Using the keyboard and mouse

The keyboard and mouse allow you to type, select items, scroll and to perform the same functions as you do by using touch gestures. The keyboard also allows you to use action keys and hot keys to perform specific functions.

TIP: The Windows logo key on the keyboard allows you to quickly return to the Start screen

from an open app or the Desktop. Pressing the Windows logo key again will return you to the previous screen.

NOTE: Depending on the country or region, your keyboard may have different keys and keyboard functions than those discussed in this section.

Using the keys

Your computer has different ways to quickly access information or perform functions with certain keys and key combinations.

Using the action keys

An action key performs an assigned function. The icon on each of the f1 through f4 keys and f6 through f12 keys illustrates the assigned function for that key.

To use an action key function, press and hold the key.

The action key feature is enabled at the factory. You can disable this feature in Setup Utility (BIOS). See Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics on page 63 for instructions on opening Setup Utility (BIOS), and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen.

To activate the assigned function after you have disabled the action key feature, you must press the fn key in combination with the appropriate action key.

CAUTION: Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility. Errors can prevent the computer from operating properly.

Icon

Key

Description

 

 

 

 

f1

Opens Help and Support, which provides tutorials, information about the Windows

 

 

operating system and your computer, answers to questions, and updates to your

 

 

computer.

 

 

Help and Support also provides automated troubleshooting tools and access to

 

 

support.

 

 

 

 

f2

Decreases the screen brightness incrementally as long as you hold down the key.

 

 

 

 

f3

Increases the screen brightness incrementally as long as you hold down the key.

 

 

 

 

f4

Switches the screen image between display devices connected to the system. For

 

 

example, if a monitor is connected to the computer, pressing this key alternates the

 

 

screen image from the computer display to the monitor display to a simultaneous

 

 

display on both the computer and the monitor.

 

 

 

 

f6

Plays the previous track of an audio CD or the previous section of a DVD or a BD.

 

 

 

Using the keyboard and mouse 39