Keyboards are full of function keys. So, we have set out to explain to you what each one of them does in the simplest possible way. On the other hand, the function keys on keyboards are there. However, not many users know everything they can do. We have decided to shed some light on this issue. With this in mind, we will explain all the combinations that these keys can do. The list is quite long. However, after having finished it, you will become a real pro when it comes to typing. In fact, many of its functions are repeated. On the other hand, others are combinations of several keys. Please note that this list is dedicated exclusively to Windows computer keyboards. Regardless of the version. But remember that it is best to have the latest version available. Let’s see, what is each function key used for on Windows?.
F1 key
F1 is the first key and can do exactly four functions depending on the key combination. It also depends on the programs you are using. But above all it depends on when you are pressing it.
- Pressing F1 in any program will open the help menu of that program.
- Pressing F1 in PowerPoint will cause the top menu to appear or disappear. It also works with Ctrl + F1.
- Pressing Win + F1 will bring up the Windows help menu.
- The F1 key also allows you to enter the computer’s BIOS. However, it must be pressed when the computer is turned on.
F2 key
The next key is F2. It is also the only one that has functionalities very similar to those of the F1 key. In fact, the first function keys are usually the most conventional in terms of their operation.
- By pressing F2 on a file or folder, you can rename these items directly.
- In PowerPoint, the combination of Ctrl + F2 opens the print menu. Also, Alt + F2 opens the specific save menu in a folder.
- The F2 key is also used to enter the CMOS menu. However, it must be pressed when the computer is booting.
F3 key
The F3 key has a very clear functionality. Indeed, its mission is to help you search for items both on the computer and in the different applications and programs. In fact, it is the vast majority of its functions.
- When you press Win + F3 in Microsoft Outlook, what will appear is an advanced search menu.
- In Google Docs and other applications, when pressing F3, the menu that appears is also the search menu.
- On the desktop, when pressing F3 repeatedly, the last line of code entered the command menu will be re-entered.
- When pressing Shift + F3 in PowerPoint, what happens is that the selected sentences will be converted to upper or lower case.
F4 key
The F4 key is the subject of many jokes on the Internet. It happens to be normally used to close different programs or actions on Windows.
- Pressing F4 opens the Window’s address window.
- By pressing Ctrl + F4 in any program or window will close it automatically.
- Pressing F4 repeatedly repeats the last action in a program or window.
- The combination of Alt + F4 opens the Windows shutdown menu.
F5 key
This key is one of the most used. However, its function is not limited only to refreshing a web page. In fact, it has several qualities.
- Pressing F5 on a web page will refresh it. It also works for the desktop or file folders.
- Combining Ctrl + F5 on a web page will clear the cache and re-download the web page.
- Pressing Shift + F5 on a PowerPoint allows you to start a presentation from the page you are on. On the other hand, just pressing F5 starts the presentation from the beginning.
- If your computer is MS-DOS loaded, pressing F5 will enter factory defaults.
F6 key
The F6 key is intended to be used with browsers. In fact, it has several functionalities intended exclusively for these programs.
- Pressing F6 in any browser will select the address bar of that browser.
- In the Opera browser, when pressing F6, what happens is that the last tabs are selected. On the other hand, in Edge, what it does is to move between the different tabs.
- In PowerPoint, the F6 key is used both to activate the shortcuts and to navigate through the top menu of PowerPoint options.
- The combination Ctrl + Shift + F6 does in PowerPoint. In addition, and in other Microsoft Office programs, it opens another document.
F7 key
This key works with Windows programs that many no longer use. However, it also has interesting features for everyday use.
- Pressing F7 during playback of some Windows Media Player content will stop it playing.
- The F7 key in PowerPoint opens the spelling and grammar menu to handle proofreading. It also works in Google Docs.
- Combining Alt + Shift + F7 opens the translator in Microsoft Office programs.
- Pressing F7 in browsers toggles keyboard navigation on or off.
- If you are in the Windows command console, pressing F7 will show you all the commands entered in this console.
F8 key
This key has fewer utilities than the previous one. However, the truth is that there are several that are much more interesting and practical.
- Pressing F8 while playing content in Windows Media Play will reduce the volume.
- If the computer is booting, pressing F8 will turn it on in safe mode.
- Combining Alt + F8 in Microsoft Office programs will open the macro dialog box.
F9 key
The F9 key also has functionalities designed for Windows Media Player. Others allow you to work better in PowerPoint.
- Pressing F9 in Windows Media Player will increase the volume.
- Combining Shift + F9 what will happen in PowerPoint is that the guide grid will appear or disappear.
- If you combine Alt + F9, what will happen is that PowerPoint’s guidelines will be activated.
- The combination of Alt + Shift + F9 in PowerPoint turns the ruler on or off.
- If you have to type braces in Microsoft Word, the way to do it is to combine Ctrl + F9.
F10 key
What F10 does on Windows computers is quite useful in key situations. However, some of its functions are superseded by the use of the mouse.
- Pressing F10 enables or disables commands in Microsoft Office programs such as Word.
- Combining Shift + F10 what it does is that it offers the right click from the keyboard itself.
- Combining Alt + F10 activates or deactivates the selection of tools in Microsoft Office programs.
- Pressing Ctrl + Shift + F10 in PowerPoint will open two documents in parallel on the Windows screen.
F11 key
This key is one of the keys with the fewest functions. Although it is certainly one of the most interesting and curious.
- Pressing F11 in Google Chrome or other browsers will enter full screen mode. Additionally, to exit, you will have to press this key or the escape key again.
- Combining Alt + F11 in Microsoft Office programs launches Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications.
- Programmers can combine Ctrl + F11 or Alt + F11 to make the code run.
F12 key
It is the last function key on the keyboards and has some very interesting functions. In addition, they also apply to Microsoft Office programs and some obsolete Windows programs.
- Pressing F12 in Word, PowerPoint, etc. opens the Save As dialog box.
- Combining Ctrl + F12 opens the dialog box in Microsoft Office programs.
- Combining Ctrl + Shift + F12 launches the print tab in Microsoft Office programs.
- In browsers, F12 opens the development section, where the code tools are displayed.
- Pressing F12 on the desktop brings up a list of all bootable devices on the computer.
These are all the qualities of the function keys that are present on a keyboard. Remember that this tutorial is exclusively for Windows users. Now it is up to you to put them into practice to get the most out of them. Bye!
