Lenovo – F1-F12 keys not working for JAWS user

Lenovo – F1-F12 keys not working for JAWS user


Problem

Customer with Lenovo laptops may commonly find that the function keys when used as part of JAWS keystrokes do not work.


Applies to

  1. Lenovo V130
  2. Lenovo L440
  3. Lenovo similar models

 

Detail

Most laptops will be set up to have their function keys carry out laptop specific actions such as turning sound or wi-fi on/off.  JAWS users and other users who make extensive use of keyboard shortcuts including function keys may find this arrangement disruptive or inconvenient.  Many JAWS functions involve the function keys.  Therefore to fix this one must restore the F1-F12 functionality.  Some Lenovo laptops have available the the Lenovo Vantage app but there may be cases where this is not available and the adjustment needs to be made in a different way. 

Resolution

The laptop has function keys set to the wrong mode and F1-F12 keys are not responding because they are adjusting laptop specific function.

 

Method 1 – Adjust using Lenovo Vantage app (V130)

The Lenovo Vantage app may have the required adjustment however it may be difficult to navigate using JAWS.

 

  1. Open Start menu and search Lenovo Vantage app, if it is not already present search and download it from Windows Store.
  2. In Lenovo Vantage click three line menu (top left) then select Input and Accessories.
  3. The Input and Accessories screen click F1-F12 button under Intelligent Keyboard section.
  4. If you are asked to restart, do so.

Method 2 – Adjust using Control Panel (Lenovo L440)

Some laptops will not show the option to switch keyboard in the Lenovo Vantage app but it may be possible to adjust via Control Panel instead.

 

  1. Press Windows key to open Start menu and search “Control panel”.
  2. In Control Panel navigate to Keyboard and press ENTER.
  3. Press CONTROL+TAB to reach “Fn an Function keys” tab.
  4. Then use arrow keys to select the radio button option “Press F1-F12 directly to initiate the F1-F12 function as defined by the system or specific app”.
  5. Then press TAB to reach Apply button and press SPACEBAR and then press enter to dismiss the dialogue.
  6. When prompted to restart choose Yes to have the system restart.  Problem should now be fixed with F1-F12 keys performing as normal.

 


Further information

https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/ht503647-thinkpad-keyboard-function-fn-keys-for-2017-thinkpad-systems-windows-10




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