The F5 function key is no longer the "Refresh" key. - Microsoft Community

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The F5 function key is no longer the "Refresh" key.

Today, the F5 function key invokes a Start pop-up window with no obvious name. An array of functions, apps and recently opened programs. 

In PowerPoint, the F5 key was the shortcut to start a presentation from slide one. No substitute keystroke is designated. Again, the Window with No Obvious Name is invoked. 

This began after a recent system up[date.

Is there a way to return to the legacy functionality of the F5 key?

Hi Ralph

I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this . . .

The actions associated with the function keys are set by the manufacturer of your PC . . .

If you press the Fn Key + F5 does that result in a refresh and also starting a PowerPoint presentation

If so, a Windows 10 update may have reversed the need for the use of the Fn key, try pressing the Fn Key + Esc to see if that toggles the need to press the Fn key

If that does not work, boot your PC into BIOS, in there you may find a setting to toggle between Media Keys and Function Keys
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Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Looks like I may need to acquire a better keyboard. The low-budget Logitech keyboard I am using with my desktop system has no Fn key. My notebook computer has the Fn key. In my home office situation, I brought my office computer home, but in the interest of minimizing hardware relocation, decided to use a personal keyboard I had laying around.  I will request a better keyboard from IT. Would rather not mess with the BIOS.

Thanks!

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Hi Ralph

If you have a PC, you will not have an Fn key, that is only available on laptops

What type of keyboard do you have and is there any specific software or utility installed for your keyboard?
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Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Logitech PN 820 004987

It was bundled with a mouse. Wireless USB connector. No software. 

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Hi Ralph

On that keyboard, is the F5 key the only one not producing the required functionality, and roughly how old is that keyboard?
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MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Yes, the F5 key lost functionality in non-Microsoft programs as well, while other function keys seem to be unchanged. Have not actually tested this, but F5 is only one I noticed so far.

 

To be clear, this keyboard had normal F5 function until a few weeks ago. So likely not a hardware issue. Unless, of course, I am the only person logging this issue.

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Hi Ralph

I have not seen this issues on the forums, if you bring up the on-screen keyboard, does the same behavior exist on that keyboard?
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Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Thanks Dave! I have never used the on screen keyboard before. The behavior of the onscreen keyboard is normal. The F5 key starts a PowerPoint presentation from slide one. 

Looks like is have a squirly keyboard.

Thanks for helping me identify the problem. Glad I didn't mess with the BIOS.  : )

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Last updated April 20, 2024 Views 24,196 Applies to: