.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI during boot by pressing the manufacturer key (commonly F2, Del, F10, or Esc — the boot screen will usually indicate which).
- In BIOS look for names like Action Keys Mode, Function Key Behavior, Hotkey Mode, or Function Keys under System Configuration, Advanced, or Keyboard.
- Change the setting to the mode you want: disable Action Keys Mode to make F1–F12 default, or enable it if you want media keys default.
- Save and exit BIOS (usually F10), then test in Windows.
Notes
- BIOS menu text varies by vendor; consult your laptop manual or vendor website for exact wording.
3) Missing or disabled manufacturer hotkey utility
Why this causes the problem
- Laptop vendors provide hotkey services (e.g., Lenovo Hotkey, Dell QuickSet, HP System Event Utility, ASUS ATK Package) that enable special key handling. If these are removed or not running, F‑key functions may fail.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Identify your laptop model: Settings > System > About or look on the laptop sticker.
- Go to the manufacturer’s support website and search for your model.
- Download the hotkey driver / ATK package / system event utility listed under Drivers / Utilities.
- Install, reboot, and test.
Notes
- If unsure which package you need, search vendor support for “hotkey”, “ATK”, “function keys”, or “system event”.
4) Corrupt or outdated keyboard drivers
Why this causes the problem
- Windows may use a generic driver or a corrupt driver that fails to handle special keys. Updating or reinstalling often fixes mapped key problems.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Press Win + X, choose Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right‑click your keyboard device, and select Update driver -> Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If update finds nothing, try Uninstall device, then restart Windows; Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
- For OEM keyboards, download the specific driver from the vendor support site and install.
Advanced checks
- Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to check system files: open Command Prompt (Admin) and run sfc /scannow.
Notes - If you see an unknown or HID device, uninstall all keyboard entries and reboot to let Windows redetect hardware.
5) Windows Fast Startup causing driver/init issues
Why this causes the problem
- Fast Startup can leave some drivers in an odd state between shutdowns and startups, which may prevent keyboard hotkey services from initializing correctly.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.
- Shut down fully and restart the PC, then test the function keys.
Notes
- Disabling Fast Startup may slightly increase boot time but can fix device initialization problems.
6) Accessibility settings (Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Toggle Keys)
Why this causes the problem
- Accessibility features can change key behavior or alter key repeat and modifier handling, making function keys behave oddly.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard (or press Win + U, then select Keyboard).
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
- Test the function keys in a simple app (Notepad).
Notes
- On some systems, pressing Shift five times toggles Sticky Keys, so accidental shortcuts can enable these features.
7) Third‑party key remapping software or overlays
Why this causes the problem
- Programs such as AutoHotkey, gaming keyboard suites, or overlay tools can intercept F‑key inputs and reassign or block them.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Under Processes and Startup, look for AutoHotkey scripts or vendor apps (Corsair, Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub).
- Right‑click and End task, or disable at startup and reboot.
- If function keys restore, configure or uninstall the offending program.
Notes
- Some gaming suites require you to disable their in‑game or global hotkey shortcuts to free F keys.
8) Hardware issue (broken keys or faulty keyboard)
Why this causes the problem
- Physical damage, spills, or internal keyboard failure can make certain keys unresponsive.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Test in BIOS: restart and try to use function keys during boot (many BIOS screens respond to F keys). If keys don’t respond in BIOS, likely hardware.
- Plug in an external USB keyboard and test the F keys in Windows; if those work, the laptop keyboard may be faulty.
- For external keyboards: try a different USB port or another keyboard to isolate the device.
- If under warranty, contact the vendor for repair; otherwise consider replacing the keyboard or using an external keyboard.
Notes
- Cleaning beneath keycaps or professional servicing may be necessary for sticky/spilled keyboards.
9) Application-specific capture or permission issues
Why this causes the problem
- Some apps (games, remote desktop, IDEs) capture function keys for shortcuts; others require admin privileges to accept system-level keys.
Step‑by‑step solution
- Open a neutral program like Notepad and press F1–F12 to verify they work globally.
- If keys work in Notepad but not in a particular app, check that app’s settings for hotkeys or keyboard shortcuts and change or disable conflicting binds.
- If the app runs as admin and normal apps don’t receive keys, try running your target app with the same privilege or run as normal to compare.
- For Remote Desktop, enable Apply Windows key combinations to the remote session or use local shortcuts.
Notes
- Some fullscreen games capture keys intentionally; check in‑game settings for “Use system keys” or similar.
Preventive and Advanced Tips
- Create a System Restore point before making BIOS or driver changes so you can roll back if needed: Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
- Keep OEM utilities and chipset drivers updated from the vendor support site; these often include hotkey and ACPI patches.
- Use Windows Troubleshooter for keyboard issues: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Keyboard.
- If you frequently remap keys, consider using Microsoft PowerToys > Keyboard Manager rather than global scripts — it’s easier to manage and less likely to cause conflicts.
- When updating BIOS/UEFI, read vendor release notes and follow their instructions carefully; BIOS updates can fix function key quirks but carry risk.
FAQ
What if my F-keys work only for media (brightness/volume) and not as F1–F12?
Change the Action Key/Function Key Behavior in BIOS or toggle Fn Lock; alternatively install the OEM hotkey utility to control the mapping.
Can I remap function keys to custom shortcuts?
Yes — use AutoHotkey for advanced scripting or Microsoft PowerToys > Keyboard Manager for simple remaps. Vendor utilities sometimes include mapping options as well.
Do function keys work in BIOS/UEFI?
Usually yes — testing in BIOS is a reliable way to tell if it’s a hardware issue: if F-keys don’t respond in BIOS, it’s likely a keyboard hardware problem.
Why do function keys behave differently after a Windows update?
Updates can change drivers or break vendor utilities; reinstalling the vendor hotkey package or updating the keyboard driver usually resolves this.
How can I temporarily get F-keys without changing BIOS?
Use Fn + Esc to toggle Fn Lock (model dependent) or plug in an external USB keyboard, which may default to F-key behavior you prefer.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting function-key problems is mostly a process of eliminating software settings (Fn Lock, hotkey utilities, accessibility options, drivers) and confirming hardware status (external keyboard or BIOS test). Most cases of Function keys don’t work in Windows 10 are fixed by toggling Fn Lock, installing the vendor hotkey utility, or updating drivers and BIOS.
