If you are a Windows user, look for an F Lock key. keys as standard function keys” on the Keyboard tab. Select “System Preferences” from the Apple menu and click “Keyboard.” Choose “Use all F1, F2, etc. Mac users can configure the top row of keys to work as standard function keys without holding the Fn key.
On a machine running Mac OS 10.4 or later, you can use F12 to show or hide the dashboard. Ctrl-F12 brings up the “Open” window and Shift-F12 saves an existing document. F12į12 will open the “Save As” window in MS Office programs. Press F11 on a Mac running OS 10.4 or later to hide all open windows and display the desktop. Pressing the key a second time lets you escape this mode. You can switch to full-screen mode in browser windows by pressing F11 on a PC. On Mac 10.3 OS or later, F10 displays all open windows for the active application. Shift-F10 brings up the right-click menu. On a Windows computer F10 activates the menu bar or ribbon of the open application. If you are running Mac OS X, you can open Mission Control by pressing the F9 key. While it has no essential Windows function, F9 will refresh fields in Word and prompt Outlook to send and receive messages.
On Mac OS 10.3 or later, F8 displays a thumbnail for all current workspaces. F8 will also extend text selection in Word.
If your computer is having issues, tapping F8 repeatedly while the machine reboots brings up the Recovery screen so you can access Safe Mode, provided you have a Windows 7 or earlier operating system. On Macs, F7 can be used to rewind media content. Shift-F7 opens the thesaurus with synonyms for the selected word. However, if you are working in Microsoft Word or some other Office programs, this handy shortcut runs the Spelling and Grammar Check. In most windows and applications, F7 has no function. Shift-F6 does the same thing, but in reverse.į6 has no assigned function on Mac computers. In PowerPoint, the key can be used to start slideshows.Ĭycle the cursor through various points on a page, panes or frames using F6 in Windows. F5 in most MS Office programs brings up the Go To dialog. You can refresh a page in Windows by pressing the F5 key. For example, Ctrl-F4 will close the current document and Alt-F4 closes the current application.į4 on a Mac gives you dashboard access to business, communication and Internet widgets. It doesn’t do much on its own (aside from opening the address bar in Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer), but with some simple combos, it can be quite useful. On a Mac, F3 activates Expose view, which gives you a glimpse of everything currently running. On a browser, the Find on Page box appears. For instance, if you are viewing the desktop, the File Search window opens.
Press this key on a Windows PC to open the Find dialog for the current view. Type in the new name and press “Enter.”į2 increases the screen’s brightness on a Mac computer. Windows users can press this key instead of right-clicking an item and choosing “Rename.” Click on a file, folder or other object on your desktop or in any folder and press F2 to highlight the current name. On a Mac, F1 reduces the screen’s brightness. If you are browsing on Google Chrome, F1 opens the Google Support page. When using an MS Office application, the Help dialog opens. For example, if you are currently viewing the desktop and press F1, Windows Help and Support opens. Windows users can press this key to access the Help Menu or support page related to the current open page. Check out this comprehensive list of functions so you can stop neglecting those little f keys.
However, learning the uses for these function keys can help you become even more efficient. Maybe you know the purpose of one or two of them, or perhaps you simply try to avoid them because you have no clue what they do. If you’re using a laptop, they might even share space with other options, such as your Wi-Fi switch or your mute button. Chances are good you’ve noticed the row of numbered keys across the top of your computer keyboard that all have an “f” in front of them.