F1 to F10: Uses of Keyboard Function Keys as Windows 7 Shortcuts

Do you really don’t know the use of all key on your keyboard. I don’t, what’s a pause break ? But here are some really useful uses of the F keys. I mean the function keys like F1, F10, F6, F11 etc.

Useful Windows 7 Function Key Shortcuts: F1 to F10

F1 (Help)

Not only windows 7 but, in most applications also like Office etc pressing the F1 function key opens the Help and Support page which contains useful information about how to use the product.

In Windows Help and Support center you can search for tutorials about using Windows 7 services and accessing system programs and tools, and troubleshoot problem. Very useful.

F2 (Rename Files, Folders)

Click to select a file or folder in windows, press F2 to rename it. An useful addition to Windows 7 is, if you have configured folder settings to show file extensions always, pressing the F2 key selects the file name only unlike in windows XP. Saves you few seconds and mistakes while renaming files, folders.

F3 (Search)

One of the best feature in Windows 7 is the search which is so awesome that it has won over almost all windows users. In fact, Google Instant works in a similar concept, instantly showing results as you type in.

Pressing F3 in desktop opens the explorer search to search for files in the PC. Using F3 or Ctrl+F inside the explorer window highlights search that lets you search for file folder inside that folder. Search filters can be added instantly.

F4 (Select Address Bar, Show Folder Path)

Quite useful if you use IE browser. Simply press F4 to select address bar and type a new URL. In windows explorer pressing F4 shows you the Folder Path instead of the clickable breadcrumbs.

F5 (Refresh)

Press F5 to refresh a webpage (reloads css images) and updates folder contents.

F6 (Toggle Elements)

Just like using the tab key, pressing F6 cycles through all the elements in the active explorer window. Select an element and press Enter to activate it.

F10 (Display Menu Bar in Windows 7)

By default, the so useful menu bar is not visible in windows 7. Press F10 to activate the menu bar which is also missing in chrome, ie9 etc.

F11 (View FullScreen Mode)

Most programs have a full screen mode. Press F11 to activate the fullscreen mode in applications. Works in windows explorer too.
F7 F8 F9 F12 (Not yet assigned)