I have this problem on my laptop: If my Fn key is pressed, the normal (PC-like) F1 - F12 keys will be triggered; when it isn't, then the special keys will be triggered (e.g. brightness control, sound volume).
Is there any way I can invert this, so that when I press the Fn key the special keys will be triggered and when I don't the F1 - F12 keys will?
On my Dell XPS 15, it seems to be as simple as me accidentally pressing the Fn Lock button behind the Escape key. If you have this problem, simply hit Fn+Esc and it should revert back to normal, without having to go into the BIOS
On my Dell laptop I pressed Fn + Esc and the problem is solved for me. If you closely notice, there is a small lock (Fn written on it) sign on the Esc. Apparently, you can change the default behavior of Fn key using Fn + Esc.
That's probably due to an extra option in the BIOS made by the manufacturer. When booting press F2 (usually) to get into the BIOS settings and there you can revert back to function keys instead of multimedia.
Have you tried to press the numbers lock key to change the fn keys functions?
It depends on the manufacturer, and sometimes even on the model. Some keyboards have a physical switch hidden somewhere, some keyboards support pressing fn+caps, others require changing a setting in the bios.
The last resort, which is far from ideal but works on all models, is the software approach using AutoHotKey.
I had the same problem using a Lenovo Ideapad.
Solution for me was to turn off laptop, press the NOVO key, (reset and systems start, small button next to the powercord) and start up in bios mode.
In functions change the fn/fx option from "hotkey" to "legacy"
Samsung laptops have Fn Lock key between F12 and PrtScr / Insert.
Though the result is slightly different - it does not revert function of Fn key, but works as if it was always on (unlike Caps Lock).
For HP, press the F10 key to open BIOS Setup when starting the computer, then navigate to find Action Keys Mode, and toggle the selection.
I had the same issue with a Logitech K290 Comfort Keyboard keyboard where for some reason it appeared that Logitech had decided for me that I would be better off with the keys switched.
Once I downloaded the setup software (SetPoint) I was able to untick "Swap F key functions" and it went back to normal behaviour (thankfully, as with software development the last thing you want is to keep choosing that you actually want the function key you pressed!).
All you have to do is to search for Windows Utility Center or Mobility Center. To get this option press Windows+X which gets you a a popup menu in the left corner of the screen. From there select Mobility Center or Windows Utility Center, and from there assign for your function keys.
On Dell machines, this is a very trivial process.
On boot, hit F2 and enter the Setup Utility. Go to Advance > Function key behavior > Select Multimedia key, and you should find what you are looking for.
On my Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, there is a "FN Lock" key to the right of the F12 key that reverses the FN buttons. It lights up like the Capslock key when it is activated so you always know when its on.
You need to restart (to enter in BIOS) your computer to change this.
While first black screen comes Press F2 (this may differ in your laptop).
If a bios screen (may be unknown to you) appear then find Function Key Behavior select Multimedia Key First or Function Key First.
This is the default option. Press any function key to perform the associated function. For multimedia action, press Fn + the required multimedia key.
Press any multimedia key to perform the associated multimedia action. For function, press Fn + the required function key.
