On Dell desktop keyboards, the Fn key usually sits on the bottom row near Ctrl and the Windows key; some models toggle F-keys with Fn+Esc or use Alt combos.
If you’re staring at the top row, trying to get F1–F12 to act like real function keys, you’re in the right place. Dell’s external boards ship in a couple of layouts. On many, you’ll find a small “fn” on the bottom row. On others, the top row already behaves like standard F-keys, and media shortcuts live behind a different combo. This guide shows where to look, how to spot the label, and the exact shortcuts that switch modes on popular Dell desktop keyboards.
Find The Fn Key On Dell Desktop Keyboards: Fast Checks
Scan the bottom row first. On most Dell desktop models, the “fn” key appears in lowercase and sits next to Ctrl or the Windows logo. Some layouts include a second “fn” near the right Alt/AltGr. If you see a tiny padlock icon on Esc, that’s a hint your board supports a quick toggle with Fn+Esc to flip the top row’s behavior. Dell’s own external-keyboard guide shows both layouts and calls out the two operating modes for the F-row, along with the Fn+Esc toggle and model examples. See Dell’s external keyboard functions page.
What The Two Top-Row Modes Mean
Dell external boards generally ship in one of two modes:
- Media First: Tap F1–F12 for media controls (mute, volume, play/pause, sleep). Hold Fn then press an F-key to get the classic action (Help, Refresh, etc.).
- Function First: Tap F1–F12 for the standard actions. Use a combo for media, such as Alt + F-key on certain wired models.
On many boards you can flip between these modes without reinstalling software. The quick toggle is Fn+Esc on supported models. Dell documents this as the “swap” for primary and secondary functions on external keyboards, including popular sets like the KM5221W and the wired KB216 lineup. Reference: Dell’s step-by-step.
Spotting Labels, Icons, And Clues On The Board
Don’t guess—check the legends. If the F-row has tiny speaker or sun icons printed above or below the numbers, your board supports dual actions. A tiny padlock on Esc often signals the presence of the quick toggle. A lowercase “fn” key on the bottom row confirms you can hold it to access the alternate action when needed.
If your board shows no “fn” at all, look for printed icons on the F-keys. Several compact Dell desktop keyboards rely on Alt with the F-row for media when the F-row default is “Function First.” That’s normal behavior and is covered in Dell’s guidance for wired models like KB216, where media sits behind a different combo when function actions are primary.
Common Places You’ll Find The Fn Key
- Left side, bottom row: Between Ctrl and the Windows logo, or between Ctrl and Alt. This is the most common spot on full-size Dell external boards.
- Right side, bottom row: Near AltGr on international layouts. Some models ship with a second “fn” here.
- No printed “fn” at all: In this case the board either maps media to Alt+F-key while keeping the F-row standard, or it uses a firmware toggle to change behavior without a dedicated “fn.”
Quick Fixes When F1–F12 Don’t Do What You Expect
Try The Built-In Toggle
Press Fn+Esc once to flip the top row’s behavior. Press it again to return. Many Dell external boards respond to this immediately. If your Esc key shows a small padlock, you’re very likely set up for this shortcut.
Use The Right Combo For Media
When the F-row is in “Function First,” media controls often move to a different combo. On several wired desktop models, try Alt with an F-key for sleep, play/pause, or volume. If the icons are printed, match the icon to the combo.
Check BIOS/UEFI For Function Key Behavior
Many Dell systems include a “Function Key Behavior” setting in setup. If your desktop is paired with a Dell board and the quick toggle doesn’t stick, open firmware setup and switch the behavior there. Dell documents the Fn Lock and behavior options in product manuals and setup notes. A short reference is here: Enable or disable Fn Lock (Dell guide).
Confirm Windows-Side Settings
On some Dell systems, a tile in Windows Mobility Center exposes a “Function Key Row” option. If you see it, pick the mode you prefer. If the tile isn’t there, your model handles the switch another way (firmware or the Fn+Esc toggle).
Model-By-Model Pointers
Dell KM5221W, KB500, KB700, KB740, KM7120W, KM7321W
These multimedia sets often ship with media on tap and classic F-keys behind Fn. The quick flip is Fn+Esc. If you need F-keys all day—for dev tools or games—hit the toggle once and leave it that way.
Dell KB216 And Similar Wired Desktops
These models typically run the F-row as “Function First.” Media actions sit behind a combo (commonly Alt + F-key). Many units still honor the Fn+Esc swap, so check the legends on Esc and the bottom row. When you want a one-tap volume or sleep key, use the combo printed on the cap, or flip the mode with the toggle.
International Layouts With AltGr
If your board has AltGr to the right of the spacebar, the second “fn” may sit nearby. The left-side “fn” still works for toggles and combos, so use whichever is closer to the action you need.
When There’s No Fn Key Printed
Some desktop boards drop the label entirely. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. First, try the top-row combo listed on the caps (Alt + F-key for media on certain wired boards). Next, tap Fn+Esc if you do see a tiny padlock on Esc and a small “fn” on the bottom row. If none of that lines up with your legends, switch modes in firmware (Function Key Behavior) and test again. Dell’s support article walks through both “Media First” and “Function First” behavior across external boards, with model callouts and pictures of the layouts you’re likely holding. See the official guide.
Shortcuts You’ll Use Every Day
- Toggle modes: Fn+Esc (where supported).
- Close app when media is primary: Flip modes (Fn+Esc) and press Alt+F4.
- Media when function is primary: Use the printed combo (often Alt + F-key on wired sets).
- Enter firmware setup: Tap F2 at boot on most Dell PCs; if your wireless set isn’t active at boot, connect a wired board or the receiver first.
Troubleshooting When The Toggle Doesn’t Work
1) Test The Keyboard On Another PC
Plug the board into a second machine. If the F-row acts the same, the setting lives on the keyboard or in firmware and not in your Windows profile.
2) Re-seat The Receiver Or Cable
Wireless sets sometimes miss a first command after wake. Move the USB receiver to a front-panel port, then try the toggle again. For wired, switch ports.
3) Reboot And Try The Toggle Early
Start fresh, sign in, and press Fn+Esc before launching any apps. Some boards ignore the toggle while a vendor utility is remapping keys.
4) Set Function Key Behavior In Firmware
Open BIOS/UEFI on the host PC and switch the Function Key Behavior there. The name of the setting can vary across product lines, but Dell calls out the option in many manuals. Here’s a direct reference that shows the Fn Lock toggle on a Dell system: Enable Fn Lock.
5) Update Or Reinstall Keyboard Utilities
If your PC once showed a “Function Key Row” tile in Windows Mobility Center and it’s gone, install the vendor utility bundle listed for your model on Dell Support. After a reboot, check the tile again and re-test the toggle.
Which Dell Boards Do What?
The quick chart below summarizes where to look and how to switch modes on common desktop boards. Use the legends printed on your caps as the final source—the cap icons always reflect what the board expects from each combo.
| Model | Where To Find “fn” | How To Switch Modes |
|---|---|---|
| KM5221W / KB500 / KB700 / KB740 / KM7120W / KM7321W | Bottom row (often near left Ctrl); padlock icon on Esc | Fn+Esc toggles media vs. F1–F12 |
| KB216 And Similar Wired Sets | Bottom row; some layouts include a second “fn” near AltGr | F-row is function by default; media via Alt+F-key; many units support Fn+Esc |
| International Variants With AltGr | Left “fn” and, on some models, another near the right side | Same toggle (Fn+Esc) when present; check printed icons for combos |
Quick Visual Checklist Before You Rethink Settings
- Look for a tiny padlock on Esc. That usually means Fn+Esc swaps the top-row behavior.
- Check for a lowercase “fn” near Ctrl. If you see it, you can hold it to access the alternate action on any F-key.
- Scan the F-row for speaker, sun, or sleep icons. Printed icons tell you exactly which combo triggers media on your model.
Why Dell Uses Two Approaches
Office users often prefer one-tap volume or mute. Power users want plain F-keys for dev tools, CAD, and games. Shipping boards with dual modes keeps both camps happy: media on tap for everyday work, classic F-keys one toggle away for power tasks. The Fn+Esc switch and the firmware setting labeled “Function Key Behavior” handle that swap cleanly across most product lines, and Dell’s support pages document the exact rules for each family of boards.
Bottom Line: Where To Press, What To Try
Start by finding the small “fn” on the bottom row. If your Esc key shows a padlock, press Fn+Esc once to flip the F-row. When your wired set runs F-keys as the default, use the printed combo—often Alt plus the F-key—for media. If the quick toggle doesn’t stick, set Function Key Behavior in firmware, save, and test again. For visual examples and model lists, Dell’s official article lays it all out with photos and exact combos: Dell external-keyboard functions.