Can't tun on / off FN LOCK

[M12332]

Hello, I can't tun on / off FN + LOCK. I have tried FN + ESC, FN + SHIFT + CTRL, FN + SHIFT but neither of them works. Please advise on how to proceed.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @M12332 

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

I understand the concern. Since the common key combinations are not changing the Fn Lock behavior, let's work through the HP-specific checks that typically control this feature.

 

Step 1: Perform a Full Keyboard Check

1. Save any open work.
2. Restart the notebook.
3. Test whether the Fn key and Esc key respond individually.
4. Verify whether other shortcut combinations such as Fn + F2, Fn + F3, or Fn + F8 perform their printed functions.

If the Fn key itself is not responding, the issue may be related to the keyboard rather than the lock setting.

 

Step 2: Check the Action Keys Setting in BIOS

Many HP notebooks control Fn Lock through the BIOS setting called Action Keys Mode.

1. Turn off the notebook.
2. Turn it back on and immediately tap F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
3. Navigate to the System Configuration tab.
4. Locate Action Keys Mode.
5. Change the setting:
   • Enabled: Function key actions (volume, brightness, etc.) work without pressing Fn.
   • Disabled: You must press Fn + Function Key to use the printed action.
6. Press F10 to save the change and exit.
7. Restart the computer and test the function keys.

 

Step 3: Run the Keyboard Diagnostic

1. Turn off the notebook.
2. Power it on and immediately tap Esc repeatedly.
3. Select F2 – System Diagnostics.
4. Run the Keyboard Test.
5. Confirm whether the Fn key and other affected keys are detected correctly.

 

Step 4: Update BIOS and Keyboard Drivers

If the settings appear correct but Fn Lock still does not respond:

1. Open HP Support Assistant or visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
2. Install any available BIOS updates.
3. Install chipset and keyboard-related driver updates.
4. Restart the notebook and test again.

 

Step 5: Test in Windows

Open a document and verify:

• Whether pressing F1 opens Help.
• Whether pressing F2, F3, etc. performs standard Windows function-key actions.
• Whether brightness and volume keys require the Fn key or work directly.

This helps determine whether the notebook is operating in Action Keys Mode or standard Function Key Mode.

HP Reference: HP Notebook PCs - How to lock or unlock the fn (function) key

If the issue continues after these steps, please share the exact HP model and let us know whether the Esc key has an Fn Lock symbol on it, as the available options vary by model.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye