Fixing Fn Keys On Windows 7: A Comprehensive Guide

If your FN key is not working on Windows 7, there are several methods you can try to fix the issue. Firstly, try pressing the Fn + Esc keys simultaneously, as this has been known to resolve the problem for some Dell laptop users. If that doesn't work, the issue could be due to outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, so updating them may help. You can do this by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website or using a tool like Driver Easy, which automatically recognises your system and installs the correct drivers. Another potential solution is to change the function key behaviour in the Windows Mobility Center. To do this, press the Windows logo + R keys to open the Run box, type control panel, and select Windows Mobility Center. Then, locate Fn Key Behaviour and select Function Key from the menu.

Check if the function keys are locked

If your function keys are not working, it could be because they are locked. Here are some ways to check if the function keys are locked and how to unlock them:

Check for a Lock Icon

Check if any of the keys on your keyboard have a lock icon. This is usually available with the Esc key. If there is a lock icon, try long-pressing the Esc key to lock or unlock the function keys.

Check for a Dedicated Fn Lock or FnLk Key

Some laptops have a dedicated key labelled Fn Lock or FnLk. Pressing this key will toggle the Fn key's behaviour.

Check for a Key Combination

On some keyboards, the Esc key doubles as a function lock key, often denoted by a small padlock icon on the Esc key. To lock the Fn key on these keyboards, press the Fn and Esc keys simultaneously. The lock icon should light up to indicate that the Fn key is locked. To unlock it, press the Fn and Esc keys together again. Alternatively, you can press the Fn key along with the Caps Lock key to enable or disable the Fn Lock.

Check Your Keyboard Manual

If none of the above methods work, check your keyboard manual to see if the function lock feature is available and how to use it.

Update your keyboard driver

If your Fn keys are not working, it could be because your keyboard driver is damaged, corrupted, or outdated. To fix this, you can update your keyboard driver.

Option 1: Update your keyboard driver for Windows 7 manually

First, head to the hardware manufacturer’s website and search for the latest driver for your keyboard. Make sure to choose the driver that’s compatible with the exact model number of your keyboard, and your version of Windows. Then, download and install the driver manually.

Option 2: Update your keyboard driver for Windows 7 automatically

If you don’t have the time, patience, or computer skills to update your keyboard driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, and you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver. Driver Easy handles it all.

First, download and install Driver Easy. Then, run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.

Finally, click Update next to any flagged devices to automatically download the correct version of their drivers, then install them manually. Or click Update All to automatically download and install them all automatically. (This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. You get full support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.)

Other ways to update your keyboard driver

You can also update your keyboard driver by going to the Device Manager. Right-click the Start button and choose "Device Manager". Expand the Keyboards category, right-click your keyboard, then select Update Driver. Select "Search automatically for drivers".

However, even when you update your keyboard driver via Device Manager, your system can still miss the appropriate version. To avoid that, you need to go to the manufacturer’s website, then locate the right keyboard driver for your processor type and OS.

Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

If your function keys are not working, you can try running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. This built-in program is designed to fix common issues that Windows users may encounter from time to time, especially when installing new hardware or drivers. The troubleshooter is automatic and should be run when a hardware-related issue is encountered. It works by checking for common errors that may have occurred during the installation process.

• Open the Control Panel using the search bar and hit Enter.
• In the search bar on the top right corner, search for "troubleshooter".
• Click on "Troubleshooting" from the search results. The troubleshooting page will open.
• Click on the "Hardware and Sound" option.
• Under "Hardware and Sound," click on the "Configure a device" option.
• You will be prompted to enter your administrator password. Enter the password and click on the confirmation.
• The "Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter" window will open.
• To run the troubleshooter, click on the "Next" button at the bottom of the screen.
• The troubleshooter will start detecting issues. If issues are found on your system, you will be prompted to fix them.
• The "Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter" will automatically fix these issues. If there are no issues found, you can close the troubleshooter.

Run the Keyboard troubleshooter

If your function keys are not working on Windows 7, you can try running the Keyboard troubleshooter. This is a built-in automated tool that can help identify and fix common issues with your keyboard. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to run the Keyboard troubleshooter:

• Press the Windows key and the "I" key simultaneously to open the Windows Settings.
• Navigate to the "System" category in the Windows Settings window.
• Select "Troubleshoot" from the list of options.
• Scroll down to the "Other Troubleshooters" section and locate the Keyboard troubleshooter.
• Click on "Run the troubleshooter" to initiate the troubleshooting process for keyboard issues, including function keys.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to identify and apply any recommended fixes.
• Once the scan is completed, you will be presented with a list of findings. Click on "View detailed information" to get more details about the issues found.
• If any problems have been fixed, you will be informed accordingly.
• Click on "Next/Close" and restart your PC if prompted.

Running the Keyboard troubleshooter can help diagnose and resolve issues related to your keyboard, including function keys not working. It will check your keyboard settings, ensure that the Text Services Framework is running, and fix any related problems.

Restart the HidServ service

If your function keys are not working, you may need to restart the "HidServ" service in Task Manager. HidServ, or Human Interface Device Service, is a Windows service that enables and maintains the use of pre-programmed hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia devices. It is responsible for managing these devices and ensuring they work properly.

To restart HidServ, first, open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Task Manager. Then, click on the Services tab and locate HidServ in the list. Once you've found it, right-click on HidServ and select Restart from the context menu. Finally, close the Task Manager.

If restarting HidServ does not resolve the issue with your function keys, there are several other potential fixes you can try. These include checking if the function keys are locked, updating your keyboard driver, running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, running the Keyboard troubleshooter, and turning off Filter Keys.

Frequently asked questions