The Fn key is used to enable different functions on the computer keyboard. However, it can also be disabled if it is of no use to you. Below are different ways to do this on computers running Windows or Mac systems.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Num Lock in Windows
Step 1. Locate the Num Lock key on your computer keyboard
It can be found on the number pad or as a secondary function on another key.
The Num Lock key is used to lock keys on the numeric keypad, but it can also be used to disable the Fn key
Step 2. Press and hold the Fn key on your keyboard
This is the first step in disabling the Fn key.
Step 3. Press the NumLock key while holding the key Fn pressed.
Doing so will immediately disable all Fn key functions.
On some keyboards, the Num Lock key may also have the following format: Num ⇩
Method 2 of 3: Using the Fn Lock Key in Windows
Step 1. Locate the Fn Lock key on your computer keyboard
It is usually flagged with a padlock icon with "Fn" printed on it.
The Fn Lock key can usually be found as a secondary function on one of the standard function keys (F1-F12) or on another special key like Esc
Step 2. Press and hold the Fn key on your computer keyboard
This is the first step to using the Fn Lock feature to disable the Fn key.
Step 3. Press the Fn Lock key while holding the key Fn pressed.
Doing so will immediately disable the Fn key function.
The Fn Lock key works like the Caps Lock key. It can be enabled and disabled anytime you want
Method 3 of 3: Disabling the Fn Key on Mac
Step 1. Open the Mac menu from the system menu bar
Just click on the Apple icon, located in the upper left corner of the screen, to access the menu.
Step 2. Click System Preferences from the menu
Doing so will open the System Preferences menu in a new window.
Step 3. From the System Preferences menu, click Keyboard
This option has a keyboard icon and is located on the second line of menu icons. It will open your system input and typing settings.
Step 4. Click on the Keyboard tab located at the top of the menu
It can be found beside the tab. Text.
The menu may automatically open on the Keyboard tab. In this case, there is no need to click on this tab to access it
Step 5. In the Keyboard menu, check the box "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys
as standard function keys.” When this option is selected, the Fn key on the keyboard will be disabled, except for the special functions printed on each of the F keys.
- The option "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as default function keys" can be found at the bottom of the Keyboard menu.
- The F keys on the top row of the keyboard now act as standard function keys (F1 – F12). That way you can use them without pressing the Fn key.
- To use one of the special functions printed on the keys, press the Fn key while pressing the F key that has the desired function. From now on, this will be the only function of the Fn key.