Keyboard function keys do not work in AutoCAD products

Autodesk Support

Jan 29, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

When trying to use the function keys on the keyboard in AutoCAD, they either do not work or they enact the wrong command.
For example, pressing F8 does not toggle ORTHO on and off.
A message saying "We can't change display topology during a remote connection" may appear instead: 
We can't change display topology during a remote connection

The Windows display switch/duplicate/extend panel may appear:
Project screen options

This might happen to other F-function shortcut keys such as F3 or F4. 
This might happen to laptop computers.
 

Causes:

  • The row of function keys on the keyboard default to "Multimedia key" mode instead of the traditional "Function key" mode. This is a customization typically applied by the computer manufacturer.
  • The function key is locked in the On State.
  • The MTEXT editor within AutoCAD swaps function keys and affects function keys outside the editor.

Solution:

It is recommended to reach out to an IT professional or manufacturer for assistance regarding this hardware issue.
You can also try the following for software settings:


F-Lock key

The keyboard may have a function lock (F-Lock) key which is not turned on. Enable the F-Lock key on the keyboard.
Note: Some keyboards have a secondary "lock" function on the Esc key. Press Fn + Esc to toggle on the Fn-Lock.

 

Fn key

Press the Fn key + the Function key together. Example: Fn + F8.
See the article How to Choose Whether Your Function Keys are F1-F12 Keys or Special Keys (howtogeek.com). 


Change to standard function keys

Switch the Function Key Row setting in the Windows Mobility Center:

  1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center (or search for Windows Mobility Center on the machine and open it directly).
  2. Under Function Key Row, change the setting from "Multimedia keys" to "Function keys."

 

Note: This is likely found under a section titled "Customized by <Computer Manufacturer>". Some systems will not have it. 

Windows Mobility Center
 

Yahoo Widget

If the Yahoo Widget application is present on the system, uninstall it.

AutoCAD mtext Editor

If the MTEXT Editor is the issue, install Update 2 for AutoCAD 2017 (see Install Updates, Add-ons, and Enhancements) or upgrade to newer AutoCAD releases.

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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