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How to Use Function Keys Instead of Brightness Controls in Word

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to use standard function keys (such as F7) for Word commands instead of triggering the laptop's hardware controls like screen brightness.

How to Use Function Keys Instead of Brightness Controls in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Executing keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word on a laptop where function keys are mapped to media or hardware controls by default.
Observed behavior: Pressing function keys like F7 adjusts screen brightness or other hardware settings instead of executing the assigned Word command.

Before you start

Look at your laptop keyboard for an 'Fn Lock' key (often sharing a key with Esc or Shift). Toggling this is the quickest way to switch function key behavior without entering system settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Toggle the Fn Lock Key on Your Keyboard

This is the fastest method to switch between hardware controls and standard function keys directly from your keyboard.

Many modern laptops feature an Fn Lock shortcut that reverses the default behavior of the top row keys. When enabled, you won't need to hold the Fn key to use standard F1-F12 commands in applications like Word.

Locate the Fn Lock Key

Find the 'Fn' key on the bottom left of your keyboard. Then, look for a key with a small padlock icon or 'FnLk' printed on it (most commonly the 'Esc' key).

Activate Fn Lock

Press and hold the 'Fn' key, then press the 'Esc' key (or your specific Fn Lock key) at the same time.

Test in Word

Open Microsoft Word and press a function key, such as F7, to verify that it now triggers the application shortcut rather than adjusting brightness.

Quick Fix: If you ever want to revert back to using the brightness or volume controls as the default, simply press the Fn + Esc combination again.

Solution 2

Change Function Key Behavior in BIOS or UEFI Settings

If your laptop lacks an Fn Lock key, you can permanently change the default behavior of function keys in your system's BIOS/UEFI settings.

Solution 3

Use the Fn Key for Temporary Access

Use this method if you prefer keeping media keys as the default but occasionally need to use standard function keys in Word.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does F7 change my brightness instead of checking spelling?

Laptop manufacturers often default the top row of keys to hardware controls (Action Keys) to make adjusting settings like volume and brightness easier. You need to hold the Fn key or change your system settings to use them as standard F1-F12 keys.

Can I remap shortcuts in Microsoft Word to avoid using Function keys?

Yes, you can customize keyboard shortcuts in Word. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and click the 'Customize' button next to 'Keyboard shortcuts'. From there, you can assign commands like Save or Spell Check to alternative combinations like Ctrl+Shift+S.

What is the default shortcut for saving a document in Word?

The standard shortcut for saving a document in modern versions of Microsoft Word is Ctrl + S. While F7 might have been used for saving in much older legacy versions (like in the 1980s), F7 is currently the default shortcut for launching the Spelling and Grammar check.

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