Problem with Function Keys

Question

I ran into a weird issue. My function keys are not working properly (not because of hardware issue)

For example Fn+F3 works to increase volume but Fn+F2 doesn't work to decrease volume
but I can rename files with Fn+F2 which is odd.
I tried to reinstall drivers, but that didn't help. I also tried to activate/deactivate hot keys in bios, but I don't have that option in my laptop.

Can anyone suggest a fix? I use Lenovo legion laptop

In summary
what works:
Fn + F1, F3, F9
What doesn't work
Fn+F2, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F10, F11PS: Function keys are good, for example Alt+F4 forks for closing a window, just pressing F5 refreshes.

Answer 1

Windows has no control over the actions associated to the function keys on your keyboard, that is always controlled by the PC manufacturer because the actions associated to the keys vary from PC to PC.

1

Press Fn + Esc on your keyboard to test if that toggles the Function Lock on your keyboard off.

2

If not, boot your system into BIOS.

Look for a setting in there to toggle between Function Keys and Media/Action Keys and apply that.

3

If that does not resolve the problem, I need some information about your system, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

Answer 2

The issue is almost certainly not with the physical F-keys (since F2/F4/F5 etc. work for rename, refresh, Alt+F4, etc.), but with how the Fn layer and special functions are handled on the keyboard/firmware side.

Based on the provided information, use these checks and workarounds:

1. Test with an external keyboard
   • Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard that has standard function keys.
   • Check whether the volume down and other special functions work when pressing the equivalent keys (for example, the dedicated volume keys or Fn+Fx on that keyboard).
   • If the external keyboard works correctly, the problem is likely specific to the built‑in keyboard’s Fn/special-key handling (firmware or hardware on the laptop), not Windows itself.
2. Check for debris or intermittent key issues
   • Intermittent or partial behavior (some Fn+Fx combos working, others not) can be caused by debris or mechanical issues under specific keys.
   • Use compressed air to blow under the affected keys and gently clean the keyboard surface with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
   • Retest the problematic Fn+Fx combinations.
3. Boot into Safe Mode and test
   • Boot Windows into Safe Mode.
   • In Safe Mode, test the same Fn+Fx combinations.
   • If the keys work in Safe Mode, a third‑party utility or driver in normal mode is likely interfering with the Fn/special-key handling (for example, OEM hotkey utilities or remapping tools). In that case, disable or uninstall such utilities one by one and retest.
4. Update OEM/Lenovo system software
   • For issues that persist across reboots and driver reinstalls, updating the laptop’s OEM system software (Lenovo system utilities, firmware/BIOS, and keyboard/hotkey packages) is often required.
   • Install the latest Lenovo system software and hotkey/keyboard support packages for the Legion model, then restart and test the Fn+Fx combinations again.

If, after these steps, the external keyboard works fine but the built‑in keyboard still shows the same pattern (Fn+F1/F3/F9 work, others do not), the remaining cause is likely a firmware or hardware fault in the laptop’s keyboard/embedded controller, which would require Lenovo service.

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References:

• keypad issue - Microsoft Q&A Some keys in the keyboard are not working.
• how to update display drivers - Microsoft Q&A