The function keys are those keys that are positioned on the top row of a standard Windows keyboard. These keys provide a variety of computer short cuts for common computer functions that can be useful tools for daily computer use. The function keys are frequently used in combination with other keys such as the CTRL key, ALT key, and the Shift key to provide different functionality. These keys are also useful in other application programs with each function key having different fuctions depending on the application you use. Here is a list of the different uses of the function keys in a Windows computer.
F1 Key
Pressing F1 Key will bring up the help menu. If you press F1 while at the Windows desktop or when the Windows Explorer is open, a Windows help screen will open. If you press F1 while working in a program, help for that program will usually appear. If you are working in a program and would like to see the Windows help screen, press the Windows key and F1 at the same time.
F2 Key
You can use the F2 key to rename an item, either icon or file when working in Windows. Highlight any folder or file and press F2 and now you will be able to type a new name for that object. After you type the new name, just click outside the name box or press the enter key to make the change. It is similar to right-clicking a file or folder and selecting Rename.
F3 Key
The F3 key will open the Find Files window or Find box in a web browser. It is a search function key.
F4 Key
You can press F4 to open the Address bar on a web browser, which allows you to type the address of a Web page for quick access. You can also press the Alt key and the F4 key at the same time to close an open Window that you are currently working on.
F5 Key
The F5 key is the refresh key. You can press F5 to refresh and update the web page you are browsing or to refresh your desktop or Windows.
F6 Key
The F6 key is often used to move the cursor around the structure of the program. By pressing the F6 key it will cycle you through different components of the window. In a web browser, pressing F6 cycles the cursor between the address bar and the body.
F7 Key
The F7 key does not have any functionality in Windows.It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
F8 Key
The F8 key can be used to access Safe Mode when pressed during the computer’s boot up process. This is a trouble-shooting mode which will start the computer with minimal drivers.
F9 Key
The F9 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
F10 Key
F10 is used to activate the menu bar in many programs. You can use F10 to highlight the first menu choice, and then use the arrow keys to move around the menus. Pressing the Shift key while pressing F10 will bring up the shortcut menu, which is similar to right-clicking an object.
F11 Key
Pressing F11 will open the Window into full screen mode. This will make all the toolbars disappear and helps to visualize more screen information. Pressing F11 once more will toggle the full screen mode back to the normal mode.
F12 KeyThe F12 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
So hope you enjoy what the uses of function keys are in a keyboard!
Pressing F1 Key will bring up the help menu. If you press F1 while at the Windows desktop or when the Windows Explorer is open, a Windows help screen will open. If you press F1 while working in a program, help for that program will usually appear. If you are working in a program and would like to see the Windows help screen, press the Windows key and F1 at the same time.
F2 Key
You can use the F2 key to rename an item, either icon or file when working in Windows. Highlight any folder or file and press F2 and now you will be able to type a new name for that object. After you type the new name, just click outside the name box or press the enter key to make the change. It is similar to right-clicking a file or folder and selecting Rename.
F3 Key
The F3 key will open the Find Files window or Find box in a web browser. It is a search function key.
F4 Key
You can press F4 to open the Address bar on a web browser, which allows you to type the address of a Web page for quick access. You can also press the Alt key and the F4 key at the same time to close an open Window that you are currently working on.
F5 Key
The F5 key is the refresh key. You can press F5 to refresh and update the web page you are browsing or to refresh your desktop or Windows.
F6 Key
The F6 key is often used to move the cursor around the structure of the program. By pressing the F6 key it will cycle you through different components of the window. In a web browser, pressing F6 cycles the cursor between the address bar and the body.
F7 Key
The F7 key does not have any functionality in Windows.It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
F8 Key
The F8 key can be used to access Safe Mode when pressed during the computer’s boot up process. This is a trouble-shooting mode which will start the computer with minimal drivers.
F9 Key
The F9 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
F10 Key
F10 is used to activate the menu bar in many programs. You can use F10 to highlight the first menu choice, and then use the arrow keys to move around the menus. Pressing the Shift key while pressing F10 will bring up the shortcut menu, which is similar to right-clicking an object.
F11 Key
Pressing F11 will open the Window into full screen mode. This will make all the toolbars disappear and helps to visualize more screen information. Pressing F11 once more will toggle the full screen mode back to the normal mode.
F12 KeyThe F12 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some programs for certain functions, which can be found out by bringing up the program’s help.
So hope you enjoy what the uses of function keys are in a keyboard!
