How to enable hotkeys. What is the Fn button for or why hotkeys on a laptop don’t work

Using hotkeys on laptops

To begin with, it should be said that hot keys are usually called various combinations of keys on the keyboard, by pressing which you will perform various functions, avoiding unnecessary manipulations on the touchpad. There are a number of similar combinations on laptops, which are mainly designed to make working easier in any environment.

The reason for this need for such keys specifically on a laptop is that it is a portable computer, and therefore it is meant that it will be used not only within the home, but also in the most various places. But, for example, if you are on a bus, plane, train, crowded places (metro or train station), it may not always be convenient to perform operations on a laptop using only a touchpad, not to mention a mouse. Just as an alternative to their use, a variety of keyboard shortcuts are used.

Using the Fn key

When with special attention If you look at a laptop keyboard, you can see certain differences from a simple desktop computer keyboard. In particular, there are no buttons, for example, a block with numbers. At the same time, there is one key in the laptop that cannot be found on any a simple computer- this key is designated “Fn”. It does not perform any function on its own, but in combination with other buttons, it can do huge number operations. The instructions that may come with laptop models often contain explanations in this regard. In addition, the specific keys that can be used in combination with “Fn” include additional symbols, often all very often highlighted in a different color. In addition, today's laptops have a huge number of hotkeys without using the “Fn” key. Their main purpose is to work with folders, shortcuts, files, the system and perform other necessary tasks. These hotkeys are also used on regular computers, but only on laptops they play a fairly significant role.

Keyboard shortcuts for working with File Explorer

Very often, to work with files and folders, you need to turn to Windows Explorer. To call it, you do not need to go to the Start menu - you can do this much easier and faster using the combination Windows keys+ E. In order to move from one to the second zone of Explorer, you can only press the F6 key or the Tab button. The Backspace key can also make your work much easier, as it will return you to the folder in which this document or file is located. In addition, you can view the first and last elements of an open window using the Home and End keys. When there is a need to see the contents of a given folder or file, you can do this using the Alt+Enter key combination. Calling the right-click context menu is replaced by the combination Shift+F10. To view a list of address lines in the Explorer window, use the F4 key. You can easily navigate through list items using the arrow keys.

Hot keys can also help when working with files and folders. So, in order to select all the folders and files located in the window, press Ctrl+A. If you need to select only a couple of folders and files that are located in different places of the window, then you should press the Ctrl key and, while holding it, press the left touchpad button on necessary documents. In order to select a group of existing files next to each other, press and hold the Shift key, and then click with the left touchpad button on the first and last file from the list you need. If you hold down the F2 key and highlight a folder or document, you can change their names. When, in addition to this, you also select a group of objects, the name will change only in the first of them.

When a folder or file should be moved to the trash, then after highlighting it, click “Delete”. To delete a file without going to the trash can, use the Shift+Delete key combination.

The simplest key combination, which is used not only by owners of laptops, but also of ordinary home computers, is Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V, respectively, meaning “copy” and “paste”. Of course, after copying, the original copied file will also remain in its place. If you need to cut them out from there, then use a different key combination - Ctrl+X. After that, using the Ctrl+V combination, the file can be placed in a new location.

Ctrl+O is also considered a fairly popular key combination, after pressing which the “open” window will be visible on the screen, where you can select the next document. Often, the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+F12 or Alt+Ctrl+F2 are used for this.

How to take a screenshot

There is a quite useful PrtSc key on a laptop. When it is pressed, a screenshot of the screen taken at the moment of pressing remains in the laptop’s memory. If you open a graphics editor and press Ctrl+V, you can save the photo in image form. This is quite convenient when you need to show a second person, for example, the type of dialog box that appears in case of problems in order to ask for advice on how to eliminate them. If you need to take a snapshot of only one window, which will currently be active, then you can use the Alt+Print combination.

Almost all laptop models allow the user to assign specific sets of keys to a variety of dialog boxes that automatically appear when they are pressed. This is quite convenient, especially when work is carried out simultaneously with quite a large number windows But the user needs to keep all such combinations in his head at all times, so it is not recommended to assign quite a lot of such combinations.

The above hotkeys usually do not require additional settings. They function automatically after installing the operating system on the laptop. However, combinations that use the Fn key function only when the laptop has the operating system specified by the manufacturer. One function that requires additional settings is the automatic opening of windows by pressing a particular key combination. This is done quite simply - for the selected program you need to create a shortcut in some place, and then specific hot keys are assigned to it. After creating the shortcut, right-click on it and go to “Properties” in the drop-down menu. A dialog box will open containing a “shortcut” field. In this field you should enter the desired key combination, and then save all the settings. Usually the system may offer the combination Ctrl+Alt+any other key. This combination is worth sticking to.

How to repair a laptop when the hot keys do not function.

In order to be able to configure other hotkeys, you should install special operating system utilities on laptops, which are commonly called hotkey managers. Using these programs, you can set keyboard shortcuts and functions that will be executed after they are clicked. These are usually provided possible actions: opening specific windows and documents, launching different programs, launching web pages, inserting specific template text, sound, monitor settings, turning off the computer and rebooting it. Also, using managers, you have the opportunity to decide the action of hot keys in a certain situation, for example, when playing on a computer in full screen mode.

Situations may often arise when pressing keys does not perform this function. There may be some reasons for this case. The most common of them is a large number of viruses on laptop. Sometimes this causes problems with other programs and applications. In these cases, to restore optimal functioning of the laptop, you need to clean the system from viruses using a high-quality antivirus, and if this does not solve the problem, you need to reinstall the system after formatting the hard drive.

The cause of the problem in the operation of hot keys when the Fn key is used can often be the installation of an operating system and drivers, the versions of which are different from those that were purchased with the laptop. In this case, the initial system and all drivers must be installed, or some minor configuration must be done. new system. When this is not possible, you should install a key manager in which you assign most of them manually.

The Windows operating system is designed in such a way that it provides a number of universal key combinations that can recall any running program.

For example, a command known to many users as pressing Alt+Tab simultaneously allows you to switch between tasks. There are also other simple combinations. Pressing Ctrl+Esc at the same time automatically opens the Start menu. Windows+Tab allows you to move from one application to another while moving the pointer to the taskbar. When minimizing existing open windows, use the Windows + M command. Ctrl+A selects pictures, text, and other various files. Selected text or a picture can be copied using the Ctrl+C keys, cut using Ctrl+X, and pasted using Ctrl+V.

Desktop

You can work with various icons and shortcuts located on the Desktop using the control keys below. Using such commands will especially speed up work if the mouse is not working.

Once you have determined the location of the background label, you can rename the object name by pressing the F2 key.

Pressing the Shift+F10 keys simultaneously provides access to the context menu, which is equivalent to pressing the right mouse button or touchpad on a laptop. If you need to get into the icon properties window, the Alt+Enter command will help.

The Delete button moves the icon to the trash, and Shift+Delete deletes it completely from the computer, without actually returning.

Working with objects on the Desktop directly using the keyboard may seem inconvenient to many. However, there is an even more simplified option for working with a contextual application.

In order to open the search window, you must use F3, and the Windows + E command will help you open the Windows Explorer window.
All the commands listed above can be used in Windows Explorer. There are also special keys that can only be used in a contextual application. F4 will help you open a list of all folders. F5 will update the information about the folder that is open and F6 will allow you to move from one window to the next.

Most modern laptops and netbooks also have additional features that open when you hold down the Fn key. For each laptop model, these combinations are unique and can be found in the gadget’s manual.

Instructions

A standard laptop keyboard most often does not have a number block. Many of the functions of a full keyboard are performed using combinations of function keys called hot keys. There is a special Fn button to enable or disable this technology.

Some key combinations with the Fn button vary depending on the laptop brand, but the most common are: - Fn+F1 - to call help; - Fn+F2 - to send a document to print; - Fn+F3 - to launch the browser; - Fn+ F4 - to enable or disable the touchpad;- Fn+F5 - to enter sleep mode;- Fn+F6 - to lock the keyboard;- Fn+F7 - to reduce screen brightness;- Fn+F8 - to increase screen brightness;- Fn +F9 - to mute the sound;- Fn+F11 - to decrease the volume;- Fn+F12 - to increase the volume.

Are used " hot keys"and on desktop computers. Please note that it is possible to assign custom hotkeys to shortcuts located in the main system menu or desktop icons. To do this you need to call context menu the selected shortcut by right-clicking and selecting “Properties”. Use the “Shortcut” tab of the dialog box that opens and select the “Shortcut” line. Click desired functionality keys and save your changes. Typically, the combinations Ctrl, Shift and any letter or Ctrl, Alt and any letter are used for this.

Use the most well-known desktop keyboard shortcuts: - Ctrl+Esc+Win - to open the main Start menu; - Ctrl+Shift+Esc - to launch the Task Manager utility; - Win+E - to launch the Windows Explorer application. ;- Win+R - to call the “Run” dialog;- Win+M - to minimize all open desktop windows.

The print manager is the name given to the built-in Print Manager spooler program, designed to print selected pages of a document in the background without interrupting the main work. This is accomplished by the printer driver sending print commands to a temporary file on disk rather than to the printer itself.

Instructions

Click the “Start” button to open the main menu of the system and go to “Settings” to launch the “Print Manager” tool.

Expand the “Computer Management” item by double-clicking the mouse and select the “Services” node.

Select the “Print Spooler” item by double-clicking the mouse and select the “Start” command to start the selected service or “Stop” to stop the service.

Return to the main Start menu and select Run to use an alternative method to launch the built-in Print Spooler tool.

Select the “Print Spooler” item in the list of services that opens in the “Services” dialog box and click the “Start Service” button.

Return to the main Start menu and go to Settings to set Print Spooler to turn on automatically.

Select the “Use Print Spooler” command from the list of installed printers and find the icon of the selected service at the bottom of the computer monitor screen.

Return to the main Start menu and go to Run to unload (stop) the Print Spooler service.

Enter services.msc in the Open field and click OK to confirm the command.

Select Print Spooler in the Services dialog box that opens and select Stop Service.

Helpful advice

Double-click the printer icon in the taskbar notification area to quickly view current print jobs.

Sources:

• Starting and stopping the print spooler
• Vista and XP: How to fix print queue problems
• The print spooler is disabled

Hotkeys on your keyboard allow you to use your computer much faster than using just a mouse. Unfortunately, not all users know about these combinations.

Hot keys allow you to interact with your personal computer much faster and more conveniently. Thanks to them, the user can execute many pre-programmed commands. Of course, it is simply impossible to immediately remember all the available combinations. To begin with, it’s worth remembering just a few of them. It should be noted that each program can use different combinations. As a result, with their help, the user’s efficiency with a personal computer will increase significantly.

Hotkeys for working with text

There are different combinations, for example, for working with text editors. A selected fragment of text can be copied using the combination Ctrl + C, or it can be cut using the command Ctrl + X. In order to select absolutely all the text in the document itself, you can use Ctrl + A. To paste a fragment, use the command Ctrl + V. These Keyboard combinations can also be used to work with files or folders. When selecting the necessary fragments, you just need to press a certain combination, and the result will be visible.

Other types of keyboard shortcuts

Of course, there are other combinations that will significantly speed up the process of working with a personal computer. For example, using the hotkey combination Alt + F4, you can quickly exit the active window. In addition, there are a huge variety of hotkeys using the Win button. This button is located between Ctrl and Alt, on the left side of the keyboard. By pressing the Win key, the user can very quickly open the Start menu and work with it.

Hot keys Win + F1 allow the user to get help about the program or their own system. Win + F - opens a search window. With its help, you can easily find the necessary fragments in the text. The Win + L key combination can lock the user's computer. It is worth using it if, for example, you are at work and do not want any of your employees to find out your confidential information. This same keyboard shortcut will be useful if you have children. Win + D - allows you to minimize absolutely all currently open windows, and when pressed again, open these windows.

Some modern operating systems may have special key combinations that only work on them. For example, in the Windows 7 operating system, the Win + Tab combination allows you to view all active windows in 3D mode. Hot keys Win + P in the same operating system will allow you to control the projector from your computer.

Certain key combinations may also be used in various games and applications, but there they will be completely different from the standard ones and have their own meanings.

Hot keys in Windows operating systems are certain combinations of keyboard keys that allow you to launch programs, use various functions, or enable certain operating modes of the system.

Instructions

To create hotkeys for launching a specific program, find its shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu.

If the program shortcut is missing, open the directory where it is located. Typically, programs are installed on the local drive C in the “Program Files” folder.

In the open directory, find the main executive file of the program (with the extension “.exe”) and right-click on it once. In the context menu that appears, hover your mouse over the “Send” line and select “Desktop (create shortcut)” from the list.

Right-click on the program launcher shortcut and select “Properties”. A dialog box will open containing information about the program and basic settings for the shortcut parameters.

Press the letter or number key on your keyboard that you want to add to the “Ctrl + Alt” combination for quick access to the program. After selecting the desired hotkey combination, click the “Apply” button and then “OK”.

Press the key combination “Ctrl + Alt + X” (where “X” is the previously selected letter or number) and make sure that the program starts normally.

To control various functions of the operating system using hot keys, open a Windows Explorer window. Open an additional menu by pressing the “Alt” key on your keyboard. This menu includes basic actions on files and folders, connection management, view settings, window properties, etc.

Text strings for menu item names contain underlined characters that are used for quick access. Press a key with an underlined letter or number to open a menu item and start an action.

Access to hot keys by pressing the “Alt” button is also available in many programs, such as Paint, Calculator, components of the Microsoft Office software package different versions etc.

Helpful advice

All versions of the Windows operating system have standard keyboard shortcuts that provide quick access to frequently used options. For example, the combination “Ctrl + C” copies the selected file, text, element of a document to the clipboard, and the combination “Ctrl + V” pastes the copied file into an open folder or into a selected part of the document. Full list The default hotkeys used in Windows can be found in the operating system help file.

Touchpad is a special touch area located at the bottom of the laptop keyboard and is designed to move the cursor around the screen and perform various actions. To enable the touchpad on a laptop, you need to install the appropriate driver and unlock the keyboard.

Instructions

Please note that the touchpad on a laptop is usually a separate device and requires installation of the appropriate drivers and programs for successful work. Therefore, before turning on the touchpad on your laptop, read the instructions for the computer, which describe the features of working with it, and place the boot disk included in the drive.

Install drivers from boot disk or download them on the Internet by searching for your laptop model name. You can install either a general driver package or find a separate one designed specifically for the touchpad. However, to enable the touchpad, you will need a special program, usually included in the installation archive. Upon completion of the installation process, a service icon should appear in the system tray. Click on it and open the service settings. Using them, you can immediately turn off or turn on the touchpad, as well as assign hot keys for this.

Try enabling the touchpad on your laptop using the preset key combination on your keyboard. To do this, you need to hold down the Fn button (usually located at the bottom of the keyboard) and one of the function keys (F1 to F12). Pay attention to the buttons and find the one with the touchpad icon on it. Most often this is F6 or F7. By pressing this combination again, you can disable the touchpad.

Follow a few additional steps if, after installing the drivers, the touchpad still does not work or responds to a special key combination. Click the Start button and open Control Panel. Select the "Mouse" menu item and check the current touchpad settings. This is where there may be a button to activate or deactivate it, which you need to press. Also, in some laptop models, you can use the touchpad through the BIOS system menu, accessible by pressing the Del key immediately after booting the computer. Here, on the Internal Pointing Device tab, you need to set the “Enabled” option to enable the touchpad. Save the settings and restart your computer.

Special key combinations, or “hot keys,” can significantly increase your computer efficiency. This function becomes especially convenient when working on a laptop, since these mobile devices do not have a full keyboard.

Posting sponsor P&G Articles on the topic "How to enable hot keys" How to type icons on the keyboard How to disable hot keys How to disable accessibility features

Instructions

A standard laptop keyboard most often does not have a number block. Many of the functions of a full keyboard are performed using combinations of function keys called hot keys. There is a special Fn button to enable or disable this technology. Some key combinations with the Fn button vary depending on the laptop brand, but the most common are:
- Fn+F1 - to call help;
- Fn+F2 - to send a document for printing;
- Fn+F3 - to launch the browser;
- Fn+F4 - to enable or disable the touchpad;
- Fn+F5 - to enter sleep mode;
- Fn+F6 - to lock the keyboard;
- Fn+F7 - to reduce screen brightness;
- Fn+F8 - to increase screen brightness;
- Fn+F9 - to mute the sound;
- Fn+F11 - to decrease the volume;
- Fn+F12 - to increase the volume. Hotkeys are also used on desktop computers. Please note that it is possible to assign custom hotkeys to shortcuts located in the main system menu or desktop icons. To do this, you need to call the context menu of the selected shortcut by right-clicking and select “Properties”. Use the “Shortcut” tab of the dialog box that opens and select the “Shortcut” line. Press the desired function keys and save your changes. Typically, the combinations Ctrl, Shift and any letter or Ctrl, Alt and any letter are used for this. Use the most familiar desktop keyboard shortcuts:
- Ctrl+Esc+Win - to call the main Start menu;
- Ctrl+Shift+Esc - to launch the “Task Manager” utility;
- Win+E - to launch the Windows Explorer application;
- Win+R - to call the “Run” dialog;
- Win+M - in order to minimize all open desktop windows. How simple

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