Google is updating the OS on the Chromebook to offer some pretty cool capabilities that will make it a laptop that is geared toward developers. They recently added support for running Linux on Chrome OS with complete Terminal functionality. You may now enable the missing function keys on your Chromebook by simply turning on a toggle with the most recent stable version. This functionality was added by Google to make it easier for developers to use function keyshortcuts on Chrome OS to run many programming instructions. After all of that, let’s move on to the steps.
Enable Function Keys on a Chromebook (Updated July 2021)
Here, we’ve covered two methods for turning on and using the Function keys on a Chromebook. You can use the Search key to rapidly shift top-row keys into Function keys, or you can completely alter the behaviour and treat top-row keys differently. Just follow the two steps I’ve outlined in full, and you’ll be good to go.
Treat Top-row Keys as Function Keys
1. To access the Settings page, open the Quick Settings panel in the bottom right corner and select the cogwheel icon.
2. After that, select the Device menu from the left pane.
3. Next, activate Treat top-row keys as function keys under Keyboard.
2. Starting with the left arrow key, this will make the top row of keys into F1, F2, and so on. In essence, you can now comfortably use Windows and programming shortcuts on your Chromebook when combined with the modifier keys Ctrl, Shift, and Alt. This feature is fantastic because it allows me to finally close the active app by pressing Alt and the full-screen key (acting as F4). To just refresh the window, press the overview key.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Function Keys
While the aforementioned solution gives you access to certain Function keys on your Chromebook, it also eliminates several of the useful Chrome OS shortcuts, such as the ability to take a screenshot and change the volume and brightness.
On a Chromebook with function keys enabled, you can still use the built-in shortcuts for things like taking screenshots and adjusting the brightness. Just adhere to the directions below.
Utilize the top row of keys after pressing the Search button. The built-in Chrome OS shortcuts will function perfectly.
For instance, while Function keys are active, I may change the brightness by hitting the Search key and the Brightness key on the top row. Similarly, by combining the Search key with the top-row keys, you may control volume, lock your Chromebook, and other functions.
Alternatively, you can still use the Function keys immediately if you’ve decided to keep them deactivated. You can utilise the Search + top-row keys as Function keys by simply pressing them. This eliminates the requirement for you to visit the Settings page and modify the behaviour each time you want to utilise the Function key.
Work Like a Pro on Your Chromebook with the Function Keys
That concludes our brief tutorial on using function keys on a Chromebook. Although it can seem like a minor feature, for developers it is a need. Furthermore, you can now freely use Ctrl, Shift, and Alt with the function keys if you’re a regular user and miss your Windows shortcuts. That’s all we have to say, though. Visit the article we’ve linked to to discover more about these secret Chrome OS tricks. Additionally, please leave a remark below if you have any questions.
