Function keys not working

[hmsbelfast]

I used to use my f keys to increase brightness, volume, pause play, etc.. but now the function keys do different things, such as full screen mode and other functions related to websites. How do I get back with the media related functions? I tried with the BIOS, enabled, disabled, but they still don't work as I'd like to

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @hmsbelfast, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand the function keys on your laptop has stopped functioning on your PC.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes on your laptop?

Have you tried checking with an external keyboard?

As you mentioned the function keys on your laptop has stopped functioning on your PC.

Try updating the BIOS on your PC and check if it helps.

Update the BIOS using this link: https://hp.care/2klsxAO

However, you can enable the action keys in BIOS to use the function keys without holding the Fn keys.
 
To disable, or enable, the function key (fn) in the BIOS, do the following steps.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Press the f10 key to open the BIOS setup window. (On newer computers, you need to hold down the "esc" key. Then you can opt to go into the BIOS settings.)
Use the right-arrow or left-arrow keys to navigate to the System Configuration option.

Use the up-arrow or down-arrow keys to navigate to the Action Keys Mode option, and then press the "enter" key to display the Enable / Disable menu.
Select the desired mode:
 
Disabled: You still have the ability to use all those neat shortcut features like ejecting discs, toggling the WiFi and so on with the f1 through f12 keys. Now, in order to use them, you need to hold down the "fn" button to activate the shortcut feature. For exmple, if Disabled , pressing fn + f11 will mute the sound as indicated on the key on this model PC. Alternatively, pressing f11 only will minimize and maximize a web browser if open. (The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.)
Enabled : Requires pressing only f1 through f12 to use the action as indicated on the action keys.
For example, if Enabled , pressing f11 only will mute the sound as indicated on the key on this model PC. Alternatively, pressing fn + f11 will minimize and maximize a web browser if open.
The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.
Press f10 key to save the selection and restart the computer.
The function key (fn) option can be reset at any time by going back into the BIOS.

Try few steps recommended below.

Turn off the computer and then restart it.
Press the Esc key repeatedly to see if a startup menu opens.
If a setup menu does not open, the integrated keyboard hardware is not working. The integrated keyboard in the notebook should be serviced or replaced. To continue using the notebook, connect a USB-wired keyboard to a USB port and restart the computer.
If a setup menu opens, use the arrow keys to navigate the menus. If these keys are working in the startup menu, but then fail when Windows loads, the problems might be related to the keyboard software.
Restart the computer.
In Device Manager, uninstall and reinstall the keyboard software:
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
Click View and select Show Hidden Devices.
Click the arrow next to Keyboards, right-click the keyboard device name, then select Uninstall to remove the device from Windows.
Continue removing device names in the Keyboards category until all device names have been uninstalled.
Restart the notebook. Right-click Start (), select Shut down or sign out, then select Restart.
Wait for the computer to restart and open Windows.

Also, Turn off Filter Keys

Filter Keys is a feature that is designed to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, and according to users, this feature is turned on by default on their laptops, and that’s what’s causing the keyboard issue.

Go to Control Panel and open Ease of Access Center.
Scroll down and select Make the keyboard easier to use option.
Scroll down and locate Filter Keys option. Make sure that Turn on Filter Keys option is not checked.
After turning off this option, click Apply and OK to save changes.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot keyboard issues with your PC. Link: https://hp.care/2KEglpY

Refer this article to know more information about Disabling the Fn + Function Key. Link: https://hp.care/2kpr9gC

If the issue still persists after trying out the steps. Try restoring the BIOS to default on your PC and check if it helps.

1. Turn off the computer and wait five seconds.
2. Press the Power button to start the computer and repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu.
3. On the BIOS Setup screen, press F9 to select and load the BIOS Setup Default settings.
4. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
5. Use the arrow keys to select Yes, then press Enter when asked Exit Saving Changes?
6. Follow the prompts to restart your computer.

If the solution provided worked for you, please mark accepted solution for this post.

Hope this answers your query!

Have a great weekend ahead! 🙂

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