Exploring the Forgotten Functions: Unveiling the Purpose of F1 to F12 Keys

Most computer users overlook the top row of keys labeled F1 to F12, often unaware of their potential utility. Despite their diminishing popularity in the era of modern user interfaces and mouse-centric interactions, these keys once played significant roles in early computing.

The F5 key stands out as the most recognized and frequently used among them. It serves to refresh a computer, particularly handy when impatience sets in due to slow-loading internet pages. However, the remaining 11 keys also harbor functionalities that, when embraced, can significantly enhance efficiency.

Here's a brief guide to the less-explored functions of the F1 to F12 keys on the standard QWERTY keyboard:

F1:

• Opens the help menu.
• Ctrl + F1: Shows/hides menu options in Excel and Word.
• F1 in Chrome: Opens Chrome support.

F2:

• Renames a file in Windows Explorer.
• Edits the active cell in Microsoft Excel.
• Ctrl + F2: Shows a print preview in Word.
• Alt + Ctrl + F2: Opens the document library in Microsoft Office.

F3:

• Opens the search function.
• Shift + F3: Allows font state changes in Word, toggling between upper and lower case letters.

F4:

• Alt + F4: Closes the active window.

F5:

• Refreshes the Internet browser or the system.
• Start the slideshow in PowerPoint.
• Opens "Find and Replace" in Microsoft Office and other programs.
• Ctrl + F5: Refreshes the browser, clearing the cache memory.

F6:

• Ctrl + Shift + F6: Easily switches between Word documents.
• Places the cursor in the browser's address bar.
• Page turning in a split screen in Microsoft Word.

F7:

• Performs a spelling and grammar check in Word.
• Shift + F7: Opens the thesaurus.

F8:

• Selects text in Word.
• F8 when turning on the computer: Opens in fail-safe mode.

F9:

• Updates a Word document.
• Sends or receives emails in Outlook.
• Recalculates formulas in Excel.
• Opens a presentation in Corel Draw as if it were Microsoft PowerPoint.

F10:

• Ctrl + F10: Maximizes the window in Microsoft Word.
• Shift + F10: Mimics the right-click function.

F11:

• Activates/deactivates "full screen" mode.
• Shift + F11: Adds a new spreadsheet in Excel.

F12:

• Opens "Save As" in Microsoft Word.
• Ctrl + F12: Opens a Word document.
• Shift + F12: Saves a Word document.
• Ctrl + Shift + F12: Prints a Word document.

Despite their fading prominence, these keys can still be valuable tools for those willing to integrate them into their computing habits.