The keys along the top are labeled F1 through F12. BUT there is also a small symbol on the key. This picture highlights the special symbol for a “generic” keyboard. Both the details of the symbol and to which key the symbol is assigned depend on the manufacturer.
These symbols are "function hotkeys.” If you hold down the fn key (1 above), push one of the function keys and then release both simultaneously, then something will happen, which depends on the function assigned to the symbol. In the above generic keyboard, the symbols relate to the following functions:
- Display system information. fn+esc
- Open Help and Support. fn+f1
- Open the Print Options window. fn+f2
- Open a Web browser. fn+f3
- Alternate between computer display and external display. fn+f4
- Initiate Hibernation. fn+f5
- Initiate QuickLock. fn+f6
- Decrease screen brightness. fn+f7
- Increase screen brightness. fn+f8
- Play, pause, or resume an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f9
- Stop an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f10
- Play the previous track or section on an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f11
- Play the next track on an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f12
I want to focus on the function of moving your display from your laptop screen to an screen that is attached to your laptop. (This attachment can be through one of serveral plugs on your laptop, depending on your laptop.) I assume you have your alternate screen attached to your laptop and turned on.
The symbol for moving the display from one screen to another may be different than the above example. On my Lenovo Laptop, f3 has the screen toggle function and it the symbol is a rounded square, then a line, then the outline of a laptop.
All the special function symbols are in orange. (Whatever the color of the symbols, the fn key will be the same color.)
So, in this example, holding the fn key down, pushing the f4 key and releasing both simultaneously will toggle the display. Note that there might be a third "toggle." The sequence might be: (1) laptop only, (2) attached screen only, and (3) both screens.
If you don't want to, or can't figure out how to use the function keys, you can go to the control panel and use the Display function. This description will only cover Windows Vista/7 and does not take advantage of some of the built-in functions of fancy video drivers. If you are using the "not-classic" view of the Control Panel, then you click on Start, then Control Panel to open the Control Panel window. Then Click on "Mobile PC- Adjust commonly used mobility settings." Then look for "External Display." Click the "Connect Display" button. If you are Classic view, click "Windows Mobility Center" and do the same thing. The dialog should take you through the steps.
When in doubt, Click Start, then click "Help and Support," usually on the right side of the Start menu, and type "External Display" in the search bar. The resulting list should include specific instructions for your operating system and machine.
If you have specific questions, please ask by submitting a comment.
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