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- Function keys

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01-14-2025 07:52 PM - edited 01-14-2025 07:57 PM
Welcome to our HP Community forum!
Hello! The HP Wired Desktop 320K Keyboard has function keys (F1–F12) that are typically set to perform system actions like adjusting volume or brightness. Here’s how you can access the function keys:
Default Behavior:
- If pressing a function key (e.g., F5) performs a system action (like refreshing a page), you can use the Fn key (usually found near the bottom-left corner of the keyboard) along with the function key to access its standard function (e.g., F5 for refresh).
- Example: Press Fn + F5 to refresh a webpage.
Toggle Function Key Mode:
- Some systems allow you to change the default behavior of the function keys in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Restart your PC and press Esc or F10 (or the key displayed on-screen during startup) to enter the BIOS/UEFI.
- Look for a setting like Action Key Mode or Function Key Behavior, and toggle it to your preference.
The functions associated with the F1–F12 keys can vary depending on the operating system, active applications, and specific system configurations. Here’s a general overview of their typical uses, particularly for HP systems with the HP Wired Desktop 320K Keyboard:
Standard Function Key Actions (without the Fn key):
- F1: Opens Help in many applications.
- F2: Renames a selected file or folder in Windows Explorer.
- F3: Opens search functionality in many applications (e.g., browsers or Windows Explorer).
- F4:
- Alt + F4: Closes the active window.
- In Excel: Repeats the last action.
- F5: Refreshes the active page or document (e.g., in browsers or PowerPoint).
- F6: Moves the cursor to the address bar in most web browsers.
- F7: Activates spelling and grammar check in Microsoft Office applications.
- F8:
- During boot: Opens the Advanced Boot Options menu in older Windows versions.
- In media players: Adjusts playback settings.
- F9: Refreshes fields in Microsoft Word or sends/receives emails in Outlook.
- F10: Activates the menu bar in many applications.
- F11: Toggles full-screen mode in web browsers.
- F12: Opens the Save As dialog box in Microsoft Office applications.
Multimedia and System Actions (with the Fn key or by default, depending on settings):
- F1: Decrease screen brightness.
- F2: Increase screen brightness.
- F3: Open or toggle wireless options.
- F4: Switch display modes (e.g., duplicate or extend screens).
- F5: Refresh page/document.
- F6: Decrease volume.
- F7: Mute/unmute volume.
- F8: Increase volume.
- F9: Play/Pause media playback.
- F10: Stop media playback.
- F11: Skip to the previous media track.
- F12: Skip to the next media track.
Notes:
- On HP systems, these multimedia/system actions are often the default behavior. If you want the standard F1–F12 functionality, you may need to press Fn + the function key, or toggle the behavior in the BIOS/UEFI settings under Action Key Mode.
Let me know if you need detailed steps for your specific system!
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777