Hp Laptop Function Keys __exclusive__ May 2026
| Key | Icon Looks Like | What It Does (Default "Hotkey" Mode) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Question mark or Speaker | Open Help (or mute/unmute on newer models) | | F2 | Down arrow / Minus sign | Decrease Volume | | F3 | Up arrow / Plus sign | Increase Volume | | F4 | Sun / Moon symbol | Switch displays (Mirror/Extend to a second monitor) | | F5 | Tiny backlight bulb | Keyboard backlight (on/off) | | F6 | Sun down | Decrease Screen Brightness | | F7 | Sun up | Increase Screen Brightness | | F8 | Microphone | Mute/unmute microphone (Great for Zoom calls) | | F9 | Gear / Settings | Open Windows Settings | | F10 | Airplane | Airplane Mode (Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | | F11 | Camera | Enable/Disable Webcam | | F12 | Wi-Fi symbol or Download | Airplane Mode (older) or Save As (Office apps) | Note for Business Users (EliteBook/ProBook): Your F-keys often default to F1-F12 first . You must press Fn + Fx to use the volume/brightness icons. The #1 Most Useful Trick: "Fn Lock" (HP Fast Keys) Do you want the F-keys to act like real F-keys (F5 = Refresh) without holding Fn every time? Use Fn Lock .
Hold this key down while pressing an F-key (e.g., ) to trigger the original computer command (like Refresh). Decoding the Icons on HP Laptops (F1-F12) HP changes its icons slightly between models (business vs. consumer), but these are the universal standards. hp laptop function keys
Don’t worry. This guide explains exactly what every HP function key does and—most importantly—how to switch between "Hotkey" mode and true "Function" mode. Before we look at the icons, locate the Fn key . On almost every HP laptop, it sits at the bottom left of your keyboard, next to the Ctrl and Windows keys. | Key | Icon Looks Like | What
