How do I make [FN] Key required for function keys Acer Aspire TC-1660

OrcChieftain

Using F1-> F12 -> rest of the upper row without Fn key is useful as long as you don't accidentally put your computer to sleep during a game etc. On my old laptop, holding the Fn key was required. On my new Acer Aspire TC-1660, I can't find a way to make it required for F keys to work. I updated to Win 11 right after starting it the first time.

• I tried to look it up in the BIOS. It is not there.
• I tried various combinations such as Fn + Esc, Fn + Caps Lock, Fn + Shif + Insert to enable Fn requirement. To no avail.
• Control Panel -> Ease of Access -> Keyboard - no such setting there.
• Bunch of other stuff.

The keyboard model is the one being shipped with the product...

Well, what should I do next? 

William_mk2

OrcChieftain

Fn key is used mainly on laptops.    You can always go to bios , disable and enable the fn keys on laptops.    Fn key is normally not used on Desktop computers.  It is used only on some Desktop models.  

The computer which you have mentioned  " Acer Aspire TC-1660 "  is a desktop computer.   On most of the desktop computers fn key is not used.   You will not see an option on bios to enable and disable the fn key for Desktop computers.

Kindly go through the details from the link 

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/fn.htm

Commodore_1995#

Can you upload a photo of your keyboard?

billsey

That functionality is keyboard specific, so a different keyboard will default to the F# keys instead of the F# media functions. Does your system come with one of the wired keyboards, or the wireless keyboard/mouse combo?

Larryodie

You might look into how to disable the sleep key in Window. I haven't tried this. BTW my original TC-895-UA92 keyboard requires the FN key. 

Turning Off Sleep Settings

1. Go to Power Options in the Control Panel. In Windows 10, you can get there from right clicking on. the start menu and clicking on Power Options.
2. Click change plan settings next to your current power plan.
3. Change "Put the computer to sleep" to never.
4. Click "Save Changes"

Larryodie

You might also remove the sleep key cover then use tape and a small flat piece of old credit card or something to block the switch.

billsey

No need to turn sleep completely off, you can just change the behavior of the sleep key to 'do nothing'.

OrcChieftain

Hello, thanks for your reactions. It appears it was Fn + Esc after all. It just doesn't disable function keys right of F12 which isn't that big of a deal for me. Anyway, thank you all for the answers and hopefully, this helps some others. I uploaded the picture so it is clear what model I have.

Commodore_1995#

So the problem is solved?

billsey

Great news that you got it sorted! That keyboard picture really helps, so many times we get keyboard questions that can't be answered without knowing which language it's laid out for...