Function keys allow you to perform an action with the press of a key - instead of typing a character. The action that happens for a function key depends on the software that is active when the key is pressed. Some software or apps might have functions for the keys, while others might not.
Windows 10 was a welcome return to the keyboard and improved keyboard functionality–and that means shortcuts. There’s actually quite a lot of new functionality to learn in Windows 10. With all of these exclusive features, such as the Cortana smart assistant, there are a bunch of new corresponding Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts. That means even if you’re a Windows veterans, you might be in unfamiliar territory when you boot up Windows 10 for the first time.
(For those looking to learn the ropes in Windows 10 first, you’ll want to learn the basics such as how to type symbols and how to copy and paste.)
Get caught up to speed quickly with our handy guide to some of the more important keyboard shortcuts you need to know in Windows 10.
New Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
Windows 10 opened up a world of new keyboard shortcuts to better navigate and utilize the operating system’s interface and features. Below is a set of some of the new keyboard functions available for Windows 10 users. Be sure to hold down the Windows key () to the left of the spacebar before punching the appropriate letter or key.
Don’t feel bad about referring back to the chart as needed — memorization will come in time.
Keyboard shortcut | Function |
+ Q | Open Cortana for voice input |
+ S | Open Cortana for text input |
+ I | Open Windows settings pane |
+ A | Open Windows 10 Action Center |
+ X | Open Quick Link menu |
+ Left | Snap active window to left |
+ Right | Snap active window to right |
+ Up | Snap active window to top of screen |
+ Down | Snap active window to bottom of screen |
+ Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
+ Ctrl + Left | Cycle through desktops to the left |
+ Ctrl + Right | Cycle through desktops to the right |
+ Ctrl + F4 | Close current desktop |
+ TAB | Access all desktops and apps in Task View |
+ PrtSc | Take a screenshot and save it to Screenshots folder |
+ G | Open the Game DVR recorder |
+ Alt + G | Start recording current activity on screen |
+ Alt + R | Stop recording |
Command prompt shortcuts
The revised Windows 10 command prompt also has new shortcuts, making it easier to use.
Keyboard shortcut | Function |
Shift + Left | Highlight text to the left of cursor |
Shift + Right | Highlight text to the right of cursor |
Ctrl + C | Copy selected text to clipboard |
Ctrl + V | Paste text from clipboard into command prompt |
Ctrl + A | Select all text after prompt |
General Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
There are plenty of returning keyboard shortcuts to go along with all the new Windows 10 shortcuts. The following are some of the most basic, general, and sought-after keyboard shortcuts for general day-to-day use for Windows users.
Keyboard shortcut | Function |
Display or Hide the Start screen | |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
+ M | Minimize all windows |
+ Shift + M | Restore minimized windows on the desktop |
+ R | Open the Run dialogue box |
+ F1 | Open Windows Help and Support |
+ Up arrow | Maximize the desktop window |
+ Down arrow | Minimize the desktop window |
+ plus (“+”) or minus (“-“) | Zoom in or out using Magnifier |
+ L | Lock your PC or switch accounts. |
Alt + F4 | Close the active item, or exit the active app |
Alt + Enter | Display properties for the selected item |
Alt + Spacebar | Open shortcut menu for an active window |
Control + X | Cut the selected item |
Control + V | Paste the selected item |
Control + Y | Redo an action |
Control + Z | Undo an action |
F1 | Display Help |
F2 | Rename the selected item |
F3 | Search for a file or folder |
F4 | Display the address bar list in the File Explorer |
F5 | Refresh the active window |
F10 | Activate the menu bar in the active app |
If all these keyboard shortcuts have you thinking that you could really use a new keyboard for your PC, we have a few ideas for you. Check out the best wireless keyboards to see what’s available. If you’re more wary of wrist issues, take a look at the top ergonomic keyboards, too! Finally, if you really aren’t finding the keyboard shortcuts that you wish were there, there are tools you can use to create your own shortcut keys on Windows, such as the Shortkey extension.
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Hi, Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.
We understand that you would like to disable Fn key on your keyboard.
Since, you were able to function keys in the previous OS, I would suggest that you install the latest keyboard drivers and try to disable it. Refer the following link to know how to install drivers.
Also refer the following thread, answered by one of our Community Moderator, Shawn 'Cmdr' Keene [MVP] on this issue.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-performance/how-do-i-temporarily-disable-the-fn-key/572393ff-3cf9-4e10-9620-d8d8b215eec4
Hope this will answer your question. If you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.
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IMHO I don't think you answered the question. The question was not how to disable the Fn key, but how to enable it by default when pressing F1 through F12 keys. KC
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Hi,
You may refer to the article given below and check.
Note: This thread is For Windows 7 but you may refer.
Hope this information helps. Please let us know if you need any other assistance with Windows in future. We will be happy to assist you.
Regards,Harkanwar
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I was having the same issues, try this
--go to settings while the computer is in the main screen
--update & security
--recovery
--under advanced startup select restart now
--troubleshoot
--advanced options
--UEFI Firmware settings
--restart
--another screen will pop up select advanced on the right
--then system configuration
--under function keys mode change it to standard f1-f12 mode
--final hit f10 to save and exit.
That should work for Windows 10 changing the function keys back to normal use without hitting the function key (fn).
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I discovered an FnLk (FN Lock) key. It's locate on the Esc key. Hold down the Fn key and tap Esc (FnLk).
Hope this helps.
http://goo.gl/FWFCY5
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This was helpful. Unfortunately, it's a blind toggle - don't know which mode it's in until I start pressing the function keys. Maybe that's just a Dell thing, though.
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There's a BIOS setting to make set this permanently. Alternatively, you can pres Fn and Esc together to toggle between the traditional and the newer alternative functions (e.g. screen brightness, volume level, etc.).
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Omg I never knew that existed. I had this problem right now it happened to me in the afternoon thank you for your response.
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Maureen:
Thanks so much for this. I thought I was losing it because I am a keystroke person and not having this function available was frustrating beyond belief. I looked at other tutorials but found nothing for Windows 10. Thank you again!!!!
Thanks so much for this. I thought I was losing it because I am a keystroke person and not having this function available was frustrating beyond belief. I looked at other tutorials but found nothing for Windows 10. Thank you again!!!!
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