trying to turn on the f5 thru f7 keys for volume?

On many modern keyboards, the top-row keys (including F5–F7) have two modes:

• Special-key mode (volume, brightness, etc.)
• Standard function-key mode (F1–F12 for app shortcuts like Search)

The issue described indicates the keyboard is currently in standard function-key mode, so F5–F7 are being sent as normal function keys instead of volume keys.

Use these steps depending on the keyboard type:

1. If the keyboard has an Fn key that toggles function mode:
   • Press the Fn key once to switch modes. On some Microsoft/Surface keyboards, a light on the Fn key indicates function mode is locked; turning that off returns the top row to special-key behavior (volume, etc.).
   • Then press F5–F7 again to see if they now control volume.
2. If the keyboard has an F Lock key:
   • Press F Lock to toggle between standard F1–F12 functions and the alternate commands (such as volume, media, etc.).
   • When F Lock is off, alternate functions work; when on, standard F1–F12 functions work.
3. If using a Surface Keyboard or similar Microsoft keyboard:
   • The top row acts as special keys (volume, brightness, etc.) unless the Fn key is enabled (locked).
   • Press Fn to lock/unlock function mode. When the Fn light is on, the keys act as F1–F12; when off, they act as special keys like volume.

If none of these keys (Fn/F Lock) exist or respond, test with another USB or wireless keyboard. If the second keyboard’s volume keys work correctly, the original keyboard may require vendor-specific software or may have a hardware/firmware limitation that needs to be adjusted using HP’s tools rather than Windows settings.

References:

• How do I use the Fn key/F Lock key/Alternate command keys?
• Use the special keys on Surface Keyboard
• Special keys and function keys for Surface Keyboards or Type Covers
• Backlit keyboard - Microsoft Q&A