I have a Compaq Presario CQ56-204CA. The default F keys are functions like brightness and stuff. To reach a F key, i must hold the Fn key. I would like to switch that to the default keys is the F keys. How?

Compaq Presario computers provide users with a row of function keys for added keyboard functionality. Function keys can serve a dual purpose as well.
Function keys are located at the top of Compaq Presario keyboards.
By learning how function keys work on a Compaq Presario you can take advantage of time saving keyboard shortcuts.Purpose
Use function keys to access menus, save changes and create shortcut keys.
Various applications, including Microsoft Office, allow you to select a function key as a shortcut key for running specific tasks. These settings are usually found under the Tools, Settings or File menu.
Each Compaq Presario computer has twelve function keys.
The most common used keys are "F2," "F8," "F10" and "F12."
The first three are used mainly to access and use the Compaq BIOS. "F12" is used to access a set of run from options during the boot process.

How to Access
Access function keys on a Compaq Presario by pressing any of the keys on the top row of the keyboard. Access the key's dual purpose by first pressing the "Fn" key located on the bottom row of keys.
Use function keys as shortcut keys by pressing them anytime while in the desired application. Remember, you must set them as shortcut keys first.
Note that some programs may already have certain function keys set as shortcuts.
Open menus and view the shortcut keys beside each menu item before setting your own shortcuts.


Dual Uses Each function key has a dual use. Press "Fn" plus the desired function key for the key's other use.
Below each function number is a small picture within a square or rectangle.
This dictates the dual use. "F1" opens help and support. "F2" serves as a printer shortcut.
Open your homepage by pressing "F3."
If you use dual monitors, switch between monitors by using "F4." "F5" puts your computer in stand-by mode.
Quickly lock your computer by pressing "F6." "F7" and "F8" adjust the screen's contrast.
Play and pause your music in Windows Media Player or other default media player by using "F9."
Press "F10" to stop playing media. Skip ahead or rewind media by using "F11" and "F12."

Other "Fn" Keys

In addition to function keys, the "Fn" key is also provides other keys with a dual use.
Any key with a small square on the key has a dual purpose such as the "scroll," "insert" and "delete" buttons.
Since laptop keyboards have no number pads, certain keys serve as the number pad by pressing the "Fn" key.

Yes, go to Start>Control panel>Power Options. There also should be a screen brightness key on your key board, that looks like a sun shining, with arrows pointing up & down. To use that key, hit the FN key, right next to the Ctrl key. Push & hold the FN key, while pushing the up arrow. That should increase the brightness of your display. Good luck.

I had the same problem and it looks like you can change this setting within the BIOS. It's called Action Keys, and apparently HP thought its users would rather press Fn to use F1-F12 than pressing Fn to change the brightness and such. Here's an HP article I used to change this on a Presario CQ56-115DX. Just use the directions and disable Action Keys

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02035108&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

1. Press down the Fn key at the lower left end of your Compaq Presario keyboard. Keep the button held down and tap the F7 key to decrease the screen brightness by one step.

2. Tap the F7 key again with the Fn key still depressed to further decrease the brightness by one step. Continue hitting the F7 key until you reach the minimum LCD screen brightness.

3. Hold down the Fn key and tap the F8 key to increase the Presario's LCD screen brightness by one step. Keep pressing the F8 key until you reach the maximum brightness for your screen

You can do this with function keys for that model. The letters may be different, if they are, refer to the pics of the keys; they are always the same.
From the Windows desktop, hold the Fn key and press the f7 key to increase or the f8 key to decrease the brightness of the display.

To help us with feedback; please rate this solution if it was helpful to you. It doesn't charge extra to leave feedback and is appreciated greatly!

KittyTech

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/carolyn_427ff26936286336

while holding the fn key (function) press the f8 key a few times, screen brightness should get brighter with each press. the fn key might be located next to the control key lower right corner of keyboard.

Try to Press and hold the function (fn) key and the then press Brightness + key, if you have proper drivers installed.

The Fn key will be near the Space Bar, and the Brightness key will be symbolized by some Sun or something like that in the Top row of keys.

Regards,
Waqar.

there is a brighness key on your kb
press the fn key on lower left and turn up your bright ness
fn = function press and hold while you press bright ness up

Are you holding down your function key while pressing those corresponding keys?

You should see a key labeled "Fn" "F" or similar. It may also be labeled Mode.

It is generally "Fn" and blue.

Press and hold this key, and then press the F7 or F8 key repeatedly to adjust.

Hope this helps
Let us know

Compaq says to DECREASE the screen brightness for your specific model, use the fn key in combination with the F7 key (basically, hold down the fn key and press and release the F7 key). That most likely means that the Function key to INCREASE the screen brightness is usually on one side or the other (F6 or F8). Also, look for what the other User suggested; the function key should have a picture of a sun or sunburst. Hope this helps.
Keith Stoffer
Comptia A+ Certified Technician (20+ years)