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What to Do When Your Function (Fn) Key Is Locked

Latest update on by Aoife McCambridge .

A locked Function (Fn) key may sound like a minor problem but can be troublesome for you if you are not aware of the solution. The Fn key allows for additional functionalities in combination with other keys such as increasing or decreasing the brightness of the screen, changing the volume of the speakers or office software shortcuts. This FAQ will provide the solution to this issue.

Unlock a Function (Fn) Key

If your keyboard is producing numbers instead of letters, hold down the Function key (Fn) on your keyboard in order to be able to write normally.

If this doesn't work, try pressing Fn + Numlk or, depending on the model, Fn + Shift + Numlk. On an IBM Thinkpad, press Shift + Scroll Lock Num.

Image: © Medium.

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This document, titled « What to Do When Your Function (Fn) Key Is Locked », is available under the Creative Commons license. Any copy, reuse, or modification of the content should be sufficiently credited to CCM (ccm.net).
9 vote - 5.0/5 36 Comments
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It worked! No one else suggested adding in the shift key with the fn and numlk. Thanks so much.
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It worked. Thank you. That was such an annoying problem when you are teaching remotely!
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Lifesaver! Prior to this, I would try the Fn key numerous times with F keys and finally, I would literally just restart my computer. This tip is a lifesaver! Thank you!
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thank you so much, if my fn gets locked again, I'll know what to do! I think you very much for the steps
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