Most users who feel their key is "locked" are stuck in Multimedia Mode and want to switch back to Standard Mode, or vice versa.
If you are using an external keyboard with your laptop, the settings on the external keyboard might override the laptop's native settings. Check the software that came with your external keyboard (e.g., Logitech Options) to ensure "Fn keys" are not remapped there. how to unlock fn key on dell laptop
Here are the three primary ways to change this setting. Most users who feel their key is "locked"
Keyboard function keys - Inspiron 15 3535 Owner's Manual | Dell US Here are the three primary ways to change this setting
Look for a small with "Fn" inside it on the Esc key. Press Fn + Esc simultaneously to toggle the Fn Lock.
Unlocking the key on your Dell laptop allows you to switch between using the top-row keys for standard software shortcuts (like F5 for refresh) or secondary hardware controls (like volume and brightness). Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (Fn + Esc)
The Fn (Function) key on Dell laptops toggles secondary actions on the keyboard’s top row (e.g., volume, brightness). Users often find the Fn key “locked” in an inverted mode, requiring pressing Fn + F1–F12 to use standard function keys. This paper outlines three primary methods to unlock or reverse the Fn key behavior on Dell systems.