The F Keys: Functions of the Function Keys
They’re called Function Keys but we call them the “F” keys. They’re usually 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 might find useful that can be done with a tap on an “F” key.
F1 FOR HELP
The F1 key when using most programs 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 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 separate search bar when using a web browser like Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.
F4 TO SELECT ADDRESS BAR IN FILE EXPLORER
Pressing the F4 key toggles and highlights the address bar in File Explorer
F5 IS REFRESHING
Quickly refresh to view the updated contents of a folder or items on the Windows desktop by pressing the F5 key. F5 will also refresh a Web page while using your favorite Web browser.
F7 FOR CARET BROWSING
Pressing F7 turns Caret Browsing on or off. This feature places a moveable cursor on web pages, allowing you to select text with the keyboard.
F11 TO GO FULLSCREEN
To view more of a Web page without the clutter of menu bars, toolbars, etc., press the F11 while visiting a website. To return to your normal browser window, press the F11 key again.
Now, do you feel more functional?
I screwed up trying to use these things and I can’t get my WiFi to come on. I’ve restarted,it didn’t help, then I turned it of off for 10-15 minutes and iWiFi isn’t working yet. I’ve turned it on but it doesn’t come on or stay on
There isn’t a single standard function key for turning WiFi on/off across all Windows laptops. The key combination depends on the manufacturer and model of your specific laptop.
Here’s what you can look for:
We wrote about a standard Windows keyboard and its function keys. Laptops also have a Function key (Fn) + another key: Look for keys in the top row (F1-F12) that have an icon representing WiFi signals or an airplane symbol. These keys often have a faint secondary function icon printed on them that’s barely visible. These F keys require you to hold down the Fn key and the F key. On one of my laptops the function key for turning WI-FI on or off is fn + F1
Physical WiFi switch: Some laptops have a dedicated hardware switch for WiFi. This might be located on the side of the laptop or near the keyboard. Your WI-Fi on/off switch may be Fn + any F key F1 through F12 depending on the manufacturer.
I don’t know your laptop brand, but you can probably find an answer by visiting their site and looking for Wi-Fi function keys.