Pavilion Plus 16t function keys

[rmballde]

Have BIOS setting enabled for function keys to act as is, FN key not needed.  However, when using Excel (best example as used a lot) this is not the case.  Must use the FN key.  Why?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @rmballde,

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 function keys are not working as standard F1–F12 keys in Excel even though the BIOS setting is enabled. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

    a. Confirm BIOS Setting
        Restart the laptop and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F10 or Esc repeatedly).
        Ensure Action Keys Mode is disabled, so F1–F12 work without needing the Fn key.

    b. Check Windows Keyboard Settings
        Go to Settings > System > Keyboard (or Typing).
        Look for any function key behavior or hotkey toggle and ensure standard function keys are enabled.

    c. Update HP Hotkey/Keyboard Drivers
        Open Device Manager > Keyboards and check if the HP Hotkey Support or HP System Event Utility is installed.
        If missing or outdated, install the latest versions from HP’s official software and driver page.

    d. Excel-Specific Behavior
        Excel uses function keys for shortcuts, but some keys may be overridden by Windows or HP hotkeys.
        Open Excel and check if Fn Lock (Fn + Esc) is enabled to allow direct F1–F12 usage.

    e. Test Function Keys Outside Excel
        Try using F2 (rename), F5 (refresh), or F11 (full-screen) on the desktop or in File Explorer.
        If they work normally, the issue is specific to Excel or application settings.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,

[rmballde]

All the steps were tried with no resolution.  Then I did the opposite of a (I ENABLED the BIOS setting, which states that would require the use of the Fn key).  This resolved it.  So something is not right, but at least I have the behavior I expected.