How can I use function keys when in Windows, but still keep the features like volume when in MacOS

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daniel.rutten

Bit poster
I use Windows solely in full screen mode and switch between MacOS and Windows with a simple swipe.

I would like to use the function keys in Windows to behave like F1, F2 ... but I would like to keep the Mac features (brightness adjust, volume etc) when in MacOS.

Turning the MacOS Function Key setting "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" on will allow me to use the function keys in Windows, but then my Mac features don't work and vice versa.

Is there an elegant solution for this?
 
Hello,
As a possible solution, kindly follow the below steps to set whether function keys and OS X system shortcut key combinations activate functions in OS X or Windows:
  1. Open System Settings on Mac > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts...
  2. Go to Function Keys and enable the option: Use all F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys.
  3. Open Parallels Desktop Preferences and go to the Shortcuts tab ► macOS System Shortcuts.
  4. From Send macOS system shortcuts drop-down list, select Auto to pass shortcuts into the virtual machine only when it is in focus.
  5. To always pass shortcuts into the virtual machine, choose Always
    Kindly refer to this article for more info: https://kb.parallels.com/114309
If the issue persists, kindly reproduce the issue and collect a technical report (right-click Parallels icon in Dock > Help > Send technical data > check "Attach screenshots..." > press Send Report) and provide us with the report's 9-digit ID in reply to this post.
Thank you!!
 
Hi Pramesh,

Thanks for your reply.

When I enable the option to use all F1, F2 ...as standard function keys, the keys behave correctly in Windows, but I would like to keep the original functions (adjust brightness, sound, etc) when MacOs has focus.

How do I do that, or is that not possible?

- daniel
 
daniel.rutten said:
Hi Pramesh,

Thanks for your reply.

When I enable the option to use all F1, F2 ...as standard function keys, the keys behave correctly in Windows, but I would like to keep the original functions (adjust brightness, sound, etc) when MacOs has focus.

How do I do that, or is that not possible?

- daniel
Click to expand...
Hello Daniel,
To use the original functions for when macOS is in focus, kindly follow the below steps:
  1. Open Parallels Desktop Preferences and go to the Shortcuts tab ► macOS System Shortcuts.
  2. From Send macOS system shortcuts drop-down list, select Auto to pass shortcuts into the virtual machine only when it is in focus.
If the issue persists, kindly reproduce the issue and collect a technical report (right-click Parallels icon in Dock > Help > Send technical data > check "Attach screenshots..." > press Send Report) and provide us with the report's 9-digit ID in reply to this post.
Thank you!!
 
Using function keys on a Windows computer while having the features of a MacOS computer is quite possible. It's as simple as purchasing a keyboard with dedicated media keys or using shortcut combinations.

If you're looking to purchase a keyboard, most major brands such as Logitech and Microsoft offer keyboards that have the same media buttons available in MacOS keyboards, such as volume control, play/pause button, etc. These keyboards usually come with an array of other features too that may be useful for your workflow, and they make it easy to switch back and forth between Windows and MacOS.

Alternatively, if you don't want to buy another keyboard but still want access to the function keys when using Windows without sacrificing any of the features from Macs (such as volume control), there are also a few shortcut key combinations that can be utilized in order to replicate them. On modern MacBook Pro models running macOS Mojave or later versions:

- Press Fn + F11 & F12 for Volume Up & Down respectively;
- Press Fn + Option + Brightness Keys (F1 & F2) for Adjusting Screen Brightness;
- And lastly press Command+Option+Eject for putting your system into Sleep Mode.

By following these steps above you should be able to use function key shortcuts without sacrificing any of your existing features if you're moving between different operating systems!
 
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