Learn the uses of F1 through F12 function keys which are located on the top row of your computer keyboard. Commonly known as function keys, they are designed to help you with some basic shortcut and function if used correctly. Here are some of the shortcuts and functions of F1 through F12 function keys.
Basically, these function keys are the shortcut and special function and can be used for any simple task. Though F1 through F12 function keys have some default primary and secondary features, also they have many other functions if combined with other keys like Shift, Ctrl, and Alt.
Take note that some keyboards may include other functionality when used with Fn key. You can see whether the other function is available on your keyboard by looking at the key itself, usually indicated in blue color or the same color as Fn key.
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The uses of F1 through F12 function keys
F1 key:
- Uses to open the Help screen for almost every program
- Opens the Task Pane
- Windows + F1 opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center
F2 key:
- Allows you to rename a selected icon, file or folder
- In Microsoft Excel, allows you to edit current active cell
- Ctrl + F2 displays the print preview window in Microsoft Word
F3 key:
- Opens a search feature for an application that is active at the moment
- Shift + F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a capital letter at the beginning of every word
- Windows + F3 opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook
F4 key:
- Opens the address bar in Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer
- Alt + F4 closes the active window
- Ctrl + F4 closes the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows
F5 key:
- Allows you to refresh or reload the page or document window
- Opens the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft Word
- Starts a slideshow in PowerPoint
- Ctrl + F5 forces a complete refresh of the web page, clearing the cache and downloading all contents of the page again
F6 key:
- Moves the cursor to the address bar in most internet browsers
- Ctrl + Shift + F6 opens to another open Microsoft Word document
F7 key:
- Used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Word
- Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted
F8 key:
- Used to access the boot menu in Windows when turning on the computer
F9 key:
- Refreshes a document in Microsoft Word
- Sends and receives e-mails in Microsoft Outlook
F10 key:
- Activates the menu bar of an open application
- In Microsoft Windows activates the menu bar of an open application
- Shift + F10 is the same as right-click
F11 key:
- Enters the exits fullscreen mode in internet browsers
F12 key:
- Opens the Save as dialog box in Microsoft Word
- Ctrl + F12 opens a document In Word
- Shift + F12 saves the Microsoft Word document
- Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word
That’s all I can list down for now. If you know any more of the function keys other than already listed above, please let me know in the comment below.