Although Chromebooks use a unique keyboard layout optimized for ChromeOS, many users still prefer traditional function keys (F1–F12)—especially those switching from Windows or macOS. By default, Chromebooks replace function keys with special action keys for brightness, volume, refresh, and window controls, which can be inconvenient for developers, power users, and anyone who relies on F-keys for shortcuts.
The good news is that ChromeOS lets you switch between action keys and function keys easily.
In this guide, we will explain how function keys work on Chromebooks and then walk you through the exact steps to enable function keys on a Chromebook. So, let’s get started.
How Function Keys Work on Chromebook
On a Chromebook keyboard, the top row does not behave like traditional function keys by default. Instead of F1–F12, these keys perform system actions such as adjusting brightness, controlling media playback, or refreshing pages.
ChromeOS allows you to toggle this behavior so the top-row keys act as standard function keys first, while system actions can still be accessed using a modifier key. This feature is built directly into ChromeOS and is officially supported by Google.
How to Enable Function Keys on a Chromebook
If you want your Chromebook to behave like a traditional keyboard with F1–F12 keys, follow the steps below carefully.
1. Open Chromebook Settings
- Click the system tray in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select the Settings icon.
- Wait for the Settings window to open.
- Make sure you are signed in to your Chromebook.
2. Go to Keyboard Settings
- In Settings, click Device from the left sidebar.
- Select Keyboard from the available options.
- Scroll until you find keyboard behavior settings.
- Look for the option related to top-row keys.
3. Enable Function Keys for the Top Row
- Locate the option labeled Treat top-row keys as function keys.
- Toggle the switch to turn it on.
- Close the Settings window.
- Your top-row keys will now work as F1–F12 by default.
Once enabled, pressing the top-row keys will trigger function key actions instead of system shortcuts.
How to Use Chromebook Action Keys After Enabling Function Keys
Even after enabling function keys, you can still access brightness, volume, and other system controls.
Use the Search Key for System Actions
- Press and hold the Search key on your keyboard.
- While holding it, press a top-row key.
- The system action for that key will activate.
- Release both keys when done.
This gives you full access to both function keys and Chromebook shortcuts.
How to Temporarily Use Function Keys Without Changing Settings
If you don’t want to permanently switch keyboard behavior, ChromeOS also offers a quick workaround.
Use Function Keys Temporarily
- Hold down the Search key.
- Press any top-row key.
- The key will act as an F-key for that press only.
- Release the keys after use.
This is useful if you only need function keys occasionally.
When Function Keys Are Especially Useful
Function keys are commonly used in coding environments, Linux apps, remote desktop sessions, and professional software. They’re also essential when accessing BIOS-like menus on remote systems or using advanced shortcuts in certain applications.
If you frequently use these tools, enabling function keys can significantly improve your workflow.
Wrapping Up
So, that was all about enabling function keys on a Chromebook. While ChromeOS prioritizes simplicity with action keys by default, it still gives you the flexibility to switch to a traditional keyboard layout when needed. Once enabled, function keys work exactly as expected, and you can still access Chromebook shortcuts using the Search key.
We hope this guide helped you customize your Chromebook keyboard to better suit your needs. As always, thanks for sticking with us till the very end, and we’ll see you again in our next ChromeOS guide.
