Amazing Ways The Function Keys F1 To F12 Will Save You A Lot Of Time
If you have a Windows computer at home, whether it’s a laptop or a desktop, you’ve probably noticed that there are a number of keys on your keyboard, from F1 to F12. These keys, known as function keys, are usually not used much by users because many do not know how to use them, but they can be quite useful.
Function keys provide quick access to certain functions in Windows, depending on what browser or program you are using. They are configured for each “software”, although in some cases they can be modified to make them more personalized as needed.
Learn how to use the F1 through F12 function keys to work more efficiently and quickly with your computer during the workday:
F1: The first function key is used to open a Help tab for the current Windows program or menu. In some cases, such as the File Browser, it will open a tab in the default browser that displays a search for Internet help.
F2: Use this button as a shortcut when renaming a file or folder on your computer. Instead of right-clicking and selecting “Rename”, just select the file and press F2 to do the same.
F3: Once you are in the Windows menu, press the F3 key to open the search option. It’s especially useful in File Explorer or Control Panel when you can’t find something.
F4: This key is a shortcut to open the address bar of any menu. The address bar can be used to type the path to a folder (e.g. D:Documents\My stuff) and then press Enter to go directly to that folder.
The ALT + F4 key combination is used to close the program currently open on the screen. The reason for this name is that it is one of the most used shortcuts in terms of efficiency.
F5: The fifth function key is used to refresh a file view in a folder. So if changes have been made and the view is different, just press F5 to update it.
F6: is used to navigate between the different menus of any open program and Windows itself. In this way, it acts as a kind of “tabulator”; each time you press F6, you reach a new section or menu. Very useful for those who use the keyboard to navigate the interface.
In a browser, it is used to go to the address bar so you can write a new one, do a search, or paste whatever you have prepared.
F7: If you are busy typing in a Word document, click F7 to run a spell check. Press Shift+F7 to open a thesaurus on a highlighted word. If you’re using Firefox, this key enables caret browsing.
F8: This is one of the most important keys from an IT perspective. When you turn on your computer, just before the Windows logo is displayed, it is used to access the fail-safe system mode or “safe mode” to troubleshoot problems with PC software.
F9: The F9 key sends an e-mail message in Outlook, opens a measurement toolbar in Quark 5.0, and reduces screen brightness on some laptops. In OS 10.3, the F9 key is used to display thumbnail images of the workspace. Press Fn+F9 to open Mission Control in Mac OS X.
F10: This key can be used to navigate through a menu of any active application; pressing it will access the main menu bar. In the case of the Windows File Explorer, pressing F10 displays a series of letters on the screen; depending on where you want to go, you just have to press the appropriate key as shown on the screen.
F11: It is used to display any open folder in full screen mode. In the case of browsers, pressing F11 also performs this function and closes it in the current tab.
F12: Although this function does not explicitly work for Windows, it is worth knowing that it opens the console of any of the most popular browsers to access developer options.
You can use your computer more quickly and efficiently if you know what each function key does.
