Best 3 Ways to Fix Fn Key Not Working (Windows & Mac)

The function (Fn) key allows you to access various unique functions and shortcuts. However, you may experience issues with the Fn key not working properly on your Windows or Mac computers.

This can be frustrating, as it can prevent access to essential features such as adjusting the brightness or volume of your computer.

Fortunately, you can take various troubleshooting steps to fix this problem and restore proper function to the Fn key.

Below are some solutions you can implement to fix the issue of the Fn key not working on Mac or Windows.

Fix #1: Check If The Fn Key Is Locked

Some keyboards have an Fn lock function, which allows you to use the Function keys (F1 – F12) without holding down the Fn key.

Remember, you will not get the desired results if you press any of the function keys while you have locked the Fn key, which might lead you to think that the key is not working.

For example, the shortcut key for minimizing the media volume is the Fn + F2 key. However, the volume will remain the same if you have locked the Fn key.

Fortunately, you can use different combinations to unlock this key. 

The following keyboard shortcuts can help you unlock the Fn key on various keyboard models.

• Press the Fn+Esc key on Dell / Lenovo computer to unlock the Fn Key.
• Press the Fn + Shift keys on HP laptops or the Ctrl + Fn keys to unlock the Fn key.
• Press the Fn+ Esc or Fn + Insert or Fn + Shift keys on an Asus keyboard to unlock the Fn key. 

If, after this, your fn key still doesn’t work, try using the next solution.

Fix #2: Check If The “Slow Key” Is Enabled On Your MacBook

The Slow Key is an accessibility feature in Macbooks that delays keystrokes. You have to press and hold a key for a short period before the keystroke registers when the Slow Key is enabled. However, the function keys cannot work when you have turned on the Slow Key feature. Therefore, the Fn or Globe key will not work on your Macintosh laptop even if you press it in combination with a function key.

How to Disable the Slow Key if you are using VenturaOS or a later version.

Fortunately, it is pretty easy to disable the Slow Key feature. Simply follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple Logo and select System Settings
2. Click on Accessibility and choose Keyboard
3. Disable the Slow Key on the dialog box
4. You should also disable the Sticky Keys that will appear in the same dialog box.

How to Disable the Slow Key if you are using MonteryOS or an earlier version.

1. Click on the Apple Logo and select System Settings
2. Click on Accessibility and choose Keyboard
3. Select the Hardware Tab on the Keyboard settings. Turn off the Slow Key feature by unchecking the Enable Slow Key box.

And that’s it. You have successfully disabled the Slow Key feature on your Mac laptop, and now the Fn key should work just fine if the Slow key was the cause of the problem.

Fix #3: Check For Malware or Virus

Your laptop will not function well if infected by Malware or viruses. Consequently, the Fn key may stop working due to the virus or malware infection. However, you can scan your Windows or Mac computer to eliminate any virus or malware that may be disrupting the function of the Fn key.

How To Scan Your Windows Laptop

To run a full scan of your Windows system using Windows Defender, follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Security app by clicking the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Run a new advanced scan.
4. Select Full scan and then click Scan now.

This will start a full scan of your system, which may take some time depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files on it. It is recommended to not use the computer during the scan.

How to Scan Your Mac Laptop

To run a full scan of your Mac system, you can use the built-in malware protection tool called “Malwarebytes.” Follow these steps to scan your laptop using the program.

1. Download and install Malwarebytes for Mac from the official website if you have not done so already.
2. Open the Malwarebytes application and click on the “Scan” button to begin a full scan of your system.
3. Once the scan is complete, it will show you a list of any threats on your Mac.
4. If any threats are found, click the “Remove Selected” button to remove them from your system.
5. Alternatively, you can use the built-in “Safari” browser and visit the website “https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac-download/” to download and install Malwarebytes for Mac.

It is important to keep your anti-malware software up-to-date to ensure it can detect the latest threats. Remember, the scan may take a few minutes, so ensure you wait till the scan is over before you operate your PC.

Wrapping Up

If the Fn key is not functioning on your Mac or Windows computer, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue. These include checking if the Fn lock is enabled, Checking if the Slow Key is Enabled on your Mac laptop, or Checking for Malware or Viruses. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and regain the full functionality of your Fn key.