What are the F1 through F12 keys? (1)

·         Commonly known as "function keys", F1 through F12 may have a variety of different uses or no use at all.

·         Depending on the installed operating system and the software program currently open will change how each of these keys operate.

·         A program is capable of not only using each of the function keys, but also combining the function keys with the ALT and/or CTRL keys, for example, Microsoft Windows users can press ALT + F4 to close the program currently active.

·         Below is a short-listing of some of the common functions of the functions keys on computers running Microsoft Windows.

·         As mentioned above not all programs support function keys and/or may perform different tasks then those mentioned below. If you are looking for more specific shortcut keys and function key examples we suggest seeing our shortcut key page.

Explanation about keys:-

F1

• Almost always used as the help key, almost every program will open the help screen when this key is pressed.
• Windows Key + F1 would open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
• Open the Task Pane.

F2

• In Windows commonly used to rename a highlighted icon or file.
• Alt + Ctrl + F2 open a new document in Microsoft Word.
• Ctrl + F2 display the print preview window in Microsoft Word.

F3

• Often opens a search feature for many programs including Microsoft Windows.
• Shift + F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a capital letter at the beginning of every word.

F4

• Open find window.
• Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+)
• Alt + F4 will close the program currently active in Microsoft Windows.
• Ctrl + F4 will close the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows.