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How to use function keys without the fn key?

I have purchased an external keyboard since the keyboard on my laptop has failed. I don't have the fn key on my external keyboard. So how can I use the function keys. I tried pressing them but no functions come. For example F2 is to lower the brightness but when I press F2 on external keyboard nothing happens. Also I have enabled the Action Keys in the BIOS menu of my HP laptop. So please help.

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Hello,

Fn key feature is not a Windows feature, it is a local keyboard feature, so it varies from keyboard to keyboard.

I do want to stress that, if your HP laptop keyboard has brightness feature by using F2, it doesn't mean the external keyboard also uses F2 to adjust brightness. These are keyboard specific. For example, I am using a Dell, and I can use F11 and F12 on my laptop built in keyboard to adjust brightness, but I also use a wireless Logitech keyboard, and on my Logitech keyboard, I don't have this feature at all. Instead, F11 and F12 is for pausing media and forward to next for media control.

On your external keyboard, does your F2 key specifically have the brightness feature icon? Does the keyboard come with a user guide? Some keyboard might have an alternative key to serve as Fn, but you need to refer to the user guide, some keyboard just straight up doesn't provide this secondary feature.
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Last updated February 14, 2025 Views 87 Applies to: