F4 key does not repeat in Excel

[Jack5690]

I use the F4 function key to repeat same cell reference in Excel, which has worked on every previous computer, and works on an external keyboard with this PC, but does not work on the keyboard on this PC.  Can this be changed to work as expected?  Thanks.  

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

HI @Jack5690,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're stoked to have you on board! 

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please share the model name of your device?

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[Jack5690]

HP Pavilion Laptop 16-af0063c1 model no.

I have tried fn + F4 and that does not work.  

Thanks for your help.  

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Jack5690,

Your HP Pavilion 16‑af0063c1 laptop’s F4 key isn’t repeating actions in Excel because the function keys are set to control system features (brightness, volume, etc.) by default. You need to change the keyboard’s “Function Key Behavior” in BIOS or use Fn Lock so F4 works as a standard Excel shortcut.

Change the action key setting from the BIOS Setup Utility.

Press and hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

Turn on the computer and immediately press the f10 key repeatedly to open the BIOS Setup Utility.

Press the right or left arrow key to select the System Configuration menu.

Press the up or down arrow key to select Action Keys Mode.

Press the enter key to display the Enabled / Disabled options.

Press the up or down arrow key to select one of the options.

Enabled: Does not require pressing fn to use the actions printed on the function keys.

For example, pressing f8 lowers the sound as printed on the key. Alternately, pressing both the fn + f8 keys minimizes and maximizes a web browser.

Disabled: Requires pressing fn to use the actions printed on the function keys.

For example, pressing f1 opens a help window. Alternately, pressing both the fn + f1 keys puts the computer in Sleep mode as printed on the key.

Press the f10 key to save the selection and restart the computer.

Change Function Key Behavior in BIOS

Restart your laptop.

Press F10 repeatedly at startup to enter BIOS Setup.

Look for System Configuration > Action Keys Mode / Function Key Behavior.

Change it to Standard F1–F12.

Save and exit. After this, pressing F4 alone in Excel will work as expected.

Use Fn Lock

On some HP Pavilion models, pressing Fn + Esc toggles Fn Lock.

Once enabled, you can press F4 directly in Excel without holding Fn.

F4 only works if your cursor is inside a formula reference or after performing an action (like formatting).

If you’re outside a formula or haven’t performed an action, F4 won’t repeat anything.

Changing BIOS settings affects all function keys (F1–F12). You’ll need to press Fn + key for brightness/volume controls afterward.

If you prefer quick access to brightness/volume, keep Action Keys enabled and just use Fn + F4 in Excel.

Enter BIOS and switch the Function Key Behavior to “Standard.” That will make F4 behave like your external keyboard and restore Excel’s repeat/absolute reference shortcut.

I hope this helps

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[Jack5690]

Using Fn + Esc did not work.  But changing the bios did work.  The instructions were a little unclear.  Looked like it required two changes ... changing the BIOS setting, restarting the PC, and then changing BIOS again.  But after doing the first change in BIOS it worked. So not sure what the second BIOS change was for or if that was supposed to be made.  But it seems to work now.  Seems like a lot to get this keyboard to work like all other keyboards in the past.  But it seems to work now.  Thanks. 

[michellesim]

Hello Hp Community,

It sounds like the F4 key on your laptop keyboard is set to control special hardware functions instead of Excel shortcuts. You can usually fix this by pressing Fn + F4, or by changing the Function Key behavior in your BIOS or keyboard settings so the F-keys work normally again in Excel. Since your external keyboard works correctly, the issue is likely just the laptop’s default keyboard mode. Also, if you enjoy useful apps and streaming features, you can try the free Honista app from Honista Official Website.

Best Regards!