Chromebooks are a great option for students who need a laptop that can be taken with them anywhere. However, if you’re not used to using a keyboard with function keys, you may find it difficult to use your Chromebook. In this article, we’ll show you how to use the function keys on your Chromebook keyboard. First, make sure that your Chromebook has an external keyboard connected. If not, you can purchase one from the Google Store or other online retailers. Once your Chromebook has an external keyboard connected, follow these steps to use the function keys:
- Press and hold down the “fn” key and press the “space” key at the same time. This will open up a menu of options.
- Select “Function Keys.” This will display all of the function keys on your external keyboard. You can now use these keys as if they were regular keys on your Chromebook keyboard. ..
The image below shows the top row of keys on a typical Chromebook keyboard. It may not look like it, but there are function keys hidden in that row. The keys between ESC and Power/Lock double as F1 through F10. We’ll show you how to use them.
There are two ways to utilize the hidden function keys on a Chromebook. The method you choose will depend on how often you need the function keys. The first method doesn’t require any configuration.
Simply hold down the Search/Launcher key and press one of the keys in the top row. This enables the secondary purpose of the key, which in the case of the top row, is F1, F2, F3, etc.
One important thing to note is that this won’t work if you have changed the function of the Search/Launcher key. It needs to be in its default state.
The second method is a more permanent solution. You can choose to have the top row always act as function keys.
First, click the clock on the Shelf to bring up the Quick Settings panel. Select the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
In the Settings app, go to the “Device” section.
Now, select “Keyboard” from the “Device” section.
Scroll down a bit and you’ll see “Treat Top-Row Keys as Function Keys.” Toggle the switch on.
That’s it. What we’ve done is flip the purpose of the top row. The default actions are now F1, F2, F3, etc., and you can hold down the Search/Launcher key to use the Chrome OS functions.
It’s unfortunate that Chromebook keyboards don’t show the function keys on the top row labels. You’ll have to learn which Chrome OS icons are associated with which function keys. If you use function keys a lot, these are good tricks to know.
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