Function keys on Dell laptop requires Fn+F1-F12 (default is multimedia/oem key)

From Whirlpool's KB article on the Dell Studio 1555:

The media buttons are switched on by default instead of the F keys so to perform a task such as closing a window (Alt-F4), you are required to press Alt-Fn-F4. To reverse this function, it is necessary to go into the BIOS.


Often the ESC key fill have a 'function lock' icon which looks like a padlock. Press the 'FN' select key and ESC and it switches the function keys to behave as function keys.


On Dell XPS 13 9370 it's depends on the BIOS settings. See the picture below.

You have three options:

  1. With "Fn Lock" you can toggle between Functions and Media keys with Fn+Esc.
  2. With "Lock mode disable" you can use F1-12 keys as Media keys.
  3. With "Lock mode enabled" you can use F1-12 keys as Functions keys.

Fn Lock Options