Fix Keyboard Function Keys Not Working on Mac and Windows

June 10, 2023 Finn Childe

Have you ever experienced your keyboard function keys not working on your Mac or Windows computer? It can be frustrating, but don’t worry, there are simple solutions that can fix the problem. Read on to find out how.

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting Function Key Issues

If your function keys are not working on your Mac or Windows computer keyboard, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, try pressing Fn along with the key you want to use. If that doesn’t work, make sure your keyboard driver is up to date. You can also try resetting the Function key using the BIOS. For Windows users, try using Driver Easy to update your device drivers. If your function keys are locked, look for an F lock key or try pressing Fn and Esc together to unlock them. If none of these methods work, there may be a hardware issue with your keyboard circuit board or circuitry. In this case, it may be best to contact a professional or the manufacturer for assistance.

Checking Keyboard Lock and Mode of Operation

To check the keyboard lock and mode of operation, there are a few steps you can take. For Windows users, try pressing the F lock key to toggle between the standard function keys and media functions. Mac users can try pressing the F12 key to access media controls, or press Fn + F1-F12 to access function keys.

If none of these steps work, it could be due to a driver issue. Check your device drivers and update them using software such as Driver Easy. Alternatively, check your keyboard’s circuitry for debris or locked keys. You can also try restarting your computer or checking your BIOS settings.

If you’re an AutoCAD user, make sure your keyboard is set to the correct language and try turning off any background programs that may interfere with the F keys. Remember, there are various causes for keyboard failure, so don’t worry if one method doesn’t work. Keep trying new fixes until the problem is resolved.

Updating Keyboard Driver and Device Drivers

To fix keyboard function keys not working on Mac and Windows, updating keyboard and device drivers can help resolve the issue. Pressing Fn with function keys can enable media functions on some keyboards. For Windows, using Driver Easy can help update drivers automatically. For Mac, go to the Bluetooth page to update drivers.

If driver updates don’t work, there are a few other fixes to try. Check if the function lock or F-Lock key is on, and turn it off if it is. Make sure background programs aren’t using the F keys. Clean the keyboard to remove any debris that might be affecting functionality.

If none of these methods work, there may be a failure in the circuit board. In this case, it may be necessary to consult a third-party for repairs.

import tkinter as tk import keyboard


def check_function_keys():

    function_keys = ['F1', 'F2', 'F3', 'F4', 'F5', 'F6', 'F7', 'F8', 'F9', 'F10', 'F11', 'F12']

    for key in function_keys:

        if not keyboard.is_pressed(key):

            print(f"{key} key is not working")
def fix_function_keys():

    # code to fix the function keys issue goes here

    print("Function keys have been fixed")
root = tk.Tk()

root.title("Function Keys Checker")

root.geometry("300x100")
check_button = tk.Button(root, text="Check Function Keys", command=check_function_keys)

check_button.pack(pady=10)
fix_button = tk.Button(root, text="Fix Function Keys", command=fix_function_keys)

fix_button.pack()

root.mainloop()

This code creates a simple GUI using the tkinter library that allows the user to check if their function keys are working or not. When the “Check Function Keys” button is pressed, the code checks each function key using the keyboard library and prints a message if any key is not working. The “Fix Function Keys” button can be used to implement the code that will fix the issue with the function keys.

Note that the fix_function_keys() function would need to be customized based on the specific issue with the function keys. It could involve updating drivers, resetting the keyboard settings, or other troubleshooting steps.

Cleaning and Removing the Keyboard

Turn off your computer or laptop before starting to clean the keyboard to avoid accidental inputs and potential damage to the device.
Remove any debris or dust from the keyboard with a can of compressed air or a soft-bristled brush.
Use a cleaning solution or alcohol-based wipes to clean and disinfect the keyboard surface and keys. Avoid using excessive moisture, as it may damage the keyboard.
Remove individual keys if necessary for a deeper clean or to fix any stuck or unresponsive keys.
Replace any broken or damaged keys with compatible replacement keys or seek professional repair services.
Test the keyboard after cleaning and reassembly to ensure all keys are functioning properly.

Dealing with Program or Driver Interference

If your keyboard function keys are not working, program or driver interference may be the cause. To fix this issue, try pressing the Fn key along with the function key you want to use. If that doesn’t work, check for any issues with your computer keyboard by using the built-in keyboard diagnostic tool or trying a different keyboard.

You can also use a program like Driver Easy to update your keyboard drivers and resolve any driver-related problems. Additionally, make sure that any third-party software or settings are not interfering with your keyboard’s functionality.

If you are experiencing issues with specific function keys such as Volume controls or F1-F12 shortcuts, check if the function lock is on. You can turn it off by pressing the F-Lock key on your keyboard.

Overall, dealing with program or driver interference requires troubleshooting and patience. By following these steps and checking for any underlying causes, you can get your keyboard working again.