I cannot access my function keys without hitting 'fn' key first. How do I fix that?

[Christophian]

Here is the first paragraph in Wikipedia on the fn key. "Fn, or 'Function', is a modifier key on many keyboards, especially on laptops, used in a compact layout to combine keys which are usually kept separate. It is typically found on laptops, since a full-sized keyboard would be difficult to fit in a laptop chassis. It is also found in many full-sized 'multimedia' and 'office' keyboards, named F-Lock key. It is mainly for the purpose of changing display or audio settings quickly, such as brightness, contrast, or volume, and is held down in conjunction with the appropriate key to change the settings." 

You see that here also I says you hit the fn key to access display or audio settings. However on my Envy, I dont have hit the fn key first.

[Christophian]

I found another statement on the internet on the fn key (also called f-lock) "The F Lock key is a hardware switch in the keyboard. Its state cannot be controlled programmatically. Its default condition is "off". 

How do I get my Envy back to the default position of off?

[Christophian]

Did my clarifications help you understand what my problem is?

[erico]

As I said before BIOS holds the key to determining the function of the key.

Go into the BIOS and see if you can set the action keys function.

 

regards,
erico

[JohnWSaunders3]

See "FN + F5 Question" for the answer. There is a BIOS setting to fix this.

[ShadowKatmandu]

I found this works at http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread.php/134495-Cant-use-my-F-keys-without-pressing-fn

1. Press the power button to turn your computer on
2. Press F10 key to enter BIOS setup screen
3. Use the left right arrow keys to navigate to “System Configuration”
4. Use the up down arrow keys to navigate to the “action keys Mode”
5. Press “Enter” to open the Enabled / Disabled menu
6. Use up down arrow keys to select “Disable”
7. Press the F10 key
8. Use arrow keys to select “Yes”
9. Press “Enter” to save changes and start windows

Now the F1 through F12 keys should all work as they should with just a single press without the fn key.

[Christophian]

Finally, the right answer! Awesome. Thank you.