How to fix not working function keys on a Windows 10 laptop

Many users regularly use function keys on their laptop, but some of them do not work on Windows 10. Such a malfunction creates inconvenience in work, simple methods of correction are described below. The problem is actually related to laptops from some manufacturers. Firms from the list are more likely to occur. Directly a list of such firms:

• Dell;
• HP;
• Toshiba;
• Lenovo;
• Asus.

Possible solutions:

• Running Hardware Troubleshooters.
• Update your laptop drivers.
• Uninstall Synaptics Device Pointer Drivers.
• Removing hotkey drivers.
• Enable VAIO Event Service.
• Disable filters.

Run Hardware Troubleshooter

Older laptops may experience platform incompatibility with hardware configuration. OS updates don’t fix the problem, they make it worse. The troubleshooting should restart the keyboard and related services. Launch Windows 10 Hardware Troubleshooter step by step:

• Press Windows + i to bring up the Settings app.
• Open update and security.
• Select “Troubleshoot” in the left pane.
• Expand the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
• Click Run Troubleshooter.
• Wait for the completion of the procedure and verification.

Updating Drivers

Many devices require the latest utilities to be installed when updating Windows 10. Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest versions. They have different names on the site, so download all available ones. Downloading manually is a long and tedious process that affects your computer if you run the wrong versions. Use the automatic update software when you are unsure of what you are doing.

Remove Synaptics Navigation Device

Sometimes Synaptics Pointing conflicts with Windows 10 by default. It is recommended to uninstall Synaptics Pointing Device.

• Go to Control Panel.
• Go to the “Uninstall a program” section.
• Delete Synaptics Pointing Device.

Removing hotkey drivers from your laptop

• Open Device Manager.
• Find the hotkey driver for your device.
• Right-click it and select “Delete”.
• Then search for HID Compliant Keyboard and HID Compliant Mouse and uninstall them.

Restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed.

Disabling Filters

Filters are an OS feature designed to block repeated keystrokes.

• Go to Control Panel and open Access Center.
• Scroll down and select “Make the keyboard easier to use.”
• Scroll down and find the Filter Keys option.
• Make sure the “Enable Filters” option is unchecked.
• After disabling this option, click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.

Resetting your PC to factory settings

Since most keyboards / touchpads come with third-party applications supplied by the OEM, Windows updates will usually remove them. This recovery option is better than a clean reinstall because you will keep your data. Algorithm for rebooting the PC to factory values:

• In the Windows search bar, type “Reset” and open “Reset your PC” from the list of results.
• Click the Get Started button.
• Select whether to keep or delete files and start the recovery procedure.

After following these methods, the problem with the function keys on your Windows 10 laptop should be resolved. If this does not happen, contact a specialist.