F keys are usually disabled by default — here's how to turn them back on

The F keys (F1 through F12) at the top of your keyboard often don't work as function keys right out of the box. Instead, they control volume, brightness, or media playback. To use them for actual functions — like opening Find in your browser or saving a file — you need to enable them in your keyboard settings or BIOS. The method depends on whether you have a Windows PC, Mac, or external keyboard.

Most keyboards ship this way because manufacturers assume you'll use the media controls more often than the function keys. But if you work in software development, spreadsheets, or any program that relies on F-key shortcuts, you'll want to flip this behavior so the function keys work first and the media controls require holding a modifier key instead.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, check your keyboard manufacturer's control software first — Corsair, Logitech, and Razer all have their own apps where you can toggle F-key behavior.
  • If you don't have manufacturer software, you can change F-key behavior in your BIOS or UEFI settings by restarting your computer and pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Function Keys and select your keyboard to enable standard function keys.
  • Once enabled, you'll use F keys normally for shortcuts, and hold Fn to access media controls instead.
  • External keyboards often have a physical Fn Lock button that toggles this behavior without needing software or BIOS changes.

Enable F keys on Windows using manufacturer software

If you have a gaming or mechanical keyboard from Corsair, Logitech, Razer, SteelSeries, or another brand, check whether they provide control software. This is the easiest route because you can change the setting without restarting your computer.

read the manufacturer's app — usually called something like Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub, or Razer Synapse — and install it. Open the app and look for a section labeled Function Keys, F-Key Behavior, or Media Keys. You'll see an option to set F keys as Standard or Primary. Select that option, and the F keys will work as function keys when ready. To use media controls after this, you'll hold the Fn key while pressing F1 through F12.

If you're not sure which brand your keyboard is, look at the physical keyboard itself or check Device Manager. Right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, expand Keyboards, and look for your keyboard's name in the list.

Enable F keys in BIOS or UEFI on Windows

If your keyboard doesn't have manufacturer software, or if you want to change the setting at the system level, you can enable F keys through your computer's BIOS or UEFI. This is the firmware that runs before Windows starts up, and it controls low-level hardware behavior.

Restart your computer. As it boots up, before Windows loads, press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 repeatedly — the exact key depends on your motherboard manufacturer and will usually appear on the startup screen. You're looking for a message that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] to enter BIOS." Once you're in the BIOS menu, look for a section called Integrated Peripherals, Onboard Devices, or Advanced. Inside that section, find an option labeled Function Key Behavior, F-Key Behavior, or Action Keys Mode. Change it from Multimedia or Media First to Function Keys or Standard. Save your changes and exit — usually by pressing F10 and confirming.

The BIOS menu uses keyboard navigation only, so use arrow keys to move between options and Enter to select. If you get lost, look for a Help option in the menu itself.

Enable F keys on Mac

On Mac, F keys are standard by default, but if you've changed the setting or are using an external keyboard, you can restore them through System Settings.

Click the Apple menu in the top left, select System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar. Look for a section called Function Keys or Function Key Behavior. If you see a list of keyboards, select your keyboard from the list. Toggle the option that says "Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys" or similar wording. Once enabled, the F keys will work as function keys, and you'll hold Fn to access brightness and volume controls.

If you don't see this option, your keyboard may already have F keys enabled, or you may need to check the keyboard manufacturer's software if it's an external keyboard.

Use the Fn Lock button on external keyboards

Many external keyboards have a physical Fn Lock button, usually near the top right of the keyboard or integrated into one of the F keys. This button toggles F-key behavior without needing software or system settings.

Look for a key labeled Fn Lock, FnLk, or a key with an Fn symbol and a lock icon. Press it once, and you'll usually see an LED light up on the keyboard indicating that F keys are now locked to function mode. Press it again to toggle back to media controls. This is the fastest way to switch between the two modes if you use both regularly.

Check your keyboard's manual if you can't find the Fn Lock button — some keyboards hide it in unexpected places, and a few older models don't have it at all.

Test your F keys after enabling them

Once you've made the change, test that the F keys work. Open any web browser and press F3 or Ctrl+F — this should open the Find bar. If it does, your F keys are enabled. If the brightness or volume changed instead, the setting didn't take effect, and you may need to restart your computer or check that you changed the right setting.

If you're still seeing media controls instead of function behavior, go back and verify the setting was saved. In BIOS, make sure you pressed F10 to save before exiting. In manufacturer software, look for a Save or explore button. On Mac, close and reopen System Settings to confirm the toggle stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use F keys and media controls at the same time?

Yes. Once you enable F keys as standard, you hold the Fn key to access media controls. So F3 opens Find, but Fn+F3 might control brightness. This lets you use both without switching modes.

Do I need to enable F keys on every keyboard I connect?

It depends. If you change the setting in BIOS or Windows settings, it applies to all keyboards. If you use manufacturer software, the setting is usually per-keyboard, so you may need to configure each one separately when you first connect it.

What if I can't find the BIOS menu?

The startup key varies by motherboard. Common ones are Delete, F2, F10, and F12. If none of those work, restart again and look carefully at the first screen that appears — it will tell you which key to press. If you still can't find it, search online for your motherboard model plus "BIOS key."

Will enabling F keys affect my keyboard's other features?

No. Enabling F keys only changes what happens when you press F1 through F12. All other keys and features work the same way.

Why do keyboards disable F keys by default?

Manufacturers assume most people use media controls more often than function keys, so they make media controls the default. This is a reasonable guess for general users, but it's straightforward to change if your work relies on F-key shortcuts.