How to change Dell Laptop Multifunction Key Buttons

Most computer users are familiar with the row of “Function” keys located along the top of the keyboard. The “F1″ through “F12″ keys are designed to offer users short-cuts to operations they frequently perform. On many Dell laptop computers, the keys have been set by default to perform the secondary function, which on Dell laptops is generally multimedia related. If you’re used to using the keys for Windows short-cuts, this can cause confusion and inconvenience. However, there are several ways to switch the keys back to their default functions.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Reboot or turn on your computer and open the BIOS settings by clicking one or more keys immediately upon seeing the first screen image as the computer boots. The hot key used to access the BIOS menu is usually the “F2,” “F8″ or “Esc” key, or a combination of these keys. Find the correct key or combination of keys on the laptop manufacturer’s website or in your user manual.
     
   • 2
     Navigate to the “Advanced” settings tab by using your keyboard arrow keys and the “Enter” key. Generally, you will find this tab at the top of the BIOS main screen between the “Main” and “Security” tabs.
     
   • 3
     Open the “Advanced” tab and use the “Down Arrow” key to move to and highlight “Function Key Settings,” which may be labeled “Function Key Behavior.”
     
   • 4
     Highlight the functionality box by clicking the “Right Arrow” key. Use the “Up Arrow” and “Down Arrow” keys to select your choice. Generally, these are the default “Function Key First” setting and the “Multimedia Key First” setting. Depending on your laptop model, you may have other choices as well. The “Function Key First” setting allows you to use various Windows shortcuts defined in your Windows OS manual. The “Multimedia Key First” setting allows you to access audio and video shortcuts defined by your laptop manufacturer and outlined in your laptop user manual.
     
   • 5
     Move your cursor to the bottom of the BIOS screen after making your selection and highlight “Save and Exit Setup,” or press the “F10″ key to perform the same operation. Reboot the computer to activate your changes.