F+Keys+Explained

F Keys Explained

Function keys have many, many uses, some of which are specific to the program that's running at the time. They're mainly used as shortcuts or in conjunction with the CTRL, ALT, and Shift keys.

F5 – Refresh key. Use this key to reload a web page or refresh your desktop. This is a good one for both the Internet (good for Ebay bid battles) and apparent computer freezes. Once in awhile, desktops do freeze up. Sometimes this happens when we’re trying to double click on an icon as well. What you have to do is “unfreeze” the desktop and that is where F5 comes in

F6 – Cycles the cursor from field to field in the active program. In MS Word you can use this F-key to go to the next pane or frame.

F7 – This F-key is program-specific. Experiment in different programs to see what it can do. However, remember to save your work first!

F8 – This key is used to boot Windows in Safe Mode.

The ALT, CTRL and Shift combinations

F9 - (Note:- These combinations only apply to MS Word)

Shift + F9 = Switch between field code and it's result CTRL + F9 = Insert and empty field CTRL + Shift + F9 = Unlink a field ALT + F9 = Switch between all field codes and their results

F10 - (Note:- These combinations only apply to MS Word

Shift + F10 =Displays the shortcut menu CTRL + F10 = Maximizes the document window CTRL + Shift + F10 = Activates the ruler (Non-functional for me) ALT + F10 = Maximizes the program window

F11-

Shift + F11 = Go to previous field (MS Word) CTRL + F11 = Lock a field CTRL+ Shift+ F11 = Unlock a field ALT + F11 = Display Microsoft Visual Basic Code ALT + SHIFT + F11 = Display Microsoft Visual Studio Code

F12-

Shift + F12 = Choose the Save Command (MS Word) CTRL + F12 = Choose the Open Command CTRL+ Shift+ F12 = Choose the Print Command

Note: - Do not expect all of these key combinations to work. Some of them may be program specific, or obsolete. If you're bashing the keys in frustration and nothing is happening, move on.  