Function Lock key

Question

I have a new Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. It does not have a function lock key. I use auto text frequently. My auto text will not work if the Function Lock key is not activated. Where is the key???

Answer 1

On the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard, there is no separate Fn or F Lock key. The instructions about pressing Fn to lock the function keys mainly apply to Surface keyboards or Type Covers, where the Fn key has a light and can toggle function mode. I would suggest installing/opening Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/surface/accessories/mouse-keyboard-center/microsoft-mouse-and-keyboard-center-download

Could you please let me know the key combination that you are trying to use with Autotext? Is ALT+F3?

Answer 2

On Microsoft ergonomic and Surface-style keyboards, the top row keys act as special/media keys by default and become standard function keys (F1–F12) when the Fn mode is enabled or locked. Many newer Microsoft keyboards do not have a separate “F Lock” key; instead, they use the Fn key itself to toggle function mode.

Use one of these behaviors, depending on the exact model:

1. If it behaves like a Surface Keyboard / Surface Type Cover
   • The top row shows icons (volume, brightness, etc.) and also small F1–F12 labels.
   • Press Fn once to lock function mode. A light appears on the Fn key when function mode is locked.
   • Press Fn again to unlock and return to the special/media functions.
   When the Fn light is on, the keys send F1–F12 directly, which is what AutoText and other function-key shortcuts typically require.
2. If it behaves like older Microsoft keyboards with F Lock
   • Some models have an F Lock key that toggles between standard F1–F12 and alternate commands (Help, Undo, Redo, etc.).
   • When F Lock light is On, standard F1–F12 work.
   • When F Lock light is Off, the alternate commands (Help, Undo, Redo, etc.) work instead.

On your ergonomic keyboard, the “Function Lock” is therefore handled by the Fn key mode, not by a separate F Lock key. To make AutoText shortcuts that rely on F-keys work directly, enable/lock the function keys using the Fn key as described above.

If the keyboard supports Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center, many alternate commands on the function row can also be reassigned there.

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References:

• How do I use the Fn key/F Lock key/Alternate command keys?
• Use the special keys on Surface Keyboard
• Special keys and function keys for Surface Keyboards or Type Covers