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On my Dell Studio 15, the function keys, by default, do things like switch the radio on/off or change the brightness or sound. To use them as function keys I have to hold down the Fn modifier.

I use function keys as function keys a lot more often than I want to change the volume or brightness.

Am I missing an obvious setting somewhere in the control panel (Vista Uber Extreme Something)?

Hennes
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RickMeasham
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3 Answers3

7

There should be a BIOS setting to modify this behavior:

Advanced -> Function Key Behavior -> Function Key First

brian
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This setting can also be changed through the Windows Mobility Center, look for the "Function Key Row" setting.

saze
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This question is also answered here: https://superuser.com/a/1219207/59508

Often the ESC key will have a 'function lock' icon which looks like a padlock. Press the 'FN' select key and ESC and it switches the function keys to behave as function keys.

ChrisB
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