HP Envy function key "action mode"

The HP Envy laptop comes with an unfortunate default for the function keys. In the default mode, if you want the function key to work as a function key, you have to hold down the "fn" key before pressing the applicable function key, F1 to F12.

If you don't hold down the "fn" key, the function key operates in "action mode." For example, the F2 key dims the screen.

To toggle back to the way a regular computer operates, follow these instructions:

To disable, or enable, the function key (fn) in the BIOS, do the following steps.
a. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
b. Press the f10 key to open the BIOS setup window.
c. Use the right-arrow or left-arrow keys to navigate to the System Configuration option.Use the up-arrow or down-arrow keys to navigate to the Action Keys Mode option, and then press the enter key to display the Enable / Disable menu.
d. Select the desired mode:
Disabled : Requires pressing fn key + f1 through f12 to use the action as indicated on the action key.
For example, if Disabled , pressing fn + f11 will mute the sound as indicated on the key on this model PC. Alternatively, pressing f11 only will minimize and maximize a web browser if open.
The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.
Enabled : Requires pressing only f1 through f12 to use the action as indicated on the action keys.
For example, if Enabled , pressing f11 only will mute the sound as indicated on the key on this model PC. Alternatively, pressing fn + f11 will minimize and maximize a web browser if open.
The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.
Press f10 key to save the selection and restart the computer.