Function keys performing the wrong function


  1. wotw
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Function keys performing the wrong function


    So my computer works fine, but for some reason the function keys were switched up. When I'm on the desktop, they don't do anything at all, and when I'm in Google Chrome they do things that aren't related to what they're supposed to do.
    F1 used to mute/unmute, now it opens the internet browser and searches Bing for Windows 10 help.
    F2 lowered volume, now it doesn't seem to do anything.
    F3 raised volume, now it opens the page search on the internet browser.
    F4 rewound, now it does nothing.
    F5 paused/played, now it refreshes the page.
    F6 used to fast-forward, now it functions essentially like a tab key but only for boxes I can type in.
    F7 I don't believe had an assigned function, and it still doesn't, so at least that's the same.
    F8 I believe used to enter/exit full screen mode, now it does nothing.
    F9 used to open inspect page, now it does nothing also.
    F10 I have no idea what it used to do, but it doesn't do anything now.
    F11 lowered brightness, now it toggles full screen.
    F12 raised brightness, now it opens inspect page.

    I'm running Windows 10 on a Dell Inspiron. Does anyone know a way to re-assign my function keys? I've tried searching through This PC -> Manage and can't seem to find anything.
      My Computer
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  3. Kari
    Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #2

    F1 for Help, F11 for full screen and so on, those are the normal functions of F keys. On laptops you can use the manufacturer specific alternative functions by pressing and holding down the FN key then pressing preferred F key. In you case I bet that if you press FN + F1 instead of just F1, it works in the way Dell has customized it, as mute / unmute.

    Function keys performing the wrong function-2016_06_25_08_23_091.png
    (Position of FN key on actual keyboard may vary.)

    Most laptops allow user to set default function key action in BIOS / UEFI settings. In your case it sounds that your laptop was earlier set to give Dell specific functions without FN key and normal functions with it, and now it has been changed to give normal standard functions without FN key and Dell specific functions with it.

    Kari
      My Computer
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  4. wotw
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Yeah, that seems to work perfectly, thanks.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. Kari
    Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #4

    You are welcome :)
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

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