Fn+esc doesn't resolve issue! When pressing a function key, it auto controls other functions around

[jessie1230]

Like when I pressed volume key or brightness key, they not controlling their function but instead, they controlling random key and auot-select my browsing tabs around. They ain't doing their usual jobs. On my old Window laptop, I can just press Fn to resolve the issue. However on this laptop, I tired Fn+Esc short and long press, even following youtuber to try other keys won't solve the issue. I do restart my laptop still wont' work. I only can use Fn+Volume key it does work but, Hey, I shouldn’t have to press two keys—I just want to press a key once, and it should work like normal.

Anyone can help please? Really emergency

[jessie1230]

Also I've tried these on setting, still doesn't work. Can anyone helps please, I really don't wanna return my new HP laptop.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @jessie1230,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP laptop’s function keys (volume, brightness, etc.) are not working normally, and instead they trigger other actions like switching tabs unless you hold Fn, and Fn + Esc is not fixing it. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Confirm the keyboard behavior in BIOS
Restart the laptop and repeatedly tap Esc, then press F10 to enter BIOS.
Look for Action Keys Mode or Function Key Behavior and make sure it is set to Enabled (this allows volume/brightness to work with a single key press).

Save BIOS settings properly
After changing the setting, press F10 to Save and Exit.
Let the system boot fully and test the volume or brightness key again without pressing Fn.

Check HP System Event Utility / Hotkey support
Open Apps & Features (or Programs and Features).
Make sure HP System Event Utility or HP Hotkey Support is installed—these are required for special keys to work correctly.

Reinstall HP keyboard/hotkey drivers
If the utility is installed, uninstall it and restart the laptop.
After restart, reinstall the latest version for your exact HP model and reboot again.

Check Windows keyboard language and layout
Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
Confirm the keyboard layout matches your physical keyboard (for example, US QWERTY).

Disable Sticky Keys and accessibility features
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys if any are enabled.

Test in Safe Mode
Restart Windows into Safe Mode and test the function keys.
If they work correctly there, a background app or driver is interfering in normal mode.

Check for third-party keyboard or remapping software
Look for apps like key mappers, macro tools, gaming utilities, or browser extensions.
Temporarily disable or uninstall them and test again.

Run Windows Update fully
Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates, including optional driver updates.
Restart once updates complete.

If the volume and brightness keys only work correctly when holding Fn, and BIOS + HP hotkey utilities are set correctly, the issue is almost always caused by a missing or corrupted HP hotkey driver, not a hardware failure. Reinstalling the HP System Event Utility usually restores normal one-key function behavior without needing to return the laptop.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,