How do I get the function keys on this new wireless keyboard to work?

[Lloyd10]

How do I get the function keys on this new wireless keyboard to work on my new HP OmniDesk Desktop AI M03-0057c PC, Product Number: B5UJ6AA?   Is there are way to toggle between their current settings that among other things adjust speaker volume versus their traditional uses?  I miss being able to use the F2 key to bring up a field's numeric value to make a single digit change (rather than having to retype the whole number), and the F5 key to prompt a screen display update.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Lloyd10 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

To use the traditional F1–F12 functions (like F2 for editing or F5 for refresh) on your HP wireless keyboard, you can toggle the Fn (Function) Lock. This allows you to switch between media controls (volume, brightness) and standard function key behavior.

I completely understand how disruptive it feels when familiar keys no longer behave the way you expect—especially when you rely on them for quick edits and screen refreshes. 

Let’s walk through how to restore that classic F-key functionality on your HP OmniDesk Desktop AI M03-0057c.

Option 1: Use the Fn Lock shortcut (most common)

• Press Fn + Esc on your keyboard
  This toggles Fn Lock on or off:
  • Enabled: F1–F12 work as standard function keys
  • Disabled: F1–F12 control media (volume, brightness, etc.)

You’ll usually see a small lock icon on the Esc key if this shortcut is supported.

 

Option 2: Change behavior in BIOS/UEFI settings

If the shortcut doesn’t work:

1. Restart your PC and press Esc repeatedly at startup
2. Press F10 to enter BIOS Setup
3. Navigate to System Configuration > Action Keys Mode
4. Set it to Disabled to use standard F1–F12 functions without pressing Fn
5. Press F10 to save and exit

This change is persistent and doesn’t require using the Fn key each time.

 

Option 3: Use HP Hotkey Support (if available)

Some HP desktops include a utility called HP Hotkey Support. If installed:

• Open Control Panel > Programs > HP Hotkey Support
• Adjust the function key behavior from there

If it’s not installed, it’s not required for toggling Fn Lock on most wireless keyboards.

Let me know if your keyboard doesn’t respond to Fn + Esc or if the BIOS option is missing—I’ll guide you through alternate steps based on your keyboard layout. 

You’re doing everything right by seeking to restore the workflow you’re used to.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Lloyd10]

Option 1 worked, but with a little variation.   It was not until I noticed "FN LOCK" in small print on the "SHIFT" key and used it along with both the "ESC" and "FN" keys simultaneously that I got the "F2" to work as a traditional "F2" key.   I'm elated to have achieved this result.   Granted, your Option 1 directions did not work for me at first because I had not noticed the "FN LOCK" in small print on the "SHIFT" key.   And had not included pressing the "SHIFT" key in my initial attempts.   In my frustration I was resorting to pressing everything, and now only reasonably sure I found the secret formula.   And reluctant to repeat the experiment lest I miss-observed how did it and lose the progress I've achieved.  Thank you for your assistance.   Now if I could also get the "NUM LOCK" key to work as it did on my old Windows 10 PC.    Unfortunately, this new wireless keyboard does not even have a "NUMLOCK" key.   Taken together, these problems make me wonder what the designers of this user-unfriendly wireless keyboard had in mind.

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for the thoughtful follow-up—and I’m genuinely glad you were able to unlock the function key behavior you needed, even if it took a bit of creative key pressing. That “FN LOCK” tucked onto the Shift key is a subtle one, and you absolutely earned that win.

As for the missing Num Lock key—yes, that’s a growing trend on compact or minimalist wireless keyboards, especially those designed for aesthetic or space-saving purposes. But you still have a few options to regain number pad functionality:

1. Use On-Screen Keyboard (Quick Access)

• Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard
• Click Options > Check Turn on numeric keypad
• Use the NumLock button on the virtual keyboard to toggle it

This is especially useful if your keyboard has a hidden or software-controlled number pad.

 

2. Check for Embedded Number Pad (Compact Keyboards)

Some wireless keyboards use Fn + letter keys (like Fn + M, J, K, L) to simulate a number pad.

• Look for small printed numbers on certain letter keys
• Try pressing Fn + those keys to see if they act as numbers
• If so, Fn + NumLock (or Fn + Shift, depending on layout) may toggle the mode

 

3. Remap a Key to Act as Num Lock

If you frequently need Num Lock, you can remap an unused key:

• Download Microsoft PowerToys:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/
• Use the Keyboard Manager tool to remap a key (e.g., Scroll Lock or Right Ctrl) to Num Lock

This gives you a permanent workaround without needing a physical Num Lock key.

 

4. Consider an External Number Pad

If you do a lot of numeric entry, a small USB or Bluetooth number pad can be a great addition.

• They’re compact, plug-and-play, and restore full Num Lock behavior
• Example: HP USB Numeric Keypad

You’ve done an amazing job adapting to a new setup, and I completely understand the frustration when familiar tools are hidden or missing. 

Let me know if you’d like help identifying your exact keyboard model—I can check if it supports embedded number pad functions or software toggles.

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Lloyd10]

I'm having trouble creating my comment text and a picture that displays various screen prints.   Subj:  How do I get the code necessary to establish a shortcut to my printer's print queue and another shortcut that'll take me to the Microsoft MSPaint's application's "Printing Preferences" page.  I need help to complete my effort to establish these two shortcuts.  Now I'll try again to include the photo.

Whew!   Looks like I've made it this far.   I want to express my sincere appreciation to Hawks_Eye for all the help he's already provided.   I'm so thankful for his help with my regaining the use of the function keys F1 - F12.   Regarding the NUM LOCK key, I'm still digesting the latest guidance.  Without this assistance I don't know what I would have done, maybe even return this new PC to Costco.  With your help, I feel very encouraged, and increasingly amazed at what seems to be the enhanced capabilities of Windows 11.

[Hawks_Eye]

That’s such a heartfelt message—thank you for sharing it @Lloyd10. 

It’s clear how much effort you’ve put into understanding your new PC. 

Regaining control over the function keys and working through the NUM LOCK behavior are no small feats, especially when adapting to a new system like Windows 11.

Your perseverance and openness to learning are what make these wins possible. And yes, Windows 11 does have some impressive enhancements—once you get past the initial curve, it really starts to shine. 

If you ever want to explore more of its capabilities or need help digesting that NUM LOCK guidance, I’m right here with you.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 😊

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye