Changing Fn Key operation. No BIOS option.

[NativeTexan210]

Ok, so I've searched the forum and found several folks asking how to change the Fn Key operation so that it isn't necessary to press Fn to use the Fn Keys.

For instance, I use software that I need to use many different Fn Keys. Instead of just pressing Shift+F4 like I used to, I now have to press Shift+Fn+F4. This is severely hampering my ability to do my job with speed.

The problem is that there is no BIOS option to change this like others have suggested. Someone PLEASE tell me there is some way to disable this incredibly stupid feature. I'd be fine with having to press Fn to use the hotkey features (search, volume, etc...) so swapping the functionality will be fine. Botton line, I want my keyboard to refresh when I press F5 by itself, not mute my volume.

Again, I cannot change this in BIOS. There must be some other way.

[SDF15]

Hello @NativeTexan210,

Welcome back to the HP Support Forums!

I read your post about the Fn Key function, and wanted to assist you!

The only way I know of changing this feature, is explained in the following document:

HP Notebook PCs - Disable The Fn + Function Key Combination on Certain Models

If you are not able to change this feature in the BIOS, then you may consider using an program to map your keyboard.  You can use this additional resource to help you, if needed:

Map Any Key to Any Key on Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista 

(Not an HP supported Web site).

Please post back with the results.

Please let me know if this information helps you resolve the issue by marking this post as  "Accept as Solution" , this will help others easily find the information they may be looking for.  Also, clicking the Thumbs up below is a great way to say thanks!

Have a great day!

[NativeTexan210]

It doesn't look like that's a viable solution. According to the SharpKeys website, I cannot do a multiple keypress. It used CTRL + C mapped to F5 as an example. This leads me to believe I can not map Fn + F4 to F4.

Do you know if this assumption is incorrect?

[SDF15]

Hello @NativeTexan210,

Thank you for the quick reply!

I can not speak for the site, as it is not supported by HP.  However, based on the information on the site, you should be able to map any key combination.  I hope this helps.

Regards!

[NativeTexan210]

Nope. Didn't work. I can press Fn+FX and it will recognize it as a FX key but when I press the FX key by itself (which would be an action key) it doesn't recognize the keystroke.

Is this action key thing an OS feature or is it an HP feature? Because I can say with some certianty that it is incredibly annoying that I cannot disable the action keys.

[NativeTexan210]

Do not close this yet. I'm looking at a different solution that I may be able to post here for others. Right now I'm using a logitech keyboard with my Envy x2 15". On my factory keyboard, pressing F5 by itself lit up my keyboard backlight. This keyboard, pressing F5 by itself opens up the windows search feature.

What this is leading me to believe is that the mapped action keys may be hardware specific tied to the keyboard itself. In the next few weeks I intend to buy a keyboard that does NOT have any mapped actions OR one that requires you to press Fn+FX to use an action (such as MUTE). If this works then everyone who can't disable action keys will know that they can at least go get a different keyboard if it's that big an issue.

So leave this thread open. I'll update it when I've chosen a new keyboard. Hopefully this solves my issue.

[NativeTexan210 · Accepted solution]

I've figured out the problem. Presumably this would work even for people who are currently going into the BIOS to turn off the action keys. This isn't necessary and thankfully, this solution works for people who can't turn off the action keys, for whatever stupid reason.

The issue is 100% a hardware issue, specifically a keyboard issue.

Many keyboards have two symbols on the Fkeys. You'll see F1 and whatever symbol is used to represent the action it'll do. Most keyboards will do one action over the other, with the other action requiring the pressing of the Fn Key. Sometimes the Fn Key will be colored and the secondary action of the Fkey will likewise be colored (either the F or the Symbol).

So this is the trick. If you want to use the Fkeys regularly, choose a keyboard that does NOT have action symbols on them OR one that has colored action symbols. If there is no coloring, whatever symbol is first is the primary function. If the Fkey (F1...F12) is first, that's the primary function. If it's a symbole first, that is the primary function.

So if people need to use the Fkeys, get a keyboard that has the Fkeys first or simply without the action symbols.