return f4 key to its native Win 10 function

Hallo, forum, and thank you for accepting me.
I have an HP Laptop 15-bw0xx (running Win 10) which I bought second-hand. I use it as part of a music set-up. One of my principal softwares uses the f4 key as the shortcut to start 'play'. However, on this PC, the f4 key, both in and out of that specific software, brings up a semi-screen headed 'Project' which offers a choice of configurations for display/dual monitors. I therefore suspect the previous owners did some sort of reconfiguration of the f4 key.
I would be grateful for advice as to the least disruptive way to reset the f4 key to its native Win 10 functions and therefore, hopefully, make it available for the specific function my music software assigns it.
The Windows version is1909 OS Build 18363.1379.
Sincerely
Ian Graham
Wales UK

I don't have experience myself with dual monitors, but it seems that Fn+F4 is a common hotkey for that "project" menu. Maybe the Fn key is malfunctioning? There're programs for checking the keyboard like AquaKeyTest: Download Aqua's KeyTest . There're also "resident" programs that can reprogram some keys on some keyboards, like Logitech Setpoint. These should have an icon in the systray and be listed in Control Panel -> Programs and Features. If you find one, I'd try using it for what you want, and uninstall it or not afterwards. This link https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebo...y/td-p/7931516 is not exactly about your issue but can have useful info.

Thank you for your quick response, JLArranz.
I hadn't considered the fn key. To be clear, the dual monitor options come up from 'bare' f4, not 'fn f4'. But thinking laterally, I have now tried 'fn f4' in my music software, and that combination does start 'Play'. Which is progress, although since that is most conveniently a two-handed entry, not as convenient as a simple f4, so I'm still interested in in disabling the dual monitor association. However, the Hp forum link you give rather suggests it may in the native set-up of the computer.
I'll look into your other points.
Thank you.
Ian G.

On most laptops, the function keys serve dual purpose of Fn 1-12 and device controls such as volume, brightness, monitor switching, etc.

By default, most laptops are set to execute the device controls directly and require holding down the Fn key to get Fn 1-12.

This can usually be reversed via a setting in the BIOS. If you can't find that setting, or have trouble getting to the BIOS settings, let us know.

You just need to go into the bios and specify that you want Fn keys without having to press Fn first.

It is standard for Laptops to have a user choice of configuring the Function keys.

This functionality is in a Manufacturer's provided App and/or in the BIOS/UEFI.

You will just have to look in both.

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/documen...386-5878448-16

Ian Graham said:

... One of my principal softwares uses the f4 key as the shortcut to start 'play'. ...

Hi Ian and welcome to the Ten Forums.

May I ask what kind of music software you are using? Most programs for music which I have tried use the space key as "start" and "stop". However, most music software allow you to assign hot keys customizations. Can you do that in your software?

Kind regards,

tecknot

Many, many thanks to every one who has responded. I am very impressed by the spirit of the Forum ! And happy to report that I have been into the Bios as advised and switched from 'enabled' to 'disabled', and now f4 works in band in a Box, and fn f4 brings up the monitors screen.