The F1 to F12 keys on your keyboard are known as function keys. Their actions can vary depending on the program or operating system, but here’s a general overview of what each key commonly does:
🔹 F1 – Help Key
Windows: Opens Help for the current program (e.g., browser, MS Word).
Chrome/Edge: Opens browser help.
Shift + F1: In MS Office, opens context help.
🔹 F2 – Rename
Windows Explorer: Renames selected file or folder.
Excel: Edits the active cell.
🔹 F3 – Search
Windows: Opens search in File Explorer.
Web browsers: Opens search bar (same as Ctrl + F in many apps).
🔹 F4 – Address Bar / Close
Alt + F4: Closes the current window.
File Explorer: Focuses address bar.
🔹 F5 – Refresh
Web browsers: Reloads the page.
PowerPoint: Starts slideshow.
Excel/Word: Opens “Find and Replace” (with Ctrl + F5).
🔹 F6 – Navigation
Moves the cursor to address bar or panes (browser/File Explorer).
Shift + F6: Moves focus to previous pane.
🔹 F7 – Spell Check
MS Word/Outlook: Launches spell check and grammar.
Shift + F7: Opens Thesaurus.
🔹 F8 – Boot Menu / Text Selection
During boot: Opens Windows startup menu (safe mode).
MS Word: Extends selection.
🔹 F9 – Refresh Fields / Compile
Word: Updates fields.
Outlook: Sends/receives emails.
Some IDEs: Compile or run code.
🔹 F10 – Menu Activation
Activates menu bar in apps.
Shift + F10: Same as right-click (context menu).
During boot: May open BIOS on some systems.
🔹 F11 – Full Screen
Browsers: Fullscreen mode toggle.
Excel: Chart creation (Shift + F11 creates new sheet).