Most laptops feature an Fn key. It’s the fun key, although Fn most likely stands for Function — but not the traditional computer keyboard function keys. On a laptop, the Fn key is used in combination with other keys to access special features. In a way, the Fn key combinations save the laptop from having an inordinate number of buttons and knobs, which is always a good thing.
Here’s a list of things the Fn key may do in combination with other keys on your laptop’s keyboard:
Turn the laptop’s speaker volume up and down
Mute the laptop’s speaker
Increase or decrease the screen brightness or contrast
Activate an external monitor for giving a presentation
Initiate Sleep mode
Hibernate the laptop
Eject an optical disc
Enable or disable the wireless networking adapter or enter Airplane Mode
Play, stop, pause, rewind, and advance media playing
Turn on the laptop’s webcam
Perform other special and specific tricks unique to the laptop