On Dell laptop models, the Function keys on the keyboard are mapped to their macro (or secondary) keys by default. The same applies to HP models, except for one difference: while Dells map the F2 key to a macro, HP models have no macro for the F2 key. 

This difference has caused some issues for Dell users when in MiChart, where F2 performs a function for certain views. Users have been hitting F2 to perform the expected MiChart function but instead have only succeeded in turning the volume down on the laptop.

Using Native Function Keys on Dell Laptop

In order to use the native function keys on a Dell laptop, the user has the following options:

• Hold fn key down and press the desired function key in order to trigger the native function key.
  
  • This needs to be done every time the user needs to use the native function key.
• Toggle back permanently to the native function keys by holding down the fn key and pressing the esc key.
  
  • This setting only needs to be applied once as it will persist through a reboot.

Laptop Keyboard:

Laptop keyboard with the fn and esc keys highlighted: