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 normal JAWS keystrokes do not work when pressed.

Applies to

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

 

Detail

Most laptops from new or from defaults after reset will be set up to have function keys carry out laptop specific actions like turning sound or Wi-Fi on/off.  In this configuration a JAWS user will be unable to access key functions of their screen reader as keystrokes like JAWSKey+F7 will no longer work at all. 

The F1-F12 keys must be set to their native function rather than laptop function to resolve the problem.   


Resolution

Please review the options below to try and effect the required desired change.  The method that works depends on the particular Lenovo model being used, where possible models have been provided.

 

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.


Method 3 – Adjust using BIOS

For those occasions when the problem dos not respond to either of the methods above th setting may be adjusted via the laptop BIOS.



Note
The laptop BIOS screen is not accessible with screen reader or magnifier software.

  1. Power of the laptop if it is running.
  2. Then press power button and F1 or F2 as appropriate to model to gain access to BIOS settings.
  3. If presented with a menu select the option Enter BIOS setup utility.
  4. From the main menu select Config and select Keyboard/mouse.



  5. In Keyboard and Mouse select the option F1-F12 as primary Function.

    • Related Articles

    • 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 Lenovo V130 Lenovo L440 Lenovo similar models Detail Most laptops will be set up to have their function keys ...

    • Lenovo V130 - Enable function keys F1-F12 without Fn key

      Problem A JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion user may require the use of the F1-F12 keys without having to press Fn with them. Resolution Open Start menu and search, then launch Microsoft Store app. Search Lenovo Vantage app and click the Get button to download ...

    • JAWS - Using keyboard help mode

      Problem A JAWS customer wishes to explore the functions of JAWS in a safe way. Application There are two applications for using the feature: As designed it allows the user to press any combination of command keys for JAWS and hear their function. As ...

    • Disabling Hotkey mode on Lenovo laptops

      Problem A customer using a Lenovo laptop needs to have access to F1-F12 function key assignments rather than Lenovo hotkey features. Resolution By default Lenovo laptops have Hotkey Mode enabled which means the function keys when pressed alone will ...

    • Keyboard stops working on Lenovo V130-15IKB laptop

      Problem The keyboard stops working on Lenovo V130 laptop. When checking Device Manager error code 19 is shown for the device. Resolution Method 1: check general software issues • Open a browser and search Google for “ADWCleaner” and run this to check ...