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FN Key is switched?

Anonymous
2014-01-31T15:18:30+00:00

After I updated my laptop to Windows 8.1, everything was working fine until I tried to turn off my sound. My F11 key is my mute key, and that is the primary function of that key. Normally,  if I wanted to use the F11 function, I would hold down the "FN" key and tap the F11 key, and likewise for my other function keys above the numbers. However, now, instead of turning up the brightness on my screen, I get the F3 function without holding down the FN key. If I want to mute the sound, I have to hold down FN and hit the F11 key. 

My point is that the functions of thekey switched, making it a whole lot more inconvenient for me. I hardly ever use my FN keys, but I use the brightness keys, the sound keys, and the rest of those keys very frequently. How do I change it back? I do not like the switch at all. Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-12-03T02:32:18+00:00

    With my dell computer, the escape key has the ability to lock it into the fn function. It's an fn function to lock the fn key.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-09T15:43:56+00:00

    Function keys can be set in 2 ways--multimedia or regular--one way for using the Fn + F# key (F1-12) and one without the FN key. The default (without the FN key) is usually multimedia. Change it using the utility provided by the maker. On Dell computers it is changed in the Quickset utility also called Windows Mobility Center.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-09T15:07:33+00:00

    Hi Courtney,

    What is the make and model of the computer?

    Ensure that you have installed available Windows updates including optional updates.

    I would also suggest you to install chipset drivers by downloading from the computer manufacture’s website and check.

    Download and install drivers: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/all-drivers

    Windows Update: Frequently Asked Questions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/windows-update-faq

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-31T19:27:43+00:00

    [On 09 Feb-14, a moderator moved your thread from the Windows Update forum to the Win8.1 Hardware forum.]

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-12-09T19:24:44+00:00

    I have the same issue as the first person stated. I have a surface pro 3 with Win 8.1. I have installed all updates. the FN key is engaged so the default is the Fkey functionality rather than the page up, page down, mute, etc functionality labeled on the keyboard. I would prefer the default to be the FN key is "off" so that I can easily page up and down. any suggestions?

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