HP - Disable Action Keys to allow F1-F12 function key access

HP - Disable Action Keys to allow F1-F12 function key access

Problem

A customer needs to use conventional function keys rather than their Action Key assignments.  


Applies to

  1. HP 245 G8
  2. HP 250 G9
  3. Similar HP laptops

Detail

Action Keys are the name HP give to the setting that is the default setting with many of their laptops that causes the function key row control laptop functions rather than operate as true function keys.  Visually impaired users who encounter a laptop set this way may find Action Keys enable to be a particularly awkward problem because it means they must insert the Fn keystroke to any shortcuts that involve function keys.  Therefore it is advisable to disable this feature.  

Resolution

  1. Action keys must be disabled within the UEFI BIOS settings screens which are not accessible using a screen reader. 
  2. Additionally getting into BIOS can be quite challenging because it requires key-presses at exactly the right time to get into the BIOS settings menu.  To assist one may set up a Restart To BIOS icon on the desktop to help with this scenario. After this use the steps below to make the necessary changes to disable Action Keys on the affected laptop. 
  1. If using the Restart to BIOS icon skip to step 2 otherwise turn on the laptop then start pressing the F10 for the BIOS menu.
  2. In BIOS settings screen press the right arrow key until you get to Configuration or advanced tab.
  3. Once on the Configuration or Advanced tab, press the down arrow until you get to "Action Keys Mode".
  4. Then press the ENTER key and then use the arrow keys to change from "enabled" to "disabled", use the ENTER key to select.
  5. Then press the right arrow key to get to the Exit tab.
  6. Select "Save Changes and Exit" then press the "Enter" key.

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