What is the 12 Function Key on a Keyboard?

Function keys, also known as F-keys a set of 12 keys found at the top row of a computer keyboard. While they might seem less important than other keys on the keyboard, they serve important functions. It makes tasks easier and quicker to complete. Depending on the software, every function key has a different purpose and executes a particular task.

The function keys are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. Knowledge about what are the 12 function keys on a keyboard can help you navigate your computer more effectively and efficiently. These keys can perform a variety of functions which is like a helping hand for a user.

What is the 12 Function Key on a Keyboard?

In different software programs or operating systems, these function keys are intended to carry out a variety of precise tasks. These keys’ functions can change based on the software or operating system being used. Users can frequently program or adapt these function keys to carry out particular functions.

It can be more productive and efficient to use a computer if you know what these keys do. Here’s a detailed description of the common uses of the 12 function keys on a keyboard:

F1 key:

The F1 key is commonly used to access the help function in software applications. Here are some common uses and functions of the F1 key:

Help: F1 can be used to open the help menu or help documentation in many software programs.
Refresh: Pressing F1 in various web browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox will refresh the current page.
Access the Office Assistant: Pressing F1 will bring up the Office Assistant in older versions of Microsoft Office.
Debugging: Pressing F1 in some software development environments, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, will launch the debugging process.

F2 key:

The F2 key is typically used to rename files or folders in file managers or other software applications. Here are some common uses and functions of the F2 key:

Rename: Pressing F2 will rename the currently selected file or folder in most file explorers and desktop environments.
Edit: Pressing F2 in various software programs, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, will put the currently selected cell or text into edit mode.
Change input language: Pressing F2 on some operating systems, including Windows, will allow you to change the input language.

F3 key:

Here are some common uses and functions of the F3 key:

Search: The F3 key will open a search dialog box in many Windows programs. This enables you to search for text or files inside the program.
Find and replace: To find and replace text in Microsoft Word and other word processing programs hit the F3 key.
Accessing the advanced startup options: When on the login screen in Windows 10, pressing the F3 key will display the advanced starting options.
Accessing the Exposé feature: On a Mac, pressing the F3 key can activate the Exposé feature, which displays all open windows on the screen at once.

F4 key:

The F4 key is a function key commonly found on computer keyboards. Here are some common uses and functions of the F4 key:

Repeat your last action: Pressing the F4 key will repeat your previous operation in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Close a window: The active window will close in Windows operating system if Alt and F4 are pressed simultaneously.
Access the address bar: You can enter a website address in the address bar of web browsers like Google Chrome by pressing the F4 key.
Cycle through open windows: The Alt + F4 key combination in the Windows operating system lets you cycle through open windows.
Lock your screen: In some laptops, pressing the Fn + F4 key combination will lock your screen

F5 key:

The F5 key is typically used to refresh or reload a web page in web browsers or to refresh the contents of a folder in file managers. Here are some common uses and functions of the F5 key:

Start a slideshow: By hitting F5, a slideshow presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint will begin from the beginning.
Open the Find and Replace dialog box: Pressing F5 will launch the Find and Replace dialog box in Microsoft Word and other word processing programs.
Access the Task Pane: Pressing F5 in Microsoft Office programs like Word or Excel will bring up the Task Pane.

F6 key:

The F6 key is often used to move the cursor to the address bar in web browsers or to select different areas of an application. Here are some common uses and functions of the F6 key:

Move the cursor: Pressing F6 will bring the cursor to the address bar or search box in text editors, word processors, and web browsers.
Increase the volume: In some multimedia software, pressing F6 can increase the volume.
Change keyboard language: To switch between multiple keyboard languages in some operating systems, use F6.

F7 key:

The F7 key is mainly used for spelling and grammar checking in some software applications. Here are some common uses and functions of the F7 key:

Spell check: In many word processing software, pressing F7 will start a spell check of the current document.
Increase or decrease brightness: The brightness of the screen can be changed on some laptops by pressing F7.
Access the media player: Pressing F7 will start or pause the media player in some multimedia software, including Windows Media Player.

F8 key:

The F8 key is typically used to access the boot menu when starting up a computer or to enter safe mode. Here are some common uses and functions of the F8 key:

Boot options: To enter the advanced boot options menu in the Windows operating system, press F8 while the computer is booting up.
Access the Safe Mode: In Windows operating system, pressing F8 during the boot process can access the Safe Mode.
Zoom in or out: By hitting F8, you can zoom in or out of several software programs including Microsoft Office and web browsers.
Turn on or off the speaker: Pressing F8 in some multimedia programs, such as VLC media player, can turn on or off the speaker.

F9 key:

Here are some common uses and functions of the F9 key:

Send and receive emails: Pressing F9 in Microsoft Outlook will allow you to send and receive emails.
Decrease screen brightness: Some laptops allow you to lower the screen brightness by pressing F9.
Enable or disable touchpad: Pressing F9 on some computers will enable or disable the touchpad.

F10 key:

The F10 key is typically used to activate the menu bar in many applications or to access certain functions in BIOS. Here are some common uses and functions of the F10 key:

Access the menu bar: The menu bar can be accessed in many software programs by pressing F10.
Access the BIOS: In some computers, pressing F10 during the boot process can access the BIOS settings.
Save a document: F10 can be used to save a document in various software programs.
Increase volume: In some multimedia software, pressing F10 can increase the volume.

F11 key:

The F11 key is often used to toggle between full-screen mode and normal mode in web browsers and other software applications. Here are some common uses and functions of the F11 key:

Full-screen mode: Pressing F11 in a lot of web browsers will switch between normal and full-screen modes.
Enter and exit Presentation mode: Pressing F11 will start and stop presentation mode in various presentation programs, including Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Decrease window size: In some software programs, you can reduce the window size by pressing F11.

F12 key:

The F12 key is often used to open the developer console in web browsers or to access the save as dialogue box in various applications. Here are some common uses and functions of the F12 key:

Save as: Pressing F12 in many software programs will allow you to save the current document with a different name.
Open the developer console: Pressing F12 in a web browser, like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, will launch the developer console.
Take a screenshot: Pressing F12 in some software programs, such Microsoft Office, will allow you to take a screenshot.

What is the use of Function Keys F1 to F12 on the Keyboard?

FAQs

What row are the function keys on?

The function keys, sometimes known as “F keys“, are normally found in a row near the top of a computer keyboard. It’s normally above the numeric keypad (if there is one) and above the letter keys. The exact location and number of function keys can vary depending on the keyboard model and manufacturer, but they are usually labeled from F1 to F12.

How many function keys are on a keyboard?

The number of function keys (F keys) on a keyboard can vary depending on the keyboard model and manufacturer. However, most keyboards have 12 function keys numbered F1 to F12. These function keys often carry out a variety of tasks, such as accessing the help menu, adjusting the screen brightness, managing the volume, turning on the wireless connection, etc.

What if my keyboard doesn’t have function keys?

If your keyboard does not have an F key row, you might try utilizing an “Fn” key, if one is there. Use an extra keyboard with function keys or check your software for other keyboard shortcuts. You can also customize your keyboard settings to assign functions to different keys.

Final Words

The 12 function keys (F1 to F12) found on most computer keyboards offer a quick and convenient way to perform a variety of actions and commands. These keys can be used to access help menus, adjust screen brightness and volume, toggle the wireless connection, switch between open applications, and perform many other useful functions.

While the specific functions of these keys can vary depending on the software and hardware, they are a powerful tool for boosting productivity and making computing tasks easier and faster. If you know what are the 12 function key on a keyboard this can help you get the most out of your keyboard and streamline your workflow.

Nazmul

I am a regular user of computer keyboards. For using keyboard face different kinds of problems and also solve it very easily. I love sharing knowledge about keyboards.