You must have heard about the function keys of your laptop keyboard. You might have been using them too. Mostly, these keys are used for secondary functions like brightness or volume controls. But you must know that function keys are more than that. This comprehensive guide is focusing on how to use the F4 key on a laptop. This article will explore a variety of functions and shortcuts associated with the F4 key.
If you are someone who wants to make the most out of your laptop, read this article till the end. You can maximize your productivity and enhance your user experience.
What is the F4 Key?
The F4 key is a function key found on the top row of a laptop keyboard. The top row includes 12 function keys, from F1 to F12. Each function key works for a specific purpose. These keys can be customized for different functions depending on the relevant program or operating system. The F4 key is used with the “Alt” and “Ctrl” keys to close and open windows or tabs.
Secondary Function of F4 Key
The F4 key may also have an icon on the key. It means the key has a secondary function too. Information about the secondary function is indicated by the icon on the key.
To use the secondary function, press and hold down the Fn key. While continuing to hold the key, press F4. When you press the F4 key, the secondary function is performed.
Sometimes the F4 function is the secondary one. If the F4 key is not working on the keyboard, try Fn + F4.
How to Use the F4 Key On Your Laptop
F4 Key for Window Management
One of the most beneficial functions of the F4 key is its ability to control window management. By pressing the F4 key in combination with other keys, you can perform various actions that simplify your work and improve multitasking.
Here are some uses of the F4 key for window management:
1. Alt + F4: Closing Applications
Pressing Alt + F4 simultaneously allows you to quickly close the active window or application. This shortcut is especially useful when you need to close an unresponsive program. It allows you to exit an application quickly. This will also close the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows.
2. Win + F4: Closing Virtual Desktops
You might have used virtual desktops on your Windows laptop. Pressing Win + F4 will close the current virtual desktop. This feature is especially handy when you are using multiple desktops set up. This feature will help you to switch between them efficiently.
3. Ctrl + F4: Closing Tabs
You might have worked on web browsers or certain programs that use tabbed interfaces. Pressing Ctrl + F4 will close the active tab. You will not feel the need to manually click on the close button for each individual tab. This shortcut can save you a lot of time.
4. F4: Opening find window
In the current active window in Microsoft Windows, you can open “find” by only pressing F4.
F4 Key in Software Applications
Aside from window management, the F4 key also has specific functions within certain application programs. Here are a few examples of how the F4 key is used in different programs:
1. Microsoft Excel
In Microsoft Excel, you can cycle through different types of cell references in formulas by pressing the F4 key repeatedly. This shortcut is invaluable when working with complex spreadsheets. It enables you to switch between relative and absolute cell references smoothly.
Some other useful Excel shortcuts involving F4 are:
- Repeat Last Action: F4
- Toggle Absolute/Relative References: F4
- Find Next Cell: Shift+F4
- Find Previous Cell: Ctrl+Shift+F4
- Close Current Workbook: Ctrl+F4
- Close Excel: Alt+F4
2. Microsoft Word
F4 can remember the last action performed by you in MS Word. If you press F4, it will reproduce the last action performed. For example, you highlighted some text and changed its font and color. Now you highlight other text. By pressing F4, the last changes you performed will be reproduced.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint
In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can use the F4 keyboard shortcut to redo or repeat the last action you performed. It works on both standard and PPT productivity features.
4. Visual Studio Code
In Visual Studio Code, developers can use the F4 key to open the “Find All” feature. This tool helps you search for specific keywords or strings within your code. It makes it easier to navigate and edit large codebases.
5. AutoCAD
In AutoCAD, pressing the F4 key enables the “Repeat Previous Command” function. This lets you repeat the last command you performed. It saves time and improves your CAD workflow.
Customizing the F4 Key
Nowadays, many laptops offer the option to customize the function keys. You can customize them according to your specific needs. By gaining access to the laptop’s BIOS or keyboard settings, you can change the default setting of the function keys. You can assign different functions or shortcuts. This customization lets you personalize your laptop. So you can optimize its usage according to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the F4 key on your laptop is a handy tool. It can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. You must understand the capabilities of the F4 key to make the most out of your laptop experience. The use of these shortcuts and functions makes any task simple and easy.
FAQs
Pressing the Fn key and the Caps Lock key at the same time will disable the Fn Lock.
The F4 key displays the address bar list in File Explorer.
The F4 key provides convenient shortcuts and functions that can help you work more efficiently and efficiently.
Yes, some laptops offer the option to disable specific function keys through the BIOS or keyboard settings. Disabling the F4 key will also disable any customized functions or shortcuts associated with it.
On most Mac keyboards, the Fn key is in the lower-left corner.
Go to “Apple menu”. Select “System Preferences”. Click “Keyboard”. Select “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.
Michael C Vang is a passionate blogger. He has been blogging since 2013 on a variety of topics. He is committed to creating informative and engaging content that helps readers learn more about everything.
