4 Ways to Fix Keyboard Function Keys Not Working in Windows 10/11

Every computer has a set of keys that provide quick access to certain actions. Such keys are known as function keys. They are usually labeled as F1-F12 on all computers. For the most part, the operation of these keys is simple. However, they can run into problems from time to time. Read on to understand ways to fix function keys not working in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

First, verify that your keyboard is working properly. Try pressing other keys and observe if the keyboard responds. Also, make sure the cables are well connected. Check that all other external peripherals are in good condition. If all is well and the function keys are still not working, try these fixes.

1. Uninstall, Reinstall and Update Keyboard Drivers

A corrupted driver or missed update can affect the responsiveness of the functions key. Update drivers to upgrade to the latest versions. Here’s how you can do that.

Stage 1: Press Windows + X keys and select Device manager.

Step 2: Find the Keyboards option and expand the list.

Stage 3: Right click on the correct keyboard option and select Update driver.

Step 4: Select Search automatically for updated drivers.

Wait for Windows to search and install the latest drivers, then restart your computer.

If you are using Windows 11, here is how you can update the drivers.

Stage 1: Press Windows + I to open settings.

Step 2: On the Settings screen, click on Windows Update in the left pane. Go to the right pane and click on Advanced options.

Stage 3: Tap on Optional updates.

Step 4: Click on Driver updates and select the drivers you want to update.

Step 5: Complete the process by pressing Download and Install.

If the function keys are still unresponsive after the update, try uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers. Go to the extended keyboard list and select Uninstall device to do so. Restart your computer and this should reinstall drivers with newer versions.

2. Confirm Hotkeys Do Not Disable Function Keys

A typical keyboard has two sets of actions on the function keys. For example, the F8 key can have a secondary music playback. To execute both commands, most keyboards have a modifier key labeled Fn.

The Fn key acts as a shortcut and allows you to quickly perform various operations. However, sometimes the Fn key can prevent the use of certain ‘F’ keys. You can lock the Fn key to make sure it doesn’t limit the use of the function keys. This will fix the issue of holding down the Fn key while switching between actions.

Locate the Fn key and the Fn lock key on your keyboard. Press the keys at the same time, this should lock the shortcut feature.

Please note that there is a padlock symbol above the Fn lock key. It is usually found on the ESC key and can also be found on other keys on the PC.

Note: Some laptops do not have the Fn key. Also, some of the owners may have the lock feature in different locations. Read the manufacturer’s manual to confirm the correct location.

3. Enable Function Key Via BIOS Settings

An update or a bug in the BIOS settings may affect the operation of the function keys. To fix disabled keys, visit BIOS settings and enable functions. Here’s how you can do that.

Stage 1: Restart your computer and be very quick when pressing the ESC key at the first boot of the screen.

Step 2: Select the BIOS setup option.

Stage 3: In the top bar, click on Advanced.

Step 4: Find the function key behavior option and click on it. Select the Function key as the main option.

Save the changes and restart your computer. Confirm if the function keys are now working correctly.

4. Enable Human Interface Device Services

Another reason why the keyboard function has stopped is that the HID services have stopped. In such a case, you can visit the controls of the service and activate the features.

Stage 1: Right-click the Windows start menu and double-click Computer management.

Step 2: In the left pane, expand Services and application and double-click Services.

Stage 3: Go to the right pane and find Human Interface Device services.

Step 4: Right click on it and select Properties.

Step 5: Go to the service status and confirm that it is set in the Started option. If not, tap Start.

Step 6: Go back, find the Startup type and set it to Automatic.

Step 7: Click Apply and then OK to apply the changes.

Restart your computer and confirm if the function keys are now working correctly.

Fixing Functionality of Function Keys

The above solutions should help fix function keys not working in Windows 10 and 11. But if none of them help, try a clean install of Windows. A clean install will delete the data on the hard drive thus giving your system a fresh start. The benefit is that you can fix problems with problematic programs or files transferred. Note that a clean install deletes all saved files. Therefore, it is recommended that you back up the files before you start.