Acer Function Key Stuck On

As an Acer laptop user, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be when the Function (Fn) key gets stuck constantly. After digging into the issue across numerous Acer models, I’ve discovered the most common culprits. More importantly, some simple troubleshooting steps can typically resolve the problem. So how do you fix an Acer Fn key that’s stuck on?

In my experience, the problem over 90% of the time points back to the Fn Lock being turned on accidentally. This locks the Fn functionality in an “on” state reversing the operation of the F keys. Luckily, combo shortcuts like Fn + F11 or Fn + Caps Lock can disable Fn Lock again. For trickier cases, BIOS updates, driver reinstalls, or even replacing keyboard components may be needed – so don’t hesitate to contact Acer support.

Why is the Fn aka Function Key Stuck On on My Acer Laptop?

There are a few possible culprits for an Fn key that seems to be permanently on or enabled:

Fn Lock is Enabled

The most common reason an Fn key is ‘stuck’ is because the Fn Lock setting has been enabled in your Acer laptop’s BIOS or settings. Fn Lock locks the Fn key in an ‘on’ state so all the Fn key shortcut operations are reversed. For example, pressing F5/F6 may adjust brightness rather than activating pre-set volume levels.

Fn Lock gets enabled either accidentally via the keyboard shortcut (FN + Fn Lock key) or through a setting change. Once it’s on, it makes it seem like the Fn functionality is permanently stuck on.

BIOS Issue

Sometimes the Fn Lock can be stuck due to a quirk or bug in the BIOS (basic input/output system) settings of the laptop. Updating to the latest stable BIOS version can clear up this issue.

An outdated or buggy BIOS may fail to properly toggle the Fn Lock on or off when the shortcut keys are pressed. A BIOS update can restore normal functionality.

Driver Conflicting

Outdated or conflicting keyboard drivers can also be the culprit behind a sticky Fn key. Updating the drivers often resolves this issue. This can manifest itself as an Fn key that seems perpetually stuck or enabled.

Updating or reinstalling keyboard drivers and checking for compatibility issues between drivers can help resolve this root cause in some cases when the Fn key seems stuck constantly enabled.

Sticky Keys is Turned On

Sticky Keys, a built-in feature on many computers, can be a valuable accessibility tool for individuals with limited dexterity. It allows users to press and hold one key at a time instead of pressing multiple keys simultaneously, making keyboard operation easier and less demanding.

However, when accidentally activated, Sticky Keys can become a nuisance, causing unintended actions and disrupting your workflow. If you’re finding your Fn key behaving strangely, with keys seemingly sticking on their own, chances are Sticky Keys has been turned on.

What to Do to Get Back the Fn Key Out of Stuck Position?

If your Acer Fn key suddenly seems permanently on or enabled, don’t panic! Here are some troubleshooting steps to disable Fn Lock or override the issue:

Disable Fn Lock

If your Acer laptop’s Fn key is stuck in the “on” position, disabling the Fn Lock feature is often the quickest and easiest solution. Here’s how to do it using different methods:

Fn + F11

This is the most common combination for disabling Fn Lock on most Acer laptops. Simply press and hold the Fn key and then press the F11 key simultaneously. You’ll usually see a light indicator on your keyboard or near the Fn key turn off, confirming that the Fn Lock is deactivated.

Fn + Num Lock

Some Acer models utilize a different key combination. Instead of F11, you might need to press Fn + Num Lock to toggle the Fn Lock feature. Check your keyboard for a Num Lock indicator light, which should turn off when Fn Lock is disabled.

Fn + Shift + Num Lock

On certain models, the combination for toggling Fn Lock involves an additional key. Press and hold Fn + Shift together, and then press the Num Lock key to disable the Fn Lock feature.

Ctrl + F11

While less common, some specific Acer models might require pressing Ctrl + F11 simultaneously to disable the Fn Lock. Observe any changes in keyboard indicator lights to confirm successful deactivation.

Fn + Caps Lock

Lastly, a few Acer models utilize Fn + Caps Lock as the combination for toggling Fn Lock. Look for a Caps Lock indicator light on your keyboard to verify that the Fn Lock is disabled after pressing this combination.

How to fix Acer Swift FN key lock

Uninstall the Keyboard Driver

If your Fn key remains stubbornly stuck even after disabling Fn Lock, your next course of action should be to uninstall the keyboard driver. Here are the steps you will need to follow –

Right-click on the start menu and click on Device Manager.

Scroll down and expand the Keyboard section.

Right-click on the Keyboard driver and click on Uninstall.

After uninstalling, restart your laptop and check.

Disable Sticky Keys

On your Acer laptop, the Fn or function key is known as the modifier key. If the sticky key feature is enabled, then the Fn key will stay on all the time and you may think that the key is stuck into position. To disable the sticky key feature, press the Shift key 5 times and the feature will be disabled. You can do it from the Settings as well.

Go to Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
toggle Use Sticky Keys to Off.

Flashing the BIOS of Your Acer Laptop

Flashing the BIOS of your Acer laptop can be a dangerous procedure, so it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and at your own risk. Here’s a general guide on how to flash the BIOS of your Acer laptop:

Step 1. Download the BIOS update file:

Go to the Acer website and find the support page for your specific laptop model.

Download the latest BIOS update file.

Step 2. Prepare a USB flash drive:

You will need a USB flash drive with at least 4GB of storage space.

Format the USB flash drive as FAT32.

Step 3. Create a bootable USB drive:

You can use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

Be sure to select the correct BIOS update file when creating the bootable USB drive.

Step 4. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS setup utility:

The key to enter the BIOS setup utility will vary depending on your laptop model. It is usually one of the following keys: F2, F10, F12, or Del.

Once you are in the BIOS setup utility, find the option to flash the BIOS. This option is usually located under the Advanced or Security tab.

Step 5. Select the BIOS update file from your USB flash drive:

Once you have found the option to flash the BIOS, select the BIOS update file from your USB flash drive.

The BIOS flashing process will begin. It is important to not interrupt the process, as this could damage your laptop.

Once the BIOS flashing process is complete, your laptop will restart.

How to Disable the Fn Key in Acer Laptop

What If the Fn Key of Acer is Still Stuck?

If you still find your Acer laptop’s Fn key remains stuck on or locked even after trying the troubleshooting steps above, all hope is not lost! Here are a few advanced tips for stubborn Fn key problems:

Change the Function Key Behavior

Many Acer laptops allow you to customize the behavior of the Fn key through the BIOS settings. This empowers you to decide whether the Fn key is always active, requiring a press in conjunction with other keys to activate specific functions, or vice versa.

Step 1. Accessing the BIOS

Restart your laptop.
During the initial startup screen, press and hold the designated key for entering the BIOS. This key varies depending on your model, but it’s typically one of the following: F2, F10, F12, or Del.
You might see a brief message prompting you to press the key to enter the BIOS setup.

Step 2. Navigating the BIOS

Once you’re in the BIOS interface, use the arrow keys to navigate through the different menus and options.
Look for a section or tab related to Configuration, System Configuration, Keyboard, or Fn Key Behavior. The exact location might vary depending on your specific BIOS version.

Step 3. Changing the Fn Key Behavior

Within the relevant section, find an option labeled Fn Lock Mode, Function Key Behavior, or similar.

You’ll likely encounter two options

Media Key: In this mode, the Fn key needs to be pressed in conjunction with other keys to activate their special functions, like volume control, brightness adjustment, etc. This is the default behavior on most Acer laptops.

Change the function key behavior to the Media key.

Step 4. Saving the Changes

Once you’ve chosen your desired Fn key behavior, navigate to the Exit section.
Select the option to Save Changes and Exit or similar.

Your laptop will restart, and the new Fn key behavior will be applied.

Seek Help from Acer Customer Support When All Else Fails

If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting options outlined in this guide and your Acer laptop’s Fn key remains stuck, don’t hesitate to seek help from Acer’s customer support team. They possess the expertise and resources to diagnose complex issues and provide effective solutions.

Here’s how you can reach Acer customer support:

Online

Visit the Acer support website: https://www.acer.com/us-en/support
Enter your product model number or serial number.
Choose your preferred contact method: live chat, email, or virtual assistant.
Describe the issue with your Fn key in detail, including the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

Phone

Locate the phone number for your region on the Acer support website.
Briefly explain the issue with your Fn key to the customer service representative and follow their instructions.

In summary,

a wide range of issues can cause the Fn key on your Acer laptop to get stuck permanently on – from accidental Fn Lock enabling, outdated BIOS/drivers, or hardware-related faults.

In many cases, simple troubleshooting like toggling Fn Lock shortcuts, replugging the keyboard connector, driver reinstalls, or updates may clear the stuck Fn key. For difficult cases, remapping software or Acer support provides advanced options to override or replace faulty components.

I hope these fixes help get your Acer laptop’s keyboard and Fn key working normally again. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if any issues persist or if you have further queries! Let us know how the troubleshooting goes.