The Function Keys (also known as the “F” keys)

The Function Keys (also known as the “F” keys)

They’re called Function Keys but most of us call them the “F” keys. They’re at the top of your keyboard, and for the most part, they go unused. But they can be very useful. Here are some functions you can perform with a tap on an “F” key.

F1 FOR HELP
The F1 key when using a program will open its help file.

F2 TO RENAME
Select and highlight a file or folder and press the F2 key to quickly rename that file, icon, or folder. You can also use the F2 keyboard shortcut to rename multiple files in batch mode. Just select multiple files using your mouse and press F2 to rename the selected files.

F3 TO SEARCH
F3 will launch a search bar when using a web browser like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.

F4 TO SELECT THE ADDRESS BAR IN FILE EXPLORER
Pressing the F4 key toggles and highlights the address bar of Windows Explorer (File Explorer) when Windows Explorer (File Explorer) is open. Also, Pressing Alt + F4 on the desktop opens the shutdown menu. Ctrl + F4 closes the current open program 

F5 IS REFRESHING
You can quickly refresh to view the updated contents of a folder or items on the Windows desktop by pressing the F5 key. You can also use the F5 key to refresh a Web page while using your favorite Web browser.

F6 HIGHLIGHTS  YOUR BROWSERS ADDRESS BAR
Pressing F6 highlights the address bar and tab in the active page on Chrome and most other browsers. F6 selects the back and the close tab buttons respectively in Opera. Pressing F6 twice in Edge prompts you to switch tabs.

F7 OPENS THE SPELL CHECKER IN MS POWERPOINT.
It also opens the Editor in other MS Office programs.  Pressing F7 activates the Spelling and Grammar tool in Google Docs. 

F8 TURNS DOWN THE VOLUME IN THE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER
F8 reduces the volume of Windows Media Player. Some computers use F8 to access the Windows recovery system in addition to a Windows installation CD.

F9 INCREASES THE VOLUME IN THE WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER
The F9 key is also used in MS Office Programs to perform various functions.

F10 TURNS ON/OFF KEY TIPS IN MS OFFICE 
F10 turns on/off “Key Tips” in Microsoft Office applications like Word and PowerPoint. 

F11 OPENS  A WEB PAGE FULLSCREEN
To view more of a Web page without the clutter of menu bars, toolbars, etc., press the F11 while viewing a Web site. To go back to your normal browser window, just press the F11 key again.

NOTE: If you’re using a laptop and you hold down the Fn key while using some of the F keys gives the function keys additional functions such as controlling screen brightness, turning Wi-Fi on and off, increasing and decreasing volume, etc. For instance, on my laptop, pressing Fn+F9 increases the volume. These functions vary by the computer manufacturer.