Fix Keyboard Function Keys Not Working in Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Fix Keyboard Function Keys Not Working in Windows 10/11

Function keys (F1–F12) are a handy part of any keyboard, letting you quickly adjust brightness, control media, refresh pages, or open shortcuts. But if your function keys or the Fn key stop working in Windows 10 or 11, it can be frustrating.

Here are the most common reasons this happens and step-by-step fixes you can try.

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1. Check the Fn Lock (Function Lock)

Many laptops have an Fn Lock or F-Lock feature. When enabled, your function keys may act as media keys instead of standard F-keys.

• Look for an Fn Lock symbol on your keyboard (often on the Esc, F11, or F12 key).
• Try pressing Fn + Esc to toggle it.
• Test your F1–F12 keys after toggling.

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2. Restart the Human Interface Device Service

Windows uses the Human Interface Device (HidServ) service to process special keys like Fn. Restarting it can resolve glitches.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Look for HidServ.
4. Right-click it and select Restart.

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3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

An outdated or corrupted driver can block function key behavior.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Start button → select Device Manager.
2. Expand Keyboards (and Human Interface Devices if visible).
3. Right-click your keyboard → Uninstall device.
4. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

💡 Tip: You can also download the latest drivers from your laptop or keyboard manufacturer’s website.

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4. Disable Filter Keys in Accessibility Settings

Accessibility settings like Filter Keys may interfere with quick key presses.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
2. Turn off Filter Keys and any related options.
3. Test the function keys again.

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5. Run System File Checker and DISM

If system files are corrupted, function key support may break. Windows provides built-in repair tools.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the following commands one by one: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Restart your PC.

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6. Check for Software Conflicts

If you’re running key-remapping or macro software, it may override function keys.

• Temporarily disable or uninstall these tools.
• Test the keys again.
• Some games or apps may also intercept function keys — check their settings.

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7. Review BIOS/UEFI Settings

Some laptops let you control Fn behavior from BIOS/UEFI.

Steps:

1. Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (often F2, Del, or Esc).
2. Look for Function Key Behavior or Action Keys Mode.
3. Switch between Media Key first and Function Key first, depending on your preference.
4. Save changes and restart.

💡 If none of these steps work, your keyboard may have a hardware issue. Test it on another PC or use an external keyboard to confirm.

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Final Thoughts

Function keys are essential for productivity, and losing them can slow you down. In most cases, the issue comes down to a simple toggle, driver update, or setting adjustment. Start with the easy fixes like Fn Lock and Filter Keys, and work your way through driver and BIOS settings if needed.

If the problem persists, it may be hardware-related — in which case, replacing the keyboard is the best solution.

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