How to disable Action Keys Mode for Probook 650 G1 running Windows 7, 64 bit

[Gary_J47]

I've just purchased an HP Probook 650 G1, intel i7-4600m, system BIOS 01.34-08/28/2015, keyboard revision KBC version 16.3C.

The Escape key and the function keys F1 to F12 appear to be in Action Key Mode (eg Escape gives HP System Information, F6 allows change of audio levels, etc) - and I would prefer to retain the standard functions of those keys (for shortcuts in Word and Excel, also for Express Scribe transcribing software). 

I have found that Ctrl + Fn + the relevant function key is a workaround to achieve some (but not all) the standard functions - but that is cumbersome when used frequently. The workaround doesn't seem to work for the Escape key.

I have seen some advice on how to disable Action Keys Mode on some HP notebooks - eg
http://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c02035108

- and I've used this method on previous HP notebooks (eg Pavilion G6), but it doesn't work for this Probook. The BIOS Setup screen on my new machine doesn't seem to show Action Key Mode (or even System Configuration) as options.

I'd be grateful for suggestions.

[Vamshi786]

please update the BIOS and check if it works.

Alternatiely, you can try to uninstall the kb drivers and restart the unit.

[Gary_J47]

Thank you Vamshi for your suggestions - but so far not been able to rectify the problem.

I updated the BIOS (now ver 1.36, 04/25/2016) but still no option in BIOS Setup to disable the Action Key Mode.

I tried to update the keyboard driver through Device Manager - but got a message that Windows has determined the existing driver (7.0.1.1, 16/2/2010) is up to date, and "The best driver software for your device is already installed."

I was reluctant to uninstall the keyboard driver entirely, as the menu marked this as an "Advanced" option - and I'm no expert in this area.

I'd be surprised this issue hasn't arisen before - as I'd expect many Office users would be frustrated by the Action Key Mode being the default keyboard setting which can't be altered.  Certainly it was a simple enough procedure to change the default in other HP laptops I've had (most recently a Pavilion G6).   Maybe I'm missing something obvious here?

[Gary_J47 · Accepted solution]

Problem now solved, thanks to HP's Technical Support phone line. Their advice was as follows:

* go into BIOS Setup in the usual way (shut down, then power on, press Escape, choose F10 for Bios Setup)

* choose System Information

* arrow over to Advance

* choose Device Configuration

* untick Fn Key Switch

* save, exit etc.

The relevant option is no longer called Action Key Mode for this model of HP notebook, at least not for the BIOS version of this Probook 650 G1 (ver 1.36, 04/25/2016).