Hp Laptop Function Keys May 2026

Hold this key down while pressing an F-key (e.g., ) to trigger the original computer command (like Refresh). Decoding the Icons on HP Laptops (F1-F12) HP changes its icons slightly between models (business vs. consumer), but these are the universal standards.

If you’ve recently bought an HP laptop (Pavilion, Envy, Spectre, or Stream), you might have noticed that the top row of keys doesn't behave like a traditional desktop keyboard. One minute you’re trying to refresh a webpage (F5), and the next you’ve accidentally put your computer to sleep. hp laptop function keys

| Key | Icon Looks Like | What It Does (Default "Hotkey" Mode) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Question mark or Speaker | Open Help (or mute/unmute on newer models) | | F2 | Down arrow / Minus sign | Decrease Volume | | F3 | Up arrow / Plus sign | Increase Volume | | F4 | Sun / Moon symbol | Switch displays (Mirror/Extend to a second monitor) | | F5 | Tiny backlight bulb | Keyboard backlight (on/off) | | F6 | Sun down | Decrease Screen Brightness | | F7 | Sun up | Increase Screen Brightness | | F8 | Microphone | Mute/unmute microphone (Great for Zoom calls) | | F9 | Gear / Settings | Open Windows Settings | | F10 | Airplane | Airplane Mode (Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | | F11 | Camera | Enable/Disable Webcam | | F12 | Wi-Fi symbol or Download | Airplane Mode (older) or Save As (Office apps) | Note for Business Users (EliteBook/ProBook): Your F-keys often default to F1-F12 first . You must press Fn + Fx to use the volume/brightness icons. The #1 Most Useful Trick: "Fn Lock" (HP Fast Keys) Do you want the F-keys to act like real F-keys (F5 = Refresh) without holding Fn every time? Use Fn Lock . Hold this key down while pressing an F-key (e

Don’t worry. This guide explains exactly what every HP function key does and—most importantly—how to switch between "Hotkey" mode and true "Function" mode. Before we look at the icons, locate the Fn key . On almost every HP laptop, it sits at the bottom left of your keyboard, next to the Ctrl and Windows keys. If you’ve recently bought an HP laptop (Pavilion,