How to fix
Function Keys Not Working
on Windows

I’ve upgraded Windows from 8 to 10 and approximately a month after that found Fn key not working. Is it just a coincidence or update triggered the failure of FN key? Could someone please help?

Personal computers (PCs) do not have the so-called Function (FN). Thus, if you are a PC owner and have nothing in common with the FN key, please bypass this post. Otherwise, you may found useful information on how to fix Function keys not working issue on Windows 10.[ref en-1]

Fn keys have been designed to perform specific actions on laptops, for example, turn Wi-Fi[ref en-3] off or on, change screen’s brightness, turn the sounds on or off, get the screen to sleep, and so on. The Fn key always goes in combination with the other keys, usually F(1-12).

Unfortunately, quite frequently the Fn key stops working and this typically happens after upgrading Windows from earlier versions or installing the latest updates. According to the latest reports, people using ASUS, HP, Acer, and Lenovo[ref en-2] laptops most frequently encounter issues related to Fn keys.

How to Fix Function Keys Not Working on Windows 10?

#1. Update device drivers

Usually, Function keys stop working after upgrading the system to Windows after the earlier versions or installing the latest updates. The reason may be incompatible or outdated system drivers. Therefore, you should navigate to Device Manager[ref en-4] and check if there are any malfunctioning drivers. For this purpose, do the following:

• Right-click Windows key and select Device Manager.

  

• Expand each category one-by-one and check if any of the device drivers are marked with a yellow exclamation mark.
• If you detected some of the outdated drivers, right-click them and select Update Driver Software.
• After the update, reboot the system.

#2. Uninstall Synaptics Pointing Device driver

Synaptics Pointing Device driver has been found to be conflicting with the Windows 10 OS. Such a conflict may trigger Fn key error, so try to uninstall the driver. For this purpose, please follow these steps:

• Right-click Windows key and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Mice and other pointing devices section and click Synaptics driver.

  

• Select Uninstall driver and click OK on the confirmation window.
• If the driver is not given in Device Manager, you can either look for it in Control Panel or search for it using Windows search.
• Anyway, after the removal, reboot the system.

#3. Uninstall hotkey drivers

• Right-click Windows key and select Device Manager.
• Locate the Hotkey driver for your device and right-click it.
• Select Uninstall.
• Now locate the HID Compliant Keyboard and HID Compliant Mouse drivers, right-click them, and opt for Uninstall option.
• After all, reboot the system.

#4. Enable VAIO Event Service

• Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  

• Locate the VAIO Event Service and double-click it.
• Check the section of the Startup type and make sure to set it to Automatic.
• Then Click Service Status and make sure that it’s started. Otherwise, start it.
• Click OK and Apply to save the changes.

#5. Try running Windows hardware troubleshooter

• Go to the Windows search bar and type in Settings.
• Click on the Update & Security option.
• Look for Troubleshoot and select it.

  

• After that, click Hardware and Devices ---> Run the troubleshooter

#6. Disable the filter keys

• Go to the Windows search section and find the Control Panel.
• Open Ease of Access Center.
• Find the Make the keyboard easier to use variant and click on it.

  

• After that, find the Filter Keys option.
• Then, click Apply ---> OK.

If you have any other questions regarding Fn key not working, please let us know, so that we could further assist you.