The f1 to f12 shortcut keys, also called function keys, run quick commands in Windows and most programs. The most used are F2 to rename a file, F5 to refresh, F7 for spelling in Office, F11 for full screen in browsers and F12 for Save As in Word and Excel.
On many laptops these keys also control volume, brightness and the keyboard light, so you may need to hold Fn to get the real F1 to F12. Fn lock reverses that. This page covers each key, and the Hindi search "f1 se f12 tak shortcut key" means the same list.
Quick facts
Help
F1Rename or edit
F2Refresh
F5Spelling
F7Full screen
F11Save As in Office
F12
F1 to F12 shortcut keys table
| Key | Windows and browsers | Word and Excel |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Help | Help |
| F2 | Rename selected file | Excel: edit cell |
| F3 | Search in File Explorer | Find next (Word) |
| F4 | Address bar list in File Explorer | Repeat last action; Excel: lock reference |
| F5 | Refresh | Word: Go To; Excel: Go To |
| F6 | Move between parts of a window | Move between panes |
| F7 | Caret browsing in browsers | Spelling and grammar |
| F8 | Rarely used | Word: extend selection; Excel: extend mode |
| F9 | Rarely used | Word: update fields; Excel: calculate |
| F10 | Activate the menu bar | Show ribbon key letters |
| F11 | Full screen in browsers | Excel: new chart sheet |
| F12 | Developer tools in browsers | Save As |
Ctrl + F12 shortcut key is used for
In Word and Excel, Ctrl + F12 opens the classic Open dialog to pick a file, while F12 alone opens Save As. Other combinations worth knowing: Alt + F4 closes the program, Shift + F10 opens the right click menu, Shift + F3 changes case in Word, and Ctrl + F2 shows print preview in Office.
Using F-keys on a laptop
Look at the top row of your laptop. Each key shows F1 to F12 plus a symbol such as a speaker or sun. By default many laptops run the symbol action and need Fn for the F-key. To swap this, turn on Fn lock; the combination differs by model, commonly Fn + Esc, and some machines only offer it in the BIOS or the maker's settings app. After that, pressing F2 renames and Fn + F2 changes the media setting.
F1 shortcut key and F2 shortcut key in detail
F1 opens help for the current program, which often launches a web page; it is commonly pressed by mistake when reaching for Esc. F2 is one of the most useful keys: it renames files and folders, see the rename shortcut key guide, and in Excel it opens the selected cell for editing without the mouse.
When function keys do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| F-key changes volume | Hold Fn, or turn on Fn lock |
| Nothing happens at all | Install the laptop maker's hotkey driver |
| F1 keeps opening help | Remap it with the maker's app if pressed by mistake often |
| Fn lock turns off after restart | Set it in the BIOS or maker's settings app |
Frequently asked questions
What are the F1 to F12 shortcut keys?
They are function keys: F1 help, F2 rename, F5 refresh, F7 spelling, F11 full screen, F12 Save As and more.
What is Ctrl + F12 used for?
It opens the Open dialog in Word and Excel.
Why do my F-keys change volume?
Your laptop runs media actions first. Hold Fn or turn on Fn lock.
What does F2 do?
It renames a selected file, or edits a cell in Excel.
What does F12 do in a browser?
It opens the developer tools.
How do I turn on Fn lock?
It depends on the model; Fn + Esc is the most common, and some laptops print a small padlock on the key that does it.