Using Function Keys as Keyboard Shortcuts

Function Keys

F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12

Every one of us has seen these 12 function keys on the Keyboard. These function
keys perform different functions in different applications and programs. In
combination with other keys these function keys perform different functions
differently. For the benefit of all of us I have codified the ‘Function Keys’
performances.
 F1 key

F1 key is universally linked to Help in almost every program, may it be

Chrome or Microsoft Word.
Win Key+F1 opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
Shift + F1 reveals formatting in MS Word.
Ctrl+F1 opens Task Pane in MS Office
F2 Key

 Hotkey to rename any of the highlighted icon, file or folders. Select a

file/folder/icon and click F2 to rename it.
 Ctrl+F2 opens the print preview in MS Word.
 Fn+F2 mutes the volume of your PC.
 Alt+Ctrl+F2 opens document library in MS Office.
 When clicked during Boot Process, F2 key takes you to the BIOS setup of
your PC.
F3 Key

 F3 often activates search function in different applications including the

leading browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
 Fn+F3 to decrease volume in some laptops.
 Click Shift + F3 to change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower
case
 Shift +F3 opens the search in Google Chrome
F4 Key

 F4 is often used to close the applications. Alt+F4 closes the currently

open program.
 Alt+F4 opens the shutdown option when no program is open.
 Ctrl+F4 closes a part of the running program such as a tab or a
document.
 Click Fn+F4 to increase the volume in some laptops.
 F4 takes you to the address bar in Windows Explorer and Microsoft Edge.
 F4 opens a full screen window in some applications like Space Cadet and
3D Pinball.
F5 Key

 F5 Key is often used to refresh a web page.

 Click F5 to open Find & Replace window in MS Word.
 Starts a slideshow when clicked in PowerPoint.
 Fn+F5 decreases brightness on your monitor on some laptops.
F6 Key

 This key takes you to the address bar in some browsers like Google
Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and many other popular browsers.
 Fn+F6 increases the brightness of your monitor on some laptops.
F7 Key

 F7 opens spelling and grammar checker in MS Word.

 Shift+F7 opens thesaurus in MS Word.
 Fn+F7 opens second screen options in some laptops and opens display
scheme in some laptops.
F8 Key

Commonly used to start your Windows PC in Safe Mode.

Takes you to Windows Recovery system at times
F9 Key

 If you are using MS Word, F9 key will update your document.

 Click F9 to send or receive email in Microsoft Outlook
F10 Key

 F10 Key opens Menu Bar in the open application.

 Shift+F10 works as right click option.
F11 Key

 Enters and exits Full-Screen Mode in almost every popular browser

including Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
 CTRL+F11 opens the hidden recovery options in some Windows laptops.
 Alt+F11 opens the Visual Basic Editor.
F12 Key

 If you are working on MS Word, click F12 to open Save As window.

 Win+F12 saves your document in MS Word.
 CTRL+F12 opens a document in MS Word.
 Opens Inspect Element in popular web browsers.