Fix Keyboard Function Keys Not Working On Windows 11/10

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Edgar Nicov

How-To

5 min. read

Published on October 2, 2025

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Function keys (F1-F12) are incredibly useful shortcuts on your keyboard, allowing you to quickly adjust volume, brightness, and perform other actions. When these keys stop working as intended on Windows 11 or 10, it can disrupt your workflow. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to restore their functionality.

This guide explores three common methods to fix keyboard function keys that aren’t working properly on Windows 11 and Windows 10. We’ll cover everything from checking your keyboard’s function lock to updating drivers and adjusting BIOS settings. By following these steps, you should be able to get your function keys back in working order.

How Do I Fix Function Keys on My Windows 11/10 Keyboard?

Check the Function Lock (Fn Lock) Key

Many keyboards have a Function Lock (Fn Lock) key that toggles the primary function of the F1-F12 keys. When Fn Lock is enabled, you need to press the Fn key in combination with the function key to activate its standard function (like F5 for refresh). If Fn Lock is disabled, the function keys perform their special actions (like volume control) directly.

Locate the Fn Lock key: It’s usually labeled “Fn Lock” or has a lock symbol with “Fn” on it.
Toggle the Fn Lock: Press the Fn key and the Fn Lock key simultaneously. Some keyboards have an indicator light that shows whether Fn Lock is active.
Test the function keys: Try pressing the function keys to see if they now work as expected.

Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause function keys to malfunction. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can resolve these issues.

Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand Keyboards: Find “Keyboards” in the list and click the arrow to expand it.
Update Driver: Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver.”
Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and let Windows find and install the latest driver.
If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling: Right-click on your keyboard and select “Uninstall device.”
Restart your computer: Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon restart.

Modify BIOS Settings

In some cases, the BIOS settings might be configured to prioritize the special functions of the function keys over their standard functions. Changing this setting can restore the default behavior.

Access BIOS: Restart your computer and press the key that opens the BIOS setup utility. This key varies depending on your computer manufacturer (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc). Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the correct key.
Navigate to Configuration: Look for a setting related to “Function Key Behavior,” “Hotkey Mode,” or similar. The exact name and location of the setting will vary depending on your BIOS version.
Change the setting: If the setting is set to “Hotkey Mode” or similar, change it to “Function Key Mode” or “Standard.”
Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. Your computer will restart.
Test the function keys: Check if the function keys now work as expected.

Tips for Function Key Troubleshooting

Check for physical damage: Ensure that the function keys are not physically damaged or stuck.
Try a different keyboard: If possible, connect a different keyboard to your computer to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the keyboard itself or with your computer’s settings.
Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix keyboard problems. Search for “Troubleshoot keyboard problems” in the Start menu and run the troubleshooter.

Before making changes to your system, here’s a quick comparison of the methods:

Method	Description	Difficulty	Time Required
Check Fn Lock	Toggles the function key behavior between standard functions (F1-F12) and special functions (volume, brightness).	Easy	1 minute
Update/Reinstall Drivers	Ensures that the keyboard drivers are up-to-date and not corrupted, which can cause function keys to malfunction.	Medium	5-15 minutes
Modify BIOS Settings	Changes the BIOS settings to prioritize standard function key behavior over special functions, which can be useful if the BIOS is configured to always use the special functions.	Advanced	5-10 minutes

Getting Your Function Keys Back

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue of non-working function keys on your Windows 11 or 10 computer. Start with the simplest solution (checking the Fn Lock) and then move on to more advanced troubleshooting steps if necessary.

FAQ

Why are my function keys not working on Windows 10? There are several reasons why your function keys may not be working, including the Fn Lock being enabled, outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, or incorrect BIOS settings.

How do I enable F1 to F12 keys without pressing Fn? You can typically enable this by toggling the Fn Lock key or by changing the “Function Key Behavior” setting in your computer’s BIOS.

How do I update my keyboard drivers on Windows 11? You can update your keyboard drivers by opening Device Manager, expanding the “Keyboards” section, right-clicking on your keyboard, and selecting “Update driver.”

What does the Fn key do? The Fn key, short for Function, is used in combination with other keys to perform special actions, such as adjusting volume, brightness, or controlling media playback.

Can BIOS settings affect function keys? Yes, the BIOS settings can affect the behavior of function keys. You may need to modify the BIOS settings to prioritize standard function key behavior over special functions.