If your laptop keeps switching the behavior of the F1 to F12 keys every time you restart Windows, you may be looking for a way to enable Fn Lock on startup. For example, you may want the F1, F2, and F3 keys to work as standard function keys without having to press the Fn key every time.
The important thing to understand is that Fn Lock is usually controlled by your laptop’s keyboard firmware or BIOS/UEFI settings, rather than by a regular Windows setting. That means the exact option can vary depending on whether you use an HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, or another laptop.
In many cases, you can turn Fn Lock on with a keyboard shortcut such as Fn + Esc. On some laptops, you can make the preferred behavior persist by changing an option in BIOS/UEFI.
The steps below explain how to check both approaches in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Enable Fn Lock on startup in Windows 11/10
To enable Fn Lock,
- Press Fn + Esc on supported keyboards and check whether the Fn Lock indicator changes.
- To make the function-key behavior persistent, restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings using the appropriate startup key.
- To change the default behavior, look for settings such as Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode, Function Key Behavior, or Special Function Mode.
- To save the setting, choose Save Changes and Exit, then allow Windows to start normally.
- If your laptop does not provide an Fn Lock BIOS setting, use the manufacturer’s supported Fn Lock keyboard shortcut or keyboard utility.
Step 1: Check Whether Your Keyboard Supports Fn Lock
Before changing BIOS settings, check whether your laptop already has an Fn Lock shortcut. Fn Lock allows you to switch between special actions, such as volume and brightness controls, and standard F1 through F12 function keys.
Look closely at the Esc key and the top row of your keyboard. If the Esc key has a small lock symbol or an Fn Lock symbol, your laptop may support Fn + Esc.
Press Fn + Esc once and test one of the function keys. For example, press F5 or F6 without holding Fn. If the key now performs its standard function instead of controlling a hardware feature, Fn Lock has been enabled.
Pressing the same shortcut again may return the keyboard to its previous behavior. This is one of the quickest ways to enable Fn Lock without changing Windows settings.
Step 2: Restart Your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC
If Fn + Esc does not provide the behavior you want at startup, the next thing to check is your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Save your work first, because you will need to restart the computer. In Windows 11, you can go to Start > Power > Restart. In Windows 10, go to Start > Power > Restart as well.
As the computer begins restarting, you will need to enter the firmware setup before Windows loads. The required key depends on the manufacturer. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc.
Because the exact key varies by computer, watch the first screen that appears after restarting. Your laptop may display a message such as Press F2 for Setup or Press F10 for BIOS Setup.
Step 3: Enter BIOS or UEFI Settings
When you identify the correct startup key, restart the computer again and repeatedly press that key as soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears.
If Windows starts normally, you probably missed the timing. Restart the computer and try again.
On some Windows 11 systems, you can also reach the firmware settings through Windows. Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. After the recovery screen appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart, if that option is available.
Windows 10 generally provides a similar route through Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, followed by Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Keep in mind that the exact menus can differ between computers.
Step 4: Find the Function Key or Action Key Setting
Once you enter BIOS/UEFI, look through the available menus for a setting related to the keyboard or function keys.
The name is not standardized. Depending on your laptop, you might see Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode, Function Key Behavior, Function Keys, or Special Function Mode.
This setting determines what happens when you press keys such as F1 through F12 without holding the Fn key.
For example, one configuration may make F1 through F12 perform their traditional function-key commands. Another configuration may make the same keys control volume, brightness, media playback, wireless connectivity, or other hardware features.
Read the description shown next to the setting carefully. BIOS interfaces vary considerably, so do not change unrelated options while searching for the keyboard setting.
Step 5: Change the Function Key Behavior
After locating the relevant option, change it to the behavior you prefer.
On some laptops, selecting an option associated with Function Keys makes F1 through F12 behave as standard function keys by default. On other laptops, enabling Action Keys Mode may make the special hardware functions work without pressing Fn.
This distinction is important because manufacturers do not use the same terminology.
If your goal is to use F1 to F12 as standard function keys, choose the setting that makes those keys operate normally without requiring Fn. If your goal is to use brightness, volume, and other special controls without Fn, choose the corresponding action-key or hotkey setting.
Step 6: Save the BIOS Setting
After changing the appropriate option, save your changes before leaving BIOS/UEFI.
Look for an option such as Save Changes and Exit. Some systems also use a keyboard shortcut, such as F10, to save and exit.
Confirm the change if the computer asks whether you want to save the settings.
Your laptop should then restart and load Windows normally. Once you reach the Windows desktop, test several keys from the top row.
If the selected behavior remains after restarting the computer, the firmware setting is controlling the default function-key behavior successfully.
Step 7: Test Fn Lock After Windows Starts
After Windows 11 or Windows 10 loads, open an application where you can test the function keys.
Press an F key without holding Fn. Check whether it performs the standard function you selected or activates the special hardware feature.
Then try Fn + the same F key. Depending on your laptop’s design, this combination may provide the alternate behavior.
If the behavior stays consistent after another restart, your laptop is likely applying the keyboard preference during startup.
If it changes every time you restart, the laptop may use a keyboard shortcut rather than a persistent BIOS setting.
Step 8: Check Your Laptop Manufacturer’s Keyboard Controls
If you cannot find an Fn Lock option in BIOS/UEFI, check the keyboard design and software provided for your specific laptop model.
Manufacturers can implement Fn Lock differently. Some laptops use Fn + Esc, while others use a different key combination. Some provide a BIOS setting, while others rely primarily on keyboard firmware or manufacturer software.
You should identify your exact laptop model before changing advanced settings. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > About. In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > System > About.
Look for the device model or system information. This helps you determine which keyboard behavior applies to your particular machine.
Step 9: Use Windows Settings When Available
Windows itself does not provide one universal Fn Lock on startup switch that works across every laptop.
That is why searching through Start > Settings > System may not reveal an Fn Lock option. The function-key behavior is generally determined by the computer’s keyboard hardware, firmware, BIOS/UEFI configuration, or manufacturer software.
If your laptop manufacturer provides a keyboard-management application with a function-key option, you can use that application according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQs
Can I enable Fn Lock directly from Windows 11?
It depends on the laptop. Windows 11 does not have a universal Fn Lock switch. If your keyboard supports a shortcut such as Fn + Esc, you can use that. Otherwise, check the laptop’s BIOS/UEFI settings for a function-key or action-key option.
Does Fn Lock work on Windows 10?
Yes. Fn Lock can work with Windows 10, but its availability and behavior depend on the laptop keyboard. The same general approach applies: check the keyboard shortcut first, then check BIOS/UEFI if necessary.
Why does Fn Lock turn off after restarting?
Your laptop may not support a persistent Fn Lock state through the keyboard shortcut. In that situation, check BIOS/UEFI for settings such as Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode, or Function Key Behavior.
Why doesn’t Fn + Esc enable Fn Lock?
Not every laptop uses Fn + Esc for Fn Lock. The keyboard may use another shortcut, or the laptop may not provide Fn Lock at all. Check the symbols printed on the keyboard and the documentation for your specific laptop model.
Can I use F1 to F12 without pressing Fn?
Yes, if your laptop allows you to configure the function-key behavior that way. Change the appropriate BIOS/UEFI keyboard setting, or use the supported Fn Lock shortcut.
Is Fn Lock the same as Num Lock?
No. Fn Lock controls the behavior of the keyboard’s function keys and special hardware controls. Num Lock controls the numeric keypad or number-related keyboard functions. They are separate features.
Will enabling Fn Lock change my Windows settings?
Usually, no. Fn Lock is primarily a keyboard or firmware behavior. Changing the relevant BIOS/UEFI option changes how the keyboard interprets certain keys, rather than changing your normal Windows configuration.
Bottom Lines
Enabling Fn Lock on startup in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is usually a matter of configuring the laptop’s keyboard behavior, rather than changing a standard Windows setting. Start by trying Fn + Esc if your keyboard supports it. If that does not provide a persistent setting, restart the computer and check BIOS/UEFI for options such as Action Keys Mode, Hotkey Mode, or Function Key Behavior.
The exact option depends on your laptop manufacturer and model. Once you select the desired function-key behavior and save the firmware settings, restart Windows and test the F1 through F12 keys.
If your laptop does not offer a persistent Fn Lock option, use its supported keyboard shortcut or manufacturer-specific keyboard controls.