How can I reconfigure the Function Keys / change what the Function Keys do on Windows 8.1?

APRIL 2017 - Windows 10

Since windows 8 etc. is so similar to Windows 10, you should be able to figure out how to solve your particular issue.  This thread was the first to come up in a Google search, so I answered here.

Lenovo has an app installed in my Ideapad 310 called ***LENOVO SETTINGS.***Search for "function keys" and a window opens that allows you to switch between "Hot Keys" and standard F1-F12 keys.

Your Lenovo computers should have similar settings - you're smart cookies and will figure out how to find your info!

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For T450 (or for thinkpad series) you just need to press "Fn + Esc" to change the function of your Fn key

I am here because I am looking for answers too.

for Ideapad you need to go to BIOS at startup.

then change the hotkey switch to legacy switch (or disable the hotkey)

Function keys on today's computers have twin uses--Multimedia and standard. You can switch between them by using the computer's utility. Most have Multimedia as the default and the standard requires the FN key. Ask Lenova how to change that or look up your manual online.

Hi everyone!

So to get this question started, my computer is a Lenovo Ideapad U310 running the Windows 8.1 OS. I have tried looking around Microsoft's Support Website, Lenovo's Support Website, and also on here (this Microsoft Community website) for answers related to this topic.  I'm aware that most companies that make computers like Lenovo have their own "special" way of changing these Function Keys, but so far I had no luck at finding anything on Lenovo's Support site. I'll contact them soon if I need to. As for right now, I'm going to see if I can get some help on this topic on here before I look for answers at some other website.

My computer has Function Keys, like any other computer. Each Function Key on my computer changes a setting on Windows instead of triggering the "native" Function Key settings. (I apologize if my English is a bit weird; I'll revise this the best I can if what I'm typing up sounds confusing.)

For example, F1 mutes the volume, F2 decreases the volume by -2, F3 increases the volume by +3, F5 does an unusual kind of Refresh, F7 toggles Airplane mode, etc. I have yet to learn the rest of the Functions set on the Function Keys. :P

(This square [] represents some number.)

And then, there's this way of using the "native" Function Keys: I'd have to press Fn+F2 or . . . Fn+F[] or something in order to actually press the Function Key in a way where it doesn't toggle any setting and it just does whatever that "native" Function Key is supposed to do. Do you understand what I'm trying to get at?

So instead of having to press Fn+F2 to actually use F2, I want to be able to press F2 to use F2. If I want to change a setting on Windows (like if I were to press F2 RIGHT now, it would decrease the volume by -2 and not ACTUALLY press the native F2 Function Key), I want to be able to press Fn+F2 and THEN decrease the volume by -2 THAT way and press Fn+F[] for all other Function Keys in order to change a setting on Windows with the Function Key.

Heh, hopefully I explained this in a way that's not confusing for you guys!

But continuing on, this problem leads to my question: Is there a way for me to reconfigure or change what the Function Keys do? Is there some kind of category in Control Panel or PC Settings that I can go to on Windows 8.1 that will let me change what the Function Keys do, whether the Fn Key is pressed WITH the F[] Key or not?

I'll be looking forward to hearing something soon :)

Thank you for your patience reading this and helping me out!

Hi EJ Yu

Unfortunately Lenovo suggest Windows 8.1 in fisrt page and said that U310 is compatible with Windows 8.1but it doesn't support it! :-(

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/ht079684

With best wishes

Hi EJ Yu,

The special “Fn” keys are manufacturer specific and assigned by them for that model of laptop. It would better to contact Lenovo for instructions on how to change the default keys.

You may also try installing Hotkey Features Integration for Windows 8.1 and check if it helps.

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS031814

Hope this information helps. If you have any concerns, please let us know.