How to Use Function Keys on Keyboard? (F1 to F12)

How to Use Function Keys on Keyboard?

We use the keyboard a lot while operating the PC. The keyboard is also one of the essential hardware components of the computer because it is impossible to operate a PC without a keyboard most of the time.

Most computer users know that the keyboard contains Alphabets, numbers, characters, and other modifier keys. But have you ever wondered What is the use of F1 to F12 keys located at the top of the keyboard?

Today you will learn How to Use Function Keys on Keyboard to maximize your productivity.

What are F1 to F12 Keys called?

The keys denoted by F1, F2, F3,…., etc.,(F1 to F12) are called Function Keys. They are used to perform various functions on your PC. Let us discuss How to Use Function Keys F1 to F12 one by one. 

How to Use Function Keys on Keyboard:

F1:

• The use of the F1 key is to HELP. By tapping the F1 key while using ANY program will open the Help window of that application. For Example, if you hit the F1 key while reading this article on Chrome, it will open up the Chrome help page. 
• Works the same way on other applications like Firefox, Microsoft Word, etc. Note that some applications do not have a specific Help Window, and its Help page will open up in your default browser instead.

You can read this article if you want to Change the Default Apps in Windows.

• If you use the Windows Key + F1 combination, it will open up the Windows Help and Support Centre, in your default web browser.

• Function 1 Key is also used to Enter BOIS Setting when the system is booting.

Also, read What is BIOS in Computer.

F2:

• Many users might be unaware of the F2 key function, but I use it every day. The F2 key allows you to rename the selected file or folder in Windows Explorer. Instead of using the right-click context menu, I believe using the F2 key makes my work much faster.
• Even in Microsoft Excel, you need to double click on a cell to edit its value. But you can simply tap the F2 key to do so.
• Using the combination of CTRL + F2 lets you see the print preview in Microsoft documents. We have already discussed this in the All Keyboard Shortcuts using CTRL key article.

F3:

• The Function Key F3 acts differently in different programs.
• In MS Excel, F3 can be used to open up the Paste window.
• Besides that, it can be used to access the Search bar in any folder.
• Moreover, in Microsoft, you can use the combination of Shift + F3 to change the Case of selected words. For Example, you can change the case of all tech queries (smaller case) into ALL TECH QUERIES (capital case) or All Tech Queries (sentence case).
• In Notepad, tapping F3 will open up the Find option.
• F3 had even more functions in Windows 7 OS and previous versions.

F4:

• Using F4 while a folder is open will bring up the address of the folder.
• CTRL + F4 will close opened application and window.

F5:

• F5 is mostly used by Internet users to refresh the page. The feature works on almost all web browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, etc.
• It also works in Windows Explorer. Instead of using the Refresh option in the right-click context menu, you can just hold the F5 button to refresh Windows several times.
• In MS-Excel and MS Word, it opens up the Go To window.
• However, professionals use F5 mostly in MS PowerPoint to start the slideshow. You can use Shift + F5 to start the slideshow from the current slide/page.
• Furthermore, the F5 function key can be used to load the default settings in MS-DOS.

F6:

• In MS Word, by pressing the Function Key F6, you can use the cursor to access the features in the status bar.
• Moreover, you can use the combination CTRL + SHIFT + F6 to open other Word Documents.

F7:

• In MS Word, F7 can be used to activate Spell Check and Grammar Check features.
• Tapping F7 in web browsers like Chrome and Firefox will open up Caret Browsing.
• Moreover, in MS-DOS, it shows up the history of all the previously used commands.

F8:

• Among all the Function Keys from F1 to F12, F8 is the most important key. It is mostly used while OS booting to access Safe Mode and other features.
• By using F8 in Word will let you select several lines without holding your mouse button. You can get out of the feature by using the ESC key.

F9:

• While F5 is used to refresh web pages and Windows Explorer, F9 can be used to refresh MS word documents.
• Besides that, you can use it to send emails in Outlook.

F10:

• In most applications like MS Word, Excel, etc., pressing the F10 key will activate the Menu Bar. You can then use the cursors and Enter button to access the menus and tools in the Ribbon as well.
• One of the important features of the F10 Function Key is that you can enter the BIOS setup during the system is booting.
• Another important feature of F10 is that you can use the combination of SHIFT + F10 to open the right-click menu. It is very useful when your Mic is not working.

There is another method to operate your PC when the mouse is not working. Check this article on How to Control Mouse with Keyboard.

F11:

• The main function of the F11 Key is to Enter and Exit Full-Screen Mode in most web browsers.
• F11 is also functioned to activate the recovery process in many modern laptops.

F12:

• F12 Function Key can be used to open the Save As window in MS PowerPoint, Excel, and Word Documents.
• If you want to save the Excel Sheet, PowerPoint Slide, or Word Document, you can use the Keys SHIFT + F12. It is the same function of CTRL + S, which we have mentioned in our previous article: Functions of CTRL-A to Z.
• In most web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, F12 will open up the Developer Tools.

Conclusion on What is the use of F1 to F12?

All Function Keys offer different functionalities. Some multimedia keyboards let you use the Function keys for various operations like play/pause music, next track, previous track, open search window, enter sleep mode, and more.

They are indicated with icons and you can use them by holding the Fn (also called Function Key) on the latest keyboards. Now that you have understood How to Use Function Keys on a Keyboard, you can now perform tasks much faster. Comment below which Function are you going to use more often.