How to Enable Function Keys in Windows 8 Without Pressing Fn

In Windows 8, the function keys (F1 through F12) are often used for various system functions like opening the Charms menu or adjusting volume. However, if you prefer to use these keys for their standard functions in applications, you can easily enable them without pressing the Fn key. Here’s how to do it:

Enable Function Keys in BIOS

The first step is to enable the function keys in your computer’s BIOS settings:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup utility by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during boot.
2. Navigate to the “System Configuration” or “Advanced” menu.
3. Look for an option labeled “Action Keys Mode,” “Function Keys Mode,” or something similar.
4. Change the setting from “Enabled” (or “Function Keys”) to “Disabled” (or “Standard Function Keys”).
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

After making this change, your function keys should now work without pressing the Fn key.

Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If you’re using a touchscreen device or a tablet, you can enable the function keys using the on-screen keyboard:

1. Open the Charms menu by swiping in from the right edge of the screen or pressing Windows key C.
2. Tap or click the “Settings” charm.
3. Select “Change PC Settings” at the bottom of the screen.
4. Go to the “General” workspace.
5. Under “Touch keyboard settings,” turn on the “Make the standard keyboard layout available” option.
6. Open the on-screen keyboard and tap the “Fn” key to access the function keys.

With this setting enabled, the on-screen keyboard will display the function keys, allowing you to use them without pressing the Fn key.

Use AutoHotkey

If the above methods don’t work or you want more control over your function keys, you can use a third-party utility like AutoHotkey. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download and install AutoHotkey from the official website.
2. Create a new AutoHotkey script by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “New” > “AutoHotkey Script.”
3. Open the script in a text editor and add the following lines:

 #NoEnv SendMode Input SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% F1::Send {F1} F2::Send {F2} ; Add similar lines for each function key 

Save the script and run it. This will remap the function keys to their standard behavior, allowing you to use them without pressing the Fn key.

By following these steps, you can easily enable the function keys in Windows 8 and use them for their standard functions in applications without the need to press the Fn key.