The Function Key Is Stuck on My IBM ThinkPad
Using the "Fn" key on your ThinkPad allows you to perform special actions on your keyboard when you hold it down and press another key at the same time. Most of the time, your “Fn” key won't interfere with normal operation of your ThinkPad, as you need to hold it down to activate it. Sometimes, however, this key can become stuck, causing unusual characters and actions to occur as you use your laptop.
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Symptoms
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The “Fn” key on your ThinkPad is colored differently from most of the rest of your laptop keys. This coloring corresponds with small colored numbers or icons on other keys, which indicate the actions performed when they're pressed as you hold down the “Fn” key. When your “Fn” key becomes stuck, pressing the other keys will print the number or perform the action by itself.
Physical Problem
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In some cases, your “Fn” key can become physically stuck due to accumulated dirt beneath it or a spilled, sticky liquid such as soda or juice. A can of compressed air can sometimes fix this by blowing any collected debris from beneath the key. A deeper cleaning may be necessary for sticky keys, requiring cotton swabs, a flat-headed screwdriver and rubbing alcohol. Use the screwdriver to gently pry the “Fn” key up and pop it off. Dampen the cotton swab with the rubbing alcohol and thoroughly clean the key and keyboard base before snapping the key back into place.
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Setting Problem
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Sometimes your “Fn” key can be locked in an on position, indicated by a small LED near the “Fn” on some ThinkPad systems. Press the “Fn” key numerous times until the light goes out to unlock it. In some cases the “Fn” key can be turned off by pressing different combinations of keys, such as “Fn-ScrLk,” “Fn-NumLk” or “Fn-F11.” Many ThinkPads respond to “Shift-ScrLk” to correct a stuck “Fn” key.
BIOS Problem
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It's possible the “Fn” setting in your BIOS has been changed, which is enabling the key during boot. Reboot the ThinkPad and enter the BIOS by pressing the “F1” key as the system boots up. This takes you into the ThinkPad's BIOS settings. Check whether the Fn Key Lock is enabled. If it is, disable it and press “F10” to save the new settings. Exit the BIOS setup and restart.
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