Disable Airplane Mode?

[MrComputerMan]

I sometimes hit the f12 airplane mode key inadvertently. My Microsoft Bluetooth mouse is immediately disconnected. Just turning it airplane mode off again doesn't restore the mouse. So far I have done a "restart" to get the mouse back. I would actually like to render the f12 key inop, since this laptop is not likely to ever go on an airplane.  Is there a way to accomplish this? Thanks.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@MrComputerMan Welcome to HP Forums Community!

This can often be toggled with an “Fn Lock” key, which functions like a Caps Lock key.

Toggle the Fn Lock on and the keys will function as if you’re holding down the Fn key all the time, just as the Caps Lock key makes your letter keys function as if you’re holding down the Shift key all the time.

Depending on your keyboard, you may actually have a dedicated “Fn Lock” key. If you don’t, you may have to press the Fn key and then press an “Fn Lock” key to activate it.
For example, on the keyboard below, the Fn Lock key appears as a secondary action on the Shift key. To enable it, we’d hold Fn and press the Shift key.
To disable it, we’d hold Fn and press Shift again. It functions as a toggle just like Caps Lock does.

If the above doesn't help, please try the below steps to make changes to the Fn key to change F12 function, as that's the only way to change F12 function: Click here for details

Let me know how that pans out,

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That said, I will have someone follow-up on this to ensure you've been helped,

Just in case you don't get back to us within 24 - 48hrs, and have a good day, ahead.

[MrComputerMan]

Ok, apparently I can't just disable the Airplane Mode. BIOS allows disabling of Action Keys Mode, which affects action key functions that I like to use. Single keypress I use to enable/disable sound, screen brightness,  or keyboard backlight, would then need fn key plus the action key. I was hoping to disable just the Airplane mode. Or is that in violation of some Federal regulation now? 🤔

[Riddle_Decipher]

@MrComputerMan If you mean the airplane mode needs to be disabled permanently, there's no federal law as such, however, apart from registry tweaks we don't recommend but can be found on google, you can manually turn it on/of using the standard notification area as mentioned below (instead of using the F12)

1. Click/tap on the "Network" icon in the taskbar notification area.

2. Click/tap on the "Airplane mode" button to toggle on or off.

Or

1. Open Settings, and click/tap on the "Network & Internet" icon.

2. Click/tap on "Airplane mode" on the left side, and turn on or off "Airplane mode" on the right side.

3. When finished, you can close Settings.

The best suggestion to avoid tapping F12 and making the changes accidentally is to simply change "Fn" function and toggle it each time you wish to use the appropriate function, includes the brightness and volume control too.

I hope that answers your query,  

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Have a great day ahead.