Each computer, or rather each keyboard, is supplied with a series of function keys which are used to carry out special tasks according to the scope and the open program . Knowing how to use them optimally you can really add a high level of competence and efficiency that brings excellent satisfaction.
The F1 to F12 buttons always have a primary and secondary predefined function when used in combination with the CTRL and Alt keys and with the Fn keys of the laptops.
In this guide we see how and when to use function keys, F1 to F12, on Windows .
On some computers these keys can also be configured to quickly start certain programs such as the media player, Office or others.
In this post we see only the main functions, the normal ones that work on any computer.
- F1 : Almost every program has a technical support guide or a help file that can be opened at any time by pressing F1 while running a program or opening any window.
F1, when pressed together with the Windows key, shows Windows Help and Support.
- F2 : If pressed in Windows Explorer (therefore when you open a folder), F2 lets you rename the selected file or folder.
With Office programs, pressing Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens the Documents library.
- F3 : On the Windows desktop or for any folder, F3 starts searching for files and folders.
On most browsers (at least on Firefox, Chrome and IE) F3 opens the search box immediately and allows you to find words on the open web page.
At the Dos prompt, F3 repeats the last command typed.
Shift + F3 in Word, on the other hand, allows you to transform written text into lowercase or uppercase letters.
- F4 : Alt + F4, as everyone should know, closes the open and active program.
If no program is running in Windows, the shutdown window of the computer opens with Alt-F4.
By pressing only F4 on a folder or on Internet Explorer, the address bar is highlighted.
- F5 has one of the most useful actions when surfing the internet: it allows you to update a web page to see if it has changed or to reload it.
The same thing also happens for Windows and on the desktop.
On PowerPoint F5 it is used to start a presentation while on Office programs it opens the find and replace word.
- F6 : illuminates and allows you to immediately write an address in the address bar of all browsers, including Firefox and Chrome.
Another function is to scroll through the menu items on the MS Office suite.
In Windows, scroll through the taskbar buttons at the bottom.
F7 : on Windows this key has no function.
On Mozilla Firefox F7 activates the navigation of the text on the web pages, that is it makes a mobile cursor appear to select text with the keyboard, without using the mouse.
- F8 : In Windows, it has a very important function that everyone must know; pressing F8 at computer startup, when the black screen appears immediately after power on, the boot menu opens where you can choose whether to start Windows in safe mode.
- F9 : This key is useless in Windows and not even in common programs.
For programming development environments, the F9 + CTRL combination executes the code.
If you are a programmer you should know its use on integrated development environments. In general, compile and execute the code in combination with the Ctrl key.
- F10 Used to make the menu bar appear or disappear in Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Shift + F10 instead has the same function as the right mouse button and opens the context menu in Windows.
- F11, in Windows and in all browsers, allows you to switch to full screen view by hiding all menus.
Shift + F11 in MS Excel adds a new spreadsheet while Ctrl + F11 adds a new macro to the workbook.
- F12 finally opens the Save As window in Office.
On MS Office Ctrl + Shift + F12 is equivalent to Ctrl + P.
I certainly haven't covered the full range of functions and actions that can be activated with the F1-F2 ... F12 keys so if you know of other ways of using these keys, also in combination with others, leave a comment.
In another article, the complete overview of the fast key combinations of Windows 7 and XP.
