79

What are the F1 – F12 keys?

These are the function keys located at the top of your keyboard. The F1 through F12 have

many uses depending on which program you are using and the type of computer in use. Some are

used as shortcut keys, such as pressing Alt + F4 to close an active window on your computer.

Specifically, the keys will do the following, in addition to many other shortcuts when used

with the Alt, Ctrl, Shift or other keys. For a more thorough look at their numerous functions try a

Google search of the 12 function keys.

F1 – Normally this key will open the help screen when pressed. By pressing the Windows

key + F1 you can open the Microsoft Windows help and support center. When online, pressing the

Ctrl + F1 enables a task pane, a small window that explains or details your current page.

F2 – When a file menu is displayed the F2 key enables the renaming function of a

highlighted file. Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens a new document when using Microsoft Word. Ctrl + F2

displays the print preview window in Microsoft Word.

F3 – This key opens a search Find window when using Microsoft Explorer enabling the

typing of the word or phrase of a file or window you wish to locate.

F4 – This key opens the address bar when using Microsoft Explorer. In Microsoft Word it

will repeat the last action. Alt + F4 will close the program currently active in MS Windows.

F5 – In most Internet browsers the F5 key will refresh or reload the page or document

window. It will start a slideshow when using MS PowerPoint. In Word it opens the Find and

Replace window.

F6 – The F6 key moves the cursor to the address bar in most browsers. Ctrl + Shift + F6

opens to another active MS Word document on your screen.

F7 – This key opens to the spelling and grammar checking feature of MS Word and

Outlook. Shift + F7 runs a thesaurus check of a highlighted word.

F8 – The F8 key is used when entering the Windows startup menu, commonly used to get

into Windows Safe Mode.

F9 – In Microsoft Excel the F9 key offers the equivalent of View > Toolbars > Customize

> Categories > Tools > Calculate Now to calculate formulae on an Excel worksheet.

F10 – The F10 key activates the menu bar of an open application. Shift + F10 is the same

as right-clicking on a highlighted icon, file or Internet link.

F11 – This key enters the full screen mode on most Internet browsers.

F12 – This key opens the Save As window in Microsoft Word. Shift + F12 saves the MS

Word document. Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in MS Word.