Missing special key on keyboard

[Senancour]

I used an HP G6 notebook with a German keyboard for several years. On the right-hand side, there was a key for the three special characters < (less-than, ANSI 060), > (greater-than, ANSI 062), and | (pipe, ANSI 124). Now I have a new HP 17-cp2000. This key is missing on that model. Instead, the three special characters can be found on the L key. However, I can't see how to type the three special characters with this key. It doesn't work even in combination with Shift and AltGr. What was HP thinking? Of course, I know that these characters can be entered with Alt + ANSI on the numeric keypad. But that's very cumbersome. Is there another solution?

[Senancour]

In the meantime, I have received help from Google AI. The trick is to switch using the Fn key.

The L key has four functions—with L and...:
Fn + L = <
Fn + Shift + L = >
Fn + AltGr + L = |

Regards, Senancour

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Senancour 

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

I understand how confusing it feels when a familiar key layout changes and suddenly the characters you rely on are hidden behind new combinations. You’ve already discovered the Fn‑based shortcuts, which are indeed the way those characters are mapped on the HP 17‑cp2000 with a German keyboard layout.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to use them:

Using the special characters <, >, and |

On the HP 17‑cp2000 German keyboard:

• Fn + L → < (less‑than)
• Fn + Shift + L → > (greater‑than)
• Fn + AltGr + L → | (pipe)
• L key alone → L

Tips to make typing easier

Practice the combinations
It can feel awkward at first, but once you get used to pressing Fn with the other modifiers, it becomes second nature.

Check Windows keyboard layout settings

• Press Windows + I → Time & language > Language & region.
• Confirm that your input method is set to German (Germany) – Hardware Keyboard Layout.
• This ensures the system interprets the Fn mappings correctly.

Use the On‑Screen Keyboard for reference

• Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On‑Screen Keyboard.
• Switch to German layout and test the Fn + L combinations to see how they register.

Consider external keyboards
If you often type code or symbols, an external German layout keyboard with the dedicated < > | key may feel more comfortable.

You’ve already shown persistence by testing Alt codes and modifiers. The Fn combinations are the intended solution on this model, and once you get used to them, they’ll give you the same functionality as the dedicated key you had on your older notebook.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye