Fn Keys/Hotkeys - How to quickly disable for gaming

[peachandbetty]

Hello,

I have a HP Envy x360 15-ar052sa Convertible PC. 

The F1-F12 keys all have special functions, for example, F2 lowers the brightness. 

I don't have to use the fn key for this.

This is useful and I don't want to permenently disable these keys.

However, when I'm gaming, I need the F keys to function as F1 F2 etc. For example, F1-F5 in one game is a vital element of the controls. By the time I've pressed the Fn key to enable F1, it's too late and I've lost the game.

Is there a quick way of "disabling" the special functions on F1-F12? I think it can be done through BIOS (though I haven't tried yet) but I'd rather not have to do that and then reverse it each time I want to play a game.

Is there a shortcut on the keyboard or in control panel or something to quickly disable the functions on these keys?

Peach

[Riddle_Decipher]

@peachandbetty

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 

I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

As I understand you need information on disabling the function (fn) keys during games,

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

Did you check the options to disable it on BIOS?

While you respond to that, here's what you need to do:

To disable, or enable, the function key (fn) in the BIOS, do the following steps.

1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

2. Turn on the computer and immediately press the f10 key repeatedly, about once every second to open the BIOS setup window.

3. Press the right-arrow or left-arrow keys to navigate to the System Configuration option.

   Figure : BIOS setup window

   

4. Press 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.

5. Select the desired mode:

   • Disabled: Requires pressing and holding the function key (fn) while pressing one of the f1 through f12 keys to use the action indicated on the action key.

     For example, on some computer models, if the Action Keys Mode is Disabled, pressing the f11 key will minimize and maximize a web browser if open. Alternatively, pressing and holding the fn + f11 keys will mute the sound.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE STEPS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

(By the end of this article all the issues should be resolved)

Keep me posted,

If the information I've provided was helpful, 

give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[peachandbetty]

Hi there,

Thank you for responding. 

I did try doing it through BIOS and that worked fine. It's just a very long-winded way to swicth it on and off, esepcially having to shut everything down each time.

I wondered if there was a shortcut? I think my last laptop had an fn lock key.

Peach

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@peachandbetty

Thank you for responding,

It's great to have you back 😉

I'm afraid there are no other options of doing this,

but the one done via BIOS as instructed on the link I had shared earlier.

I hope that answers your query.

If you would like to thank me for my efforts to help you, 

 feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" button.

Have a great day!