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Fix “Brightness Control Function Keys Not Working”
The ability to control your screen’s brightness with function keys is a convenient feature that many laptop users rely on daily. However, if you’re experiencing issues with your brightness control function keys not working in Windows 11 or 10, it can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, this common problem can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of fixing the brightness control function keys not working issues on your Windows 11 or 10 device.
These function keys, often labeled as F1, F2, or with sun icons, are meant to make adjusting screen brightness quick and easy. However, when they stop working, it can be a frustrating experience, especially if you frequently switch between different lighting conditions.
Why Brightness Control Function Keys Not Working
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why your brightness control function keys not working. Several factors can contribute to this problem:
- Outdated or Missing Drivers: One of the most common reasons for the brightness control function key not working is outdated or missing display drivers. These drivers are essential for proper communication between your hardware and the operating system.
- Software Conflicts: Sometimes, third-party software or recent updates can conflict with your system’s ability to control screen brightness using function keys.
- Hardware Issues: In some cases, the brightness control function keys not working issue may be hardware-related, such as a malfunctioning keyboard or a loose connection.
- Windows Updates: Windows updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues that affect the functionality of function keys.
Now that you have a better understanding of why this issue might occur let’s explore some solutions to get your brightness control function keys back on track.
How to fix “Brightness Control Function Keys Not Working”
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the brightness control function keys not working in Windows 11/10 and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get them back on track. Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or a newcomer, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix this Brightness Control Function Keys Not Working issue.
1. Restart Your Computer
Your device could occasionally require assistance to launch all the applications and programs. When the brightness control function keys not working, restarting the device is recommended. The device will start all the programs effectively after restarting.
By opting to restart your computer, you are essentially granting it a fresh start and an opportunity to rectify any underlying glitches or conflicts that may have led to the brightness control function keys not working issue. This is a foundational troubleshooting step that can often provide swift relief from the issue at hand.
2. Check for Hardware Issues
Before diving into software-related fixes, it’s crucial to ensure that the problem isn’t rooted in your hardware. Start by checking if the function keys themselves are functioning correctly. Press other function keys like volume control or mute to see if they work as expected. If these keys are also unresponsive, it could indicate a hardware issue, such as a faulty keyboard or a loose connection.
To rule out hardware problems, try the following:
a. External Keyboard Test: If you’re using a laptop, connect an external keyboard to your device and check if the brightness control keys on the external keyboard work. If they do, it’s likely a hardware issue with your laptop’s built-in keyboard.
b. Laptop Keyboard Inspection: If you suspect a problem with your laptop’s keyboard, carefully clean it and check for any physical damage or debris that might be obstructing the function keys.
c. Driver Updates: Ensure that your keyboard drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using Windows Update.
If the issue persists after checking these hardware-related factors, proceed to the software troubleshooting steps.
3. Check if the Function Key Is Enabled
If the function key is deactivated on your keyboard, it cannot function. Press Fn and Esc at the same time to make sure it is turned on. This will turn on and off the function lock. If it was turned off, turning it on should assist in resolving the brightness key function keys not working issue.
4. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
If the previous fixes were not successful, the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter is the next thing to attempt. Any hardware or device issues with your computer, including the keyboard issue like the brightness control function keys not working, can be found and fixed using this tool.
The troubleshooter first confirms that the device’s drivers are up to date and correctly installed before beginning the troubleshooting procedure. Additionally, it will look for any hardware conflicts and problems with power management. If there are any issues, it will either suggest solutions or point you toward the manufacturer’s website. Follow these steps to launch the troubleshooter:
- To display the Run dialogue box, use the Windows + R keys.
- In the Run box, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
- Click on Next to run the troubleshooter.
5. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
You can use the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter if the brightness control function keys not working problem continues. This diagnostic tool searches for and identifies any issues with your keyboard that might be caused by the brightness function key to function. Using this tool is as follows:
- Open Settings, by pressing Windows + I together.
- Select the System tab, and click on the Troubleshoot option.
- Click on Other troubleshooters.
- Click on Run in front of the Keyboard Troubleshooter option.
6. Update the Keyboard Driver
The brightness function key could also be broken due to an old or corrupt driver. If that happens, you can try updating your keyboard drivers to see if that fixes the brightness control function keys not working problem.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the Keyboards section.
- Right-click on the Keyboard driver and choose Uninstall Driver. Uncheck the “Delete the driver software for this device.” option in the pop-up if it shows up.
- Go to the top menu in Device Manager and under the Action tab, select Scan for hardware changes.
- The driver should appear back in the Keyboards list. If it does not, then restart your PC and it will appear back.
- Right-click on the keyboard driver again and choose Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will scan for available driver updates and download them.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
7. Turn Off the Filter Keys
When a key is held down, Windows’ filter keys are intended to ignore repeated keys and reduce the speed at which they repeat. Users who have trouble pushing keys on a keyboard are the target audience.
However, occasionally it might interfere with regular typing and prevent the keyboard from functioning properly. Take the following actions to disable this feature:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select Large icons from the drop-down menu next to View by clicking on it.
- Then select “Make the keyboard easier to use” by clicking the “Ease of Access Center” button.
- Turn on Filter Keys are marked with a checkbox; uncheck it.
- Apply and OK after clicking.
8. Disable and Re-enable Function Keys
Sometimes, disabling and then re-enabling the function keys can resolve the brightness control function keys not working issue:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the context menu.
- In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the Keyboard category.
- Right-click on your keyboard entry (it may have a name like “Standard PS/2 Keyboard”) and select Disable device.
- After disabling the keyboard, wait for a few moments, and then right-click on it again and select Enable device.
- Check if the function keys for brightness control are now working.
9. Check for Windows Updates
Windows updates can sometimes cause brightness control function keys not working issues. Here’s how to ensure that your operating system is up-to-date:
- Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- In the Update & Security window, click on Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
- Click on Check for updates and let Windows search for and install any available updates.
- After the updates are installed, restart your computer and check if the brightness control function keys are functioning correctly.
10. Uninstall the recent Windows Update
If you are experiencing issues after installing an update, consider checking for solutions or waiting for Microsoft to release a fix for the brightness control function keys not working problem.
- Go to the Windows Settings.
- Click “Windows Update” from the left-hand side menu.
- Then go to the Update history > Uninstall Updates.
Conclusion
The inability to control screen brightness using function keys can be a frustrating experience, but it’s a common issue with several potential solutions. In this article, we’ve covered various methods to troubleshoot and resolve this brightness control function keys not working problem in Windows 11/10. Whether it’s updating display drivers, adjusting power plan settings, disabling and re-enabling function keys, or checking for Windows updates, these steps should help you regain control over your screen’s brightness.
Remember that the specific solution that works for you may depend on the root cause of the issue, so don’t be discouraged if the first method you try doesn’t solve the problem. By following the steps outlined here, you should be well on your way to fixing the brightness control function keys not working on your Windows 11/10 device and enjoying a more comfortable computing experience.
