On compatible Dell keyboards, press Fn+Esc to toggle Function Lock and change which action the top row performs by default. Num Lock is separate: use the Num Lock key or the shortcut printed on your keyboard, because the control varies by model and keyboard layout.
How do I lock or unlock the Fn key on a Dell keyboard?
- Press Fn+Esc once. On compatible Dell keyboards, this toggles Function Lock. Dell documents this shortcut in its keyboard usage guide and in its Latitude 7280, 7390 and 7290 keyboard guide.
- Press a top-row key and check which action it performs: its labeled F1–F12 command or its alternate feature, such as volume or brightness. The default depends on the computer’s settings and model.
- Press Fn+Esc again to switch the behavior back. If nothing changes, check the manual for your exact Dell model; the shortcut and available settings are not universal.
Change the default in BIOS/System Setup
Dell also documents function-key settings in BIOS/System Setup. Restart or turn on the computer, press F2 when the Dell logo appears, and look for a function-key behavior or Fn Lock option. Depending on the model and interface, the setting may appear under Post Behavior > Fn Lock Options or Advanced > Function Key Behavior. Choose the preferred default and save the change. Menu names and availability vary; follow the labels on your computer rather than expecting both paths to appear.
For an example of model-specific BIOS options, the Vostro 15-5568 owner’s manual lists Fn Lock Options on its POST Behavior page.
How do I turn Num Lock on or off on my Dell laptop?
First check the keyboard. Some Dell laptops have a dedicated numeric keypad; others use letter keys that double as a numeric keypad. Look for a Num Lock key or marking. If Num Lock is printed on a secondary function, hold Fn while pressing that key, as indicated by the keyboard layout.
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- The Dell Wired Keyboard provides a convenient keyboard solution for everyday home or office computing uses.
- Device Type: Keyboard. Keys Style: Chiclet. Color: Black. Interface: USB.
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.4 x 5 x 1 inches. Weight: 17.74 oz.
- Designed For: Alienware 13 R2, 15 R2, 17 R3; Inspiron 3252, 3459; Latitude 31XX, 33XX, 34XX, 35XX, E5270, E5450, E5470, E5550, E5570, E6540, E7250, E7450
- Designed For: OptiPlex 30XX, 3240, 50XX, 70XX, 7440, 90XX; Precision Mobile Workstation 5510, 7710; Precision Tower 3420, 3620; Vostro 14 5480, 3250, 39XX; XPS 8700, 8900
- On a keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad, Num Lock controls numeric-keypad input.
- On a keyboard with embedded numeric keys, Num Lock switches the marked letter keys to number input. Turn it off if those keys start typing numbers when you expect letters.
If the printed key combination does not work, consult your computer’s model-specific manual and check BIOS/System Setup for keypad options. For example, Dell’s guide for the Latitude 7280, 7390 and 7290 documents Fn+F5 as a Number Lock toggle for embedded keys and says BIOS activation is required. Dell last modified that guide on 28 Aug 2025. This is an example for those models, not a universal Dell shortcut.
The Vostro 15-5568 owner’s manual documents a different model-specific BIOS implementation: its POST Behavior page includes Keypad (Embedded), with choices such as Fn Key Only or By Numlock, and a separate Numlock Enable startup option. Those labels are not guaranteed to exist on other Dell computers.
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Why are my Dell function keys controlling brightness or volume?
The top-row keys may be set to use their alternate actions by default. Try Fn+Esc and test an F1–F12 key again. If the behavior is still not what you want, check the function-key behavior or Fn Lock setting in BIOS/System Setup using the model’s own manual.
Why is my Dell keyboard typing numbers instead of letters?
Num Lock may be active on a keyboard with embedded numeric keys. Turn it off using the Num Lock control marked on that keyboard; hold Fn as well if the marking is on a secondary function. If you cannot identify the right key, use the exact model’s manual rather than assuming that another Dell model’s shortcut applies.
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Fn Lock and Num Lock: what is the difference?
Function Lock sets the default action for the keyboard’s F1–F12 top row: the standard function-key command or the alternate feature printed on the key. Num Lock controls numeric input on a numeric keypad, including embedded numeric keys on some laptop layouts. They are separate settings, so changing one does not toggle the other.
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- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
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