F-keys on the keyboard: They actually do that
The function keys, called F-keys for short, have a shadowy existence on many keyboards. This is badly wrong for the F keys, because they have useful functions that can save you a lot of time.
The function keys F1 to F6
Some of the useful function keys perform several convenient functions when you press them together with other additional keys. The assignment of the function keys is not always uniform. You can use the Fn key to display the assignment of the function keys on your computer.
- F1: Use the F1 key to activate Microsoft's online help. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F1 to hide or show the ribbon in the Office applications.
- F2: To rename a file or folder, click on it briefly and then press the F2 key.
- F3: Use the F3 key to quickly get into the search field in common browsers such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Opera. The same applies to Windows Explorer and all Windows folders. If you need to change the case of a word, you can do it very easily by pressing the Shift + F3 keys.
- F4: Use the F4 key to duplicate characters. However, this only works with characters and not with letters or numbers. With Alt + F4 you close the active program window at lightning speed.
- F5: If you want to update a website quickly, press the F5 key. To call up the "Find and Replace" menu in Microsoft Office applications, a short click on the F5 key is also sufficient. If you are currently working on a PowerPoint presentation, you can start the slide show with the F5 key.
- F6: With some browsers, such as Edge, the F6 key takes you to the address bar. However, this does not work with all browsers. If you have a split screen in Word, use the F6 key to jump back and forth. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F6 to open quickly opened documents.
The function keys F7 to F12
- F7: If you are missing the words, use Shift + F7 to call up the thesaurus in Microsoft Word. You can check spelling and grammar using Alt + F7.
- F8: The F8 key is particularly useful in Excel spreadsheets. With the function key F8 you call the extended mode for the arrow keys. If you have a problem on your computer, you can use the F8 key to activate "Safe Mode" when Windows starts up.
- F9: If you work with curly braces a lot, you should remember the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F9.
- F10: With F10 you open the menu bar in the Office programs. The combination Ctrl + F10 is useful to reduce or enlarge a Word document. Right-click with the keyboard shortcut Shift + F10.
- F11: With F11 you open or end the full screen mode of your internet browser. The key combination Shift + F11 adds a new table to Microsoft Excel.
- F12: Use the F12 function key to activate the "Save As" command in the Microsoft Office programs. If you want to save immediately, select the keyboard shortcut Shift + F12. You can easily open a document with Ctrl + F12.
If you no longer want to use the Fn key on your laptop, we will show you how to deactivate it in the next practical tip.