Have you ever wondered why your laptop keyboard has buttons with strange icons or why some functions only work when you hold down a key? Fn? Modern laptops - from budget ones Lenovo IdeaPad up to bonus MacBook Pro — hide dozens of useful combinations that save time, simplify system setup, and even save data in critical situations. But most users use only 5-10% of the keyboard's capabilities, not realizing that two or three keys can replace minutes of mouse clicks.

This article is not just a list of hotkeys - it's practical scenarios for their use, from basic (how to quickly take a screenshot) to advanced (how to unlock the BIOS or reboot a frozen laptop without the power button). We'll look at the differences between Windows And macOS, we'll explain why on some laptops Fn works the other way around, and we'll show you how to set up your own combinations. And at the end - a FAQ with answers to the most unobvious questions, for example, what to do if the keys F1–F12 do not respond to clicks.

Basic combinations for Windows: what everyone should know

Even if you've never used keyboard shortcuts, these 10 shortcuts will save you hours a year. They work on all laptops with Windows 10/11 - from Acer Swift to ASUS ROG, regardless of brand.

  • 🖥️ Win + D — minimize all windows and show the desktop (pressing it again restores the windows). Useful when you need to quickly hide the chaos of 15 open tabs.
  • 🔍 Win + S — open Windows search. Type the name of a program, a file, or even a mathematical example (for example, 500*1.15), and the system will show the result.
  • 📁 Win + E — launch "Explorer". It works even if the system is frozen and the icon on the taskbar does not respond.
  • 🔄 Alt + Tab — switching between open windows. Clamp Alt and press Tab several times to select the right one.
  • 🖼️ PrtScn — a screenshot of the entire screen (saved to the clipboard). On some laptops (eg HP Pavilion) you need to press Fn + PrtScn.

The combination is especially useful Win + Shift + S — she activates the Scissors tool to take a selective screenshot. After clicking, the screen will darken and you can select the desired area with the mouse. The photo is automatically copied to the clipboard and can be pasted into Word, Telegram or a graphic editor.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with small screens (e.g. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon) key PrtScn can be combined with another button. Look for it in the top row on the right or check the instructions for the model.
📊 Which combination do you use most often?
  • Win + D
  • Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V
  • Alt + Tab
  • Win + E
  • Another

Fn key: why it behaves differently on different laptops

Key Fn (Function) is one of the most mysterious on the keyboard. It activates secondary button functions F1–F12 (adjusting brightness, volume, turning on Wi-Fi) and behaves unpredictably: on some laptops it works out of the box, on others it requires configuration, and on others it is completely disabled by default.

The reason is that manufacturers (eg. Dell, HP or MSI) program its behavior at the BIOS level. Here's why:

  • 💡 On Lenovo And ASUS need to press often Fn + Escto switch mode F1–F12 (from multimedia functions to standard ones).
  • 🔊 On MacBook key Fn disabled by default - its functions are performed by Touch Bar or combination with Command.
  • 🔄 On gaming laptops (e.g. ASUS TUF) Fn can be locked to avoid accidental pressing during gameplay.

To change behavior Fn:

  1. Go to BIOS (usually press F2, Del or Esc).
  2. Find a section Advanced or System Configuration.
  3. Look for the option Function Key Behavior (or similar) and select Multimedia Key First or Function Key First.
How to enter BIOS on laptops of different brands

On Lenovo — F2 or Fn + F2; on HP — Esc, then F10; on ASUS — Del; on Acer — F2. If the laptop has Windows 11, you can log in via Settings → Recovery → Restart now with a clamped Shift

Secret combinations for macOS: what the Command key can do

Laptops Apple (from MacBook Air M1 to MacBook Pro 16") use their own hotkey system, where instead of Ctrl key is frequently used Command (⌘). These combinations not only speed up your work, but also solve problems that Windows users don't even know about.

Combination Action When it's useful
⌘ + Space Open Spotlight (search files, applications, web pages) You need to quickly find a document by name or calculate the exchange rate
⌘ + Tab Switch between open programs Analogue Alt + Tab on Windows, but with preview windows
⌘ + ` Switch between windows one applications You have 10 tabs open Safari — quickly move to the desired one
⌘ + Shift + 4 Screenshot of the selected area (saved to the desktop) Need to send a screen fragment to a colleague without unnecessary details

One of the most useful features of macOS is the combination ⌘ + Option + Esc. It opens a force-quit menu, similar to the Task Manager in Windows. If Finder or Chrome stuck, this combination will save you from a forced reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On new MacBook with chip M1/M2 key Fn disabled by default. To enable it, go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts and check the box Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys.

Emergency combinations: what to do if the laptop freezes

A frozen laptop is a situation that everyone has encountered. Instead of yanking the power cord or holding down the power button (which can damage your file system), try these combinations:

  • 🔄 Ctrl + Alt + Del (Windows) - Opens the security menu, from where you can launch the task manager or restart the system.
  • 🖥️ Win + Ctrl + Shift + B - restarts the graphics driver. Useful if the screen turns black or artifacts appear.
  • 🔌 Alt + SysRq + R-E-I-S-U-B (Linux/some Windows) - Safe reboot. Press the keys one at a time, pausing for 1–2 seconds.

If the laptop does not respond even to Ctrl + Alt + Del, try:

  1. Click Caps Lock — if the indicator on the key blinks, the system is still “alive”.
  2. Press and hold the power button on 10–15 seconds (until it turns off completely). This is safer than pressing briefly.
  3. On MacBook use Control + Option + Command + Power button — forced exit from all programs.
💡

If your laptop freezes while updating Windows, do not force it to shut down! Wait at least 2-3 hours - the system may complete the installation in the background.

Combinations for gaming laptops: ASUS, MSI, Alienware

Gaming laptops (eg. ASUS ROG Zephyrus, MSI Raider or Alienware m16) have unique keyboard shortcuts to control performance, lighting, and macros. Here are the most useful ones:

  • 🎮 Fn + F5 - switching performance modes (to ASUS this is Silent/Performance/Turbo).
  • 💡 Fn + A — turn on/off the keyboard backlight (on MSI maybe Fn + `).
  • 🔊 Fn + F11/F12 — quickly mute the microphone or switch sound profiles (useful for streamers).
  • 🖱️ Fn + F1–F4 — setting macros (on some models Alienware).

On laptops ASUS ROG there is a hidden function Armoury Crate — software for system management. To quickly open it, click Fn + F12. From there you can:

  • Customize the backlight color scheme (down to individual keys).
  • Create performance profiles for different games.
  • Monitor CPU/GPU temperatures in real time.
⚠️ Attention: On some gaming laptops (for example, Lenovo Legion) key Fn may conflict with macro software. If the hotkeys don't work, update Lenovo Vantage or MSI Center to the latest version.

How to create your own key combinations (instructions for Windows and macOS)

If standard combinations are not enough, you can assign your own. For example, bind launch Photoshop to Ctrl + Alt + P or opening a calculator to Win + C.

B Windows 11/10:

  1. Create a shortcut for the program (right click on .exe → Create a shortcut).
  2. Right-click on the shortcut → Properties → field Quick call.
  3. Assign a combination (for example, Ctrl + Alt + K).

B macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Application Shortcuts.
  2. Click +, select a program and assign a combination.

Back up the registry (for Windows)|Check if the combination is not used by the system|Use letter keys (numbers may conflict)|Test new combinations in safe mode-->

For advanced users there are utilities like AutoHotkey (Windows) or Karabiner-Elements (macOS). They allow:

  • Reassign keys (for example, make Caps Lock second key Ctrl).
  • Create multi-level macros (click F1 opens Excel, and Shift + F1 - specific file).
  • Block accidental clicks (useful for children or public presentations).

Hidden key functions: what manufacturers are silent about

Laptop manufacturers often don't document all of the keyboard's capabilities. Here are a few little-known tricks:

  • 🔒 On ThinkPad combination Fn + F8 locks the touchpad (useful if you are typing and accidentally touch the touchpad).
  • 📡 On Dell XPS Fn + F2 turns on/off Airplane mode (even if there is no physical switch).
  • 🔋 On HP Spectre Fn + V shows the battery level as a percentage (even if only the icon is displayed in the tray).
  • 🖥️ On MacBook Option + brightness/volume opens advanced settings (for example, screen calibration).

Another secret - the key Pause/Break. On most laptops it is not physically present, but its function can be called via Fn + Win + B (on some models Lenovo) or Fn + Ctrl + B (on ASUS). This key is useful for:

  • Suspends system boot (in BIOS).
  • Stopping script execution in Command Prompt.
  • Activating debug mode in some games.
💡

Key Pause/Break often used by hackers to bypass security on older systems. If you work with sensitive data, disable it in the BIOS.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about keyboard shortcuts

Why on my laptop HP keys don't work F1–F12 without Fn?

This is a feature of your model's BIOS. Go to BIOS settings (when booting, click Esc → F10) and find the option Action Keys Mode. Disable it and the keys F1–F12 will work without Fn.

How to take a screenshot on MacBook, if the key Command broken?

Use Shift + Control + Option + 3 (will save the screenshot to the clipboard) or set up an alternative combination in System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Screenshots.

Is it possible to disable the key Fn completely?

Yes, but it depends on the model. On Windows-on laptops try:

  1. Update keyboard drivers from the manufacturer's website.
  2. Use utilities like SharpKeys for reassignment.
  3. On MacBook turn off Fn in System Preferences → Keyboard.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Fn may make brightness, volume, and other multimedia functions unavailable.

What to do if the laptop does not respond to the keyboard, but the mouse works?

Possible causes and solutions:

  • 🧹 Keyboard dirty - Gently clean it with compressed air or turn the laptop over to shake out any debris.
  • 🔄 Keyboard driver - update it via Device Manager (section Keyboards).
  • 🦠 Virus/malware - check the system Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  • 🔌 Hardware failure — connect an external keyboard via USB. If it works, the problem is with the motherboard or cable.
How can I find out all the key combinations for my laptop model?

Official sources:

  • 📄 Look for the user manual on the manufacturer’s website (enter model + "user manual").
  • 💻 B Windows click Win + ? — a reference book on hot keys will open.
  • 🍎 On MacBook go to macOS Help (magnifying glass icon in the menu bar) and enter "keyboard shortcuts".

Unofficial:

  • 🛠️ Forums Reddit (e.g. r/thinkpad or r/MacOS).
  • 📺 YouTube - look for reviews of your model with a mention "hotkeys".