Function keys F1 to F12: what each one does
The top row does different jobs in different places. Pick where you are, then tap a key. On most laptops, hold Fn to reach them.
F5 in Windows
Refreshes the active window, such as a File Explorer folder.
- CtrlF5 Hard reload in a browser, bypassing the cache
- F5 Start the slide show from the beginning
All function keys at a glance
| Key | Windows | Browser | Excel | Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Opens help for the active app (in File Explorer it searches the web for Windows help). | Opens the browser help centre. | Opens the Help pane. | Opens the Help pane. |
| F2 | Renames the selected file or folder in File Explorer or on the desktop. | No default action. | Edits the active cell, putting the cursor at the end of its contents. | Moves text or graphics (press F2, put the cursor at the destination, press Enter). |
| F3 | Opens search in File Explorer. | Find next match on the page (same as Ctrl+G). | Opens the Paste Name dialog when names are defined. | Inserts an AutoText or Building Block whose name you just typed. |
| F4 | Opens the address bar list in File Explorer. | No default action on its own. | Repeats the last action, or cycles $ absolute and relative references while editing a formula. | Repeats the last action. |
| F5 | Refreshes the active window, such as a File Explorer folder. | Reloads the page. | Opens the Go To dialog. | Opens Find and Replace on the Go To tab. |
| F6 | Cycles through screen elements in a window or on the desktop. | Jumps to the address bar, then cycles through toolbar and page. | Moves between the worksheet, ribbon, task pane and zoom controls. | Moves between the document, ribbon, task pane and status bar. |
| F7 | No default action. | Turns caret browsing on or off (move through pages with a text cursor). | Runs the spelling check. | Runs the spelling and grammar check (Editor pane). |
| F8 | No default action once Windows is running. | No default action. | Turns Extend Selection mode on or off, so arrow keys grow the selection. | Turns extend selection mode on; press again to select a word, sentence, paragraph. |
| F9 | No default action. | No default action. | Recalculates all formulas in all open workbooks. | Updates the selected fields. |
| F10 | Activates the menu bar or ribbon key tips in the active app. | Moves keyboard focus to the browser toolbar. | Shows the ribbon key tips (same as Alt). | Shows the ribbon key tips (same as Alt). |
| F11 | Makes many apps go full screen. | Toggles full-screen mode. | Creates a chart of the selected data on a new chart sheet. | Jumps to the next field. |
| F12 | No default action. | Opens developer tools in Chrome and Edge. | Opens the Save As dialog. | Opens the Save As dialog. |
Sources: Microsoft Support: Keyboard shortcuts in Windows; Excel; Word; Google Chrome Help: Chrome keyboard shortcuts. Laptop makers can remap the top row.
Function keys on a laptop or Mac
Laptop keyboards usually print media icons on the same keys, and the icons win by default. Hold Fn and press the F key to get the function, or turn on Fn Lock (often Fn + Esc, depending on the maker) to flip the default.
On a Mac, the top row controls brightness, volume and media. Hold fn (or the Globe key) to send F1–F12, or switch the default in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys, as described by Apple Support.
Want the Office ones to stick? The Excel trainer and Word trainer include F2, F4, F9 and F12 prompts you answer with the real keys.
Function key questions
What do the F1 to F12 keys do?
F1 opens help, F2 renames a file (or edits a cell in Excel), F3 searches, F4 repeats the last action in Office and Alt+F4 closes a window, F5 refreshes, F6 moves between panes or to the address bar, F7 checks spelling in Office, F8 extends a selection, F9 recalculates in Excel, F10 shows the menu key tips, F11 toggles full screen and F12 opens Save As in Office or developer tools in a browser.
Why do my function keys change volume or brightness instead?
Most laptops put media controls on the top row and treat them as the default. Hold the Fn key with the F key to send F1-F12, or switch the default with Fn Lock (often Fn+Esc) or in the BIOS/keyboard settings. On a Mac, turn on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys” in System Settings > Keyboard.
What is the F4 key used for in Excel?
F4 repeats your last action, such as inserting a row or applying a format. While you edit a formula, F4 cycles a reference through $A$1, A$1, $A1 and A1. On a Mac, use Cmd+Y to repeat and Cmd+T to toggle references.
What does F12 do?
In Word and Excel F12 opens Save As. In Chrome and Edge it opens the developer tools. On many laptops you need Fn+F12.