action key assignment not working on new computer

[tobymars]

Hi folks,

I just got a new computer--Dell mobile Precision workstation 5300, and trying to set up some actions like my old Precision workstation. So I recorded my action and assigned Shift+F12 as before. But this does not work; instead I get the normal key function, which is to brighten the screen. Any suggestions?
TIA,
Toby

[nikunj.m · Accepted solution]

Hi Toby,

Does you Keyboard have a function key marked as "Fn"? If yes, try to press and hold the Fn key with the Shift key +F12 to check if that works.

Regards,

Nikunj 

[tobymars]

Bingo! You nailed it! Many thanks--
Toby

[nikunj.m]

Glad that helped. Please let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks!

Nikunj

[jane-e]

Hi

A second thing you can do is change the preferences on your new Mac so that the F keys are set to the standard function keys. Then use fn when you want brightness, sound, etc.

Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard

~ Jane

[tobymars]

Thank you for that tip; however this is a Dell Precision workstation running Win 10 Pro. 

[jane-e]

I'm so sorry for reading quickly, Toby! Check to see if your keyboard has an fn lock key on it. It may be a dedicated key or you may press and hold fn and click Escape to toggle it. I'm on a Mac and can't test.

~ Jane

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4052268/accessories-how-do-i-use-the-fn-key-f-lock-key-alte...

https://www.howtogeek.com/235351/how-to-choose-whether-your-function-keys-are-f1-f12-keys-or-special...