How to swap "fn" key with left "ctrl" key on generic desktop


  1. Posts : 112
    64-bit Windows 10 Pro 1909
       #1

    How to swap "fn" key with left "ctrl" key on generic desktop


    I've finally found a backlit, Bluetooth keyboard that's very close to my ideal. The one problem is that the leftmost key on the bottom row is the "fn" key, with the left "ctrl" key just to the right. This, in my opinion, is intolerable. So what I want to do is to reverse them.

    When I've searched for the the text of my OP, I get hundreds of results stupidly assuming that I own a Lenovo or Dell (or other) laptop which have BIOS settings that allows one to change the keys. But the computer in question is NOT A LAPTOP! There are no such BIOS options.

    I've found and tried a few freeware apps that allow some keys to be remapped, but none of those that I've found allow you to change either the "fn" or "ctrl" keys. Does anyone know of one that does allow those keys to be changed? Or is there some other way (perhaps in the registry) to do what I want?

    Thanks!
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 7,597
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #2

    On my keyboard the "fn" key doesn't show up on the keyboard map but if I use Full Teach Mode or Half Teach Mode via this app:

    KeyTweak Softpedia Download Link

    Then I can remap to left control.

    State the methods/ apps that you've tried.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 112
    64-bit Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Callender said:
    On my keyboard the "fn" key doesn't show up on the keyboard map but if I use Full Teach Mode or Half Teach Mode via this app:

    Then I can remap to left control.

    State the methods/ apps that you've tried.
    Thank you for your reply!

    Unfortunately, even in Full Teach Mode, the "fn" key doesn't show up. I've tried that app as well as the following...

    SharpKeys
    KeyTweak
    Key Mapper
    Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator
    Microsoft PowerToys
    And both offerings from AtnSoft: Key Manager & Key Remapper

    None of them even display the "fn" key, let alone provide the option to remap it.

    I'm still looking, but it doesn't seem promising...
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 7,597
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #4

    Doesn't show up for me either unless i click "scan a single key" then press "fn" at which point it's mapped. The left control key shows as an option to remap as the new key either by scanning and pressing or else in the drop down list.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 112
    64-bit Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Callender said:
    Doesn't show up for me either unless i click "scan a single key" then press "fn" at which point it's mapped. The left control key shows as an option to remap as the new key either by scanning and pressing or else in the drop down list.
    I found that section in Half Teach mode, and I could press the "fn" key. However, when I selected anything at all in the drop-down list, I got the error box above: How to swap "fn" key with left "ctrl" key on generic desktop-keytweak-error.jpg

    Any suggestions, please?
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 7,597
    22H2 64 Bit Pro
       #6

    I have no other ideas. Maybe someone else has a clue. If so, please post.

    Looking at PowerToys:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...yboard-manager

    They state that The Fn (function) key cannot be remapped (in most cases).

    So I guess that since I can remap and you cannot remap then you're stuck with it.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 45,695
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    Hi, if there's no scancode produced by the Fn key it can't be remapped.

    Implementation appears to vary by manufacturer and keyboard.

    Use this small free program to see if a scancode is produced when you press the Fn key:
    Key-ScanCode | View scan and virtual key codes

    Here's what I get for Fn and the LCtrl:
    How to swap "fn" key with left "ctrl" key on generic desktop-1.jpg
    How to swap "fn" key with left "ctrl" key on generic desktop-2.jpg

    In passing I came across this- Fn is referred to at the bottom:
    Keyboard scancodes: Keyboard scancodes

    and
    Where can I find Windows keyboard scancode registry information? - Super User
    BTW, FYI: on very few keyboards (other than Apple's) does the Fn/function key produce any scancode. Instead, when it is pressed in combination with certain other keys a certain, unique scancode is sent as if that other key was pressed alone instead of two keys. the pause key is the one key whose scancode can not be changed in the windows registry.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 112
    64-bit Windows 10 Pro 1909
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Callender said:
    I have no other ideas. Maybe someone else has a clue. If so, please post.

    Looking at PowerToys:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...yboard-manager

    They state that The Fn (function) key cannot be remapped (in most cases).

    So I guess that since I can remap and you cannot remap then you're stuck with it.
    Wise @Callender, you have my sincere gratitude for your help, even though I can't do what I had hoped. Thanks!!

    - - - Updated - - -

    dalchina said:
    Hi, if there's no scancode produced by the Fn key it can't be remapped.
    I am very grateful for your research and your time, dalchina! I'll just have to re-train my fingers to press the correct key for this otherwise very good keyboard.
      My Computers


 

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