F11
The F11 key is a function key at the top of almost all computer keyboards. The key is used to Enter and exit fullscreen mode in all modern Internet browsers. As mentioned below, F11 also has other uses depending on the computer and program.
How to use the F11 key
Open the program that uses the key and press F11. If the F11 key also has an icon on the key, it indicates the key has a secondary function. To use the secondary function, press and hold down the Fn key, and while continuing to hold the key, press F11.
If, when pressing the F11 key, the secondary function is performed (e.g., mutes audio), the function keys are the secondary function. For example, on an Apple computer, to press F11, hold down fn, and press F11.
If the FnLk (function lock) is enabled, the keyboard acts as if the Fn key is being pressed until it is unlocked.
Information about the secondary function is found in the below secondary function of the F11 section.
If the F11 key is not working on the keyboard, see: Some keys on my computer keyboard aren't working.
Where is the F11 key used?
The following list is all the locations where the F11 key can be used with information about its use.
Apple macOS
With macOS 10.4 or later, F11 hides all open windows and shows the desktop.
Hidden partition
- Ctrl+F11 as the computer is starting to access the hidden recovery partition on many Dell computers.
- Pressing F11 by itself accesses the hidden recovery partition on eMachines, Gateway, and Lenovo computers.
Internet browsers
Enter and exit fullscreen mode in all modern Internet browsers.
Microsoft Excel
Creates a chart from selected data in Microsoft Excel.
The secondary function of the F11
Each function key has two functions for a laptop and desktop computer keyboard with the Fn key. Unfortunately, there's no standard to what each key uses as its secondary function, so every keyboard is different. Below are keyboards and their secondary function for the F11 key.
- Apple keyboard F11 key
- Cooler Master keyboard F11 key
- Dell keyboard F11 key
- HP (Hewlett-Packard) keyboard F11 key
- Lenovo ThinkPad F11 key
- Logitech keyboard F11 key
- Microsoft Surface F11 key
Apple keyboard F11 key
The default F11 key primary function on Apple keyboards is to turn down the audio. Pressing fn+F11 for the secondary function is F11.
Cooler Master keyboard F11 key
On Cooler Master desktop keyboards, the F4 secondary function is one of the following options depending on the model.
- With a single-color keyboard backlight keyboards, FN+F11 increases the audio volume.
- With a multiple backlight colors (RGB) keyboard, FN+F11 locks all keys on the keyboard. When keys are locked, the "G" LED (light-emitting diode) indicator light is active.
Dell keyboard F11 key
The F11 key secondary function on Dell laptop keyboards is to mute and unmute the volume.
HP (Hewlett-Packard) keyboard F11 key
On Hewlett-Packard laptop keyboards with two right arrows pointing to a line on the F11 key, the secondary F11 function fast forwards or goes to the next track in supported media players.
Lenovo ThinkPad F11 key
On the IBM and Lenovo ThinkPad keyboards with three box symbol, the F11 key secondary function shows all open windows. If the key resembles a keyboard, the F11 secondary function opens the keyboard settings.
Logitech keyboard F11 key
On Logitech keyboards with two left arrows pointing to a line, the secondary F11 function rewinds or goes to the previous track in supported media players. Logitech keyboards with a speaker icon next to multiple lines turn up the audio.
Microsoft Surface F11 key
On the Microsoft Surface laptops, the F11 key secondary function is the PgUp key.
Where is the F11 key on my smartphone or tablet?
Smartphones and tablets don't have keyboards like you'd find on a desktop and laptop and therefore don't have an F11 key.
Related keyboard shortcuts and keys
Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.