How to Fix F5 Refresh key not working in Windows 11/10

Learn how to troubleshoot the F5 Refresh key not working issue in Windows 11/10 with our comprehensive guide. Get your system back on track today!

The F5 key, also known as the refresh key, is a useful function on Windows PCs. It allows users to quickly refresh their screens and update any changes made to a document or webpage. However, there may be instances where the F5 key stops working, causing inconvenience and frustration for users. If you are facing this issue on your Windows 11/10 PC, do not worry. In this article, we will discuss some simple yet effective ways to fix the F5 refresh key not working problem.

Perform some initial checklists

Before diving into complex troubleshooting methods, it is always recommended to start with some basic checks. Here are some initial checklists you can perform to try and fix the F5 key not working issue:

1. Check if the F5 key is physically damaged or stuck. Sometimes, dirt and debris can get stuck under the key, preventing it from functioning properly. Use compressed air or a small brush to clean the key and see if it resolves the issue.

2. Make sure there are no running programs or applications that may be using the F5 key for a different function. Close all applications and try using the F5 key again.

Unlock the Function (Fn) key

Many laptops and some keyboards have a Function (Fn) key that can be used to perform secondary functions on the F keys. If the F5 key is not working, it is possible that the Fn key is locked, and hence, the F5 key is not responding. To unlock the Fn key, press and hold the Fn key and then press the F5 key. This should unlock the Fn key and allow the F5 key to function as intended.

Activate Function keys in BIOS

In some cases, the function keys may be disabled in the BIOS settings, causing the F5 key to not work. To enable the function keys, you will need to access the BIOS settings on your computer. The steps to access the BIOS may vary depending on your computer manufacturer, but it usually involves pressing a specific key (F2, F10, or Del) while the computer is booting up. Once in the BIOS, look for an option to enable the function keys and save the changes. Restart your computer and check if the F5 key issue is resolved.

Reinstall your keyboard driver

A corrupt or outdated keyboard driver can also cause the F5 key to stop working. To fix this, you can reinstall the keyboard driver by following these steps:

1. Press Windows + X keys and select Device Manager from the menu.

2. Expand the Keyboards category and right-click on your keyboard.

3. Select Uninstall device and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Once uninstalled, restart your computer. The computer will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.

Use an alternate method to refresh your PC

If none of the above solutions work, you can use an alternate method to refresh your PC. Right-click on your desktop and select Refresh from the menu. This will refresh your screen and update any changes made to your documents or webpages. You can also use the Ctrl + R shortcut to refresh your screen.

Troubleshoot in a clean boot state

If the F5 key is still not working, you can try performing a clean boot to identify and disable any conflicting programs or services. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type 'msconfig' and hit Enter.

3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab and check the box next to 'Hide all Microsoft services.'

4. Click on Disable all and then go to the Startup tab.

5. Click on Open Task Manager and disable all the startup items.

6. Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.

7. Click on Apply and then OK.

8. Restart your computer and check if the F5 key is now working.

The F5 key is a handy function that helps users quickly refresh their screens and update any changes made to their documents or webpages. However, if the F5 key is not working on your Windows 11/10 PC, it can be frustrating. In this article, we discussed some simple yet effective ways to fix the F5 refresh key not working issue. By performing some initial checklists, unlocking the Fn key, enabling function keys in BIOS, reinstalling the keyboard driver, using an alternate method to refresh, and troubleshooting in a clean boot state, you can resolve the F5 key not working issue and continue using this useful function on your PC.