TallyPrime makes extensive use of the F1 to F12 function keys for accounting, voucher entry, configuration, and navigation. On many modern Lenovo laptops, however, the same top-row keys are also assigned to hardware functions such as volume, microphone, screen brightness, display switching, and other system controls.

This can create a common problem for TallyPrime users: pressing F5, for example, may operate a laptop feature instead of opening the Payment Voucher in TallyPrime.

In most cases, this is not a TallyPrime problem. It is caused by the laptop's Fn Lock/Hotkey configuration.

Lenovo provides an FnLock switch on many models, commonly shared with the Esc key. Lenovo documents Fn + Esc as the shortcut used to switch FnLock on or off on supported systems.

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Why Are Function Keys Important in TallyPrime?

TallyPrime is designed for fast keyboard-based operation. Many frequently used accounting operations can be opened directly with function keys instead of navigating through menus.

According to Tally's current keyboard shortcut documentation, important shortcuts include:

There are also combinations such as Alt+F2, Alt+F5, Alt+F6, Alt+F7, Alt+F8, Alt+F9, Ctrl+F4, Ctrl+F5, Ctrl+F6, Ctrl+F7, Ctrl+F8 and Ctrl+F9, depending on the screen and operation being performed.

For an accountant or operator who enters hundreds of transactions, direct access to these keys can considerably improve data-entry speed.

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The Problem: Pressing F Keys Performs Laptop Functions Instead of Tally Commands

Suppose you are working in TallyPrime and press:

F5

You expect TallyPrime to open the Payment Voucher.

Instead, the laptop may perform a hardware action associated with that key.

Similarly:

F6 may control a hardware feature instead of opening Receipt.

F7 may perform a laptop-specific function instead of opening Journal.

F8 may trigger another multimedia/hardware action instead of opening Sales.

This happens because many Lenovo laptops give the top-row keys two possible functions.

For example, a key may work as:

F5

or as:

Brightness / Microphone / Volume / another Lenovo hotkey

The Fn/FnLock setting determines which function is used by default.

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Method 1: Use Fn + Esc to Change Fn Lock

This is the easiest solution and should be tried first.

Look at the upper-left corner of the Lenovo keyboard.

On many Lenovo laptops, the Esc key contains an additional marking such as:

FnLock

If your keyboard has this marking, press:

Fn + Esc

Press and hold the Fn key and then press Esc once.

Release both keys.

Lenovo's documentation confirms that on supported keyboards the FnLock switch shares the Esc key and can be toggled using Fn + Esc.

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Important: You May Actually Need Fn Lock ON for TallyPrime

Although users commonly describe this requirement as "disable Fn Lock," what matters is the resulting behavior of the keyboard.

On many Lenovo models:

FnLock ON → F1–F12 work directly

This is normally the desired mode for TallyPrime.

For example:

Press F5 → TallyPrime receives F5.

Press F8 → TallyPrime receives F8.

Press F12 → TallyPrime receives F12.

Lenovo documentation for several models describes FnLock as reversing the default and hidden functions of the top-row hotkeys; on those systems, when FnLock is enabled, pressing a top-row key directly can produce its standard F-key function.

However, behavior can vary by Lenovo model. Therefore, do not rely only on whether FnLock is described as "ON" or "OFF."

The correct setting for TallyPrime is simply the mode in which pressing F2, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F11 and F12 directly sends those function keys to TallyPrime.

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How to Test Whether Fn Lock Is Correctly Configured

After pressing:

Fn + Esc

open TallyPrime and test a few keys.

Test F2

Press:

F2

TallyPrime should provide the option to change the date. Tally officially lists F2 as the shortcut for changing the voucher date or report date/period, depending on context.

Test F5

Open Accounting Vouchers and press:

F5

TallyPrime should switch to:

Payment Voucher

Test F6

Press:

F6

It should open:

Receipt Voucher

Test F7

Press:

F7

It should open:

Journal Voucher

Test F8

Press:

F8

It should open:

Sales Voucher

Test F9

Press:

F9

It should open:

Purchase Voucher

Tally's official shortcut documentation confirms these voucher shortcuts.

If these work without holding Fn, your keyboard is configured correctly for TallyPrime.

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Method 2: Temporarily Use Fn + Function Key

If you do not want to change the FnLock setting, you may still be able to access the standard function key by holding Fn.

For example, depending on the current keyboard mode:

Fn + F5 → F5

Fn + F6 → F6

Fn + F7 → F7

Fn + F8 → F8

Fn + F9 → F9

This may work as a temporary solution.

However, it is inconvenient for regular TallyPrime users because Tally uses function keys very frequently.

For an accountant working continuously in TallyPrime, it is generally more convenient to configure the laptop so that F1–F12 work directly without holding Fn.

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Method 3: Change Function Key Behaviour in Lenovo BIOS/UEFI

If Fn + Esc does not work, the keyboard behaviour may be controlled through the laptop's BIOS/UEFI configuration.

The exact terminology and BIOS menus vary between Lenovo models, so do not change unrelated BIOS settings.

Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI Setup using the method applicable to your Lenovo model.

Look for an option with a name similar to:

Hotkey Mode

Function Key Behavior

Fn and Function Keys

Special Function Mode

or a similar keyboard/hotkey setting.

Configure it so that the top row operates as standard F1–F12 function keys by default.

Save the BIOS changes and restart Windows.

Then test the keys again in TallyPrime.

Important: BIOS options differ between Lenovo ThinkPad, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion and other product families. Change only the relevant keyboard/function-key option.

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How to Know Which Mode You Need

For TallyPrime, the easiest test is:

Correct configuration

Pressing:

F5

opens the TallyPrime Payment Voucher.

Incorrect configuration

Pressing:

F5

changes brightness, volume, microphone status or performs another laptop-specific action.

The objective is therefore not simply to "turn Fn Lock off."

The objective is:

Make F1–F12 work as standard function keys without pressing Fn.

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Recommended Lenovo Keyboard Configuration for TallyPrime

For a laptop primarily used for accounting work, configure it so that:

F1–F12 = Standard function keys

and

Fn + F1–F12 = Lenovo hardware/multimedia functions

This arrangement is generally much more convenient for TallyPrime operators.

The user can still control brightness, volume and other laptop functions by holding Fn when required.

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Important TallyPrime Function Keys for Daily Accounting

F2 – Change Date

Press F2 to change the voucher date or applicable report date/period.

This is one of the most frequently used keys during voucher entry.

F4 – Contra Voucher

Press F4 to open a Contra Voucher from Accounting Vouchers.

Contra vouchers are commonly used for transactions involving cash and bank accounts.

F5 – Payment Voucher

Press F5 to open a Payment Voucher.

F6 – Receipt Voucher

Press F6 to open a Receipt Voucher.

F7 – Journal Voucher

Press F7 to open a Journal Voucher.

F8 – Sales Voucher

Press F8 to open a Sales Voucher.

F9 – Purchase Voucher

Press F9 to open a Purchase Voucher.

These F4–F9 voucher shortcuts are documented by Tally for TallyPrime.

F11 – Company Features

Press F11 to open the Company Features screen.

F12 – Configure

Press F12 to open the configurations applicable to the current report or screen.

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Additional Useful TallyPrime Function-Key Combinations

TallyPrime also uses combinations involving Alt, Ctrl and the function keys.

Some useful examples include:

The availability and function of a shortcut can depend on the current TallyPrime screen. These mappings are documented in Tally's current shortcut reference.

This is another reason why correctly configuring the laptop's function-key behaviour is important for regular TallyPrime users.

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Troubleshooting: Fn + Esc Does Not Work

If pressing Fn + Esc does not change anything, check the following.

1. Check the Esc Key

Look for FnLock or a lock/function symbol printed on the Esc key.

If present, the laptop likely supports an FnLock toggle.

2. Test Both Modes

Press:

Fn + Esc

Then test F5 in TallyPrime.

If it still performs a hardware action, press Fn + Esc again and retest.

3. Try Fn + F5

If F5 alone does not work but Fn + F5 works in TallyPrime, this strongly indicates that the issue is the keyboard's function-key mode rather than TallyPrime itself.

4. Check BIOS/UEFI

If FnLock cannot be changed from the keyboard, inspect the BIOS/UEFI keyboard or hotkey settings.

5. Test Outside TallyPrime

You can also test whether Windows/applications are receiving standard function keys correctly. If the keys consistently trigger hardware controls instead, the problem is at the keyboard/hotkey configuration level.

6. Restart the Laptop

After changing BIOS or keyboard-related settings, restart Windows and test again.

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Is This a TallyPrime Problem?

Usually, no.

If TallyPrime responds correctly when you press Fn + F5, but does not respond as expected when you press F5 alone, TallyPrime is receiving different keyboard input depending on the laptop's function-key mode.

Tally officially assigns F4 through F9 to commonly used accounting vouchers, while F11 and F12 are also used for important program functions.

Therefore, the solution is generally to configure the Lenovo keyboard so that the standard F keys are sent directly.

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Recommended Setup for Accountants Using Lenovo Laptops

If the laptop is used regularly for:

• TallyPrime
• Tally.ERP 9
• Accounting
• GST work
• Voucher entry
• Bookkeeping
• Inventory management

it is usually preferable to configure:

Direct key press → F1, F2, F3 ... F12

and:

Fn + Function Key → Brightness, Volume and other laptop controls

This provides much faster operation in TallyPrime.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are F4, F5, F6, F7, F8 and F9 not working in TallyPrime on my Lenovo laptop?

The Lenovo keyboard may currently be configured to use the top row primarily for hardware or multimedia actions. Change the FnLock/hotkey mode so that the keys send standard F1–F12 commands.

2. How do I change Fn Lock on a Lenovo laptop?

On many supported Lenovo models, press:

Fn + Esc

Lenovo documents this combination for toggling the FnLock switch on keyboards where FnLock shares the Esc key.

3. Should Fn Lock be ON or OFF for TallyPrime?

Do not rely only on the ON/OFF terminology because behaviour can differ by Lenovo model. Choose the mode where F2, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F11 and F12 work directly without holding Fn.

4. Why does F5 change a laptop setting instead of opening Payment Voucher?

The laptop is interpreting F5 as its special/hotkey function rather than sending a standard F5 command to TallyPrime.

5. What is F5 used for in TallyPrime?

F5 opens the Payment Voucher from Accounting Vouchers.

6. What is F6 used for in TallyPrime?

F6 opens the Receipt Voucher.

7. What is F7 used for in TallyPrime?

F7 opens the Journal Voucher.

8. What is F8 used for in TallyPrime?

F8 opens the Sales Voucher.

9. What is F9 used for in TallyPrime?

F9 opens the Purchase Voucher.

10. What does F2 do in TallyPrime?

F2 is used to change the date applicable to voucher entry or reports.

11. What does F11 do in TallyPrime?

F11 opens Company Features.

12. What does F12 do in TallyPrime?

F12 opens the applicable Configuration options for the current screen/report.

13. Can I use TallyPrime without changing Fn Lock?

Yes. Depending on your laptop's current configuration, you may be able to use combinations such as Fn + F5 instead of F5. However, this is inconvenient for frequent TallyPrime data entry.

14. Fn + Esc is not changing the function keys. What should I do?

Check whether your Lenovo model supports FnLock on the Esc key. If keyboard toggling does not work, check the BIOS/UEFI for a hotkey or function-key behaviour setting.

15. Will changing Fn Lock damage Windows or TallyPrime?

No. FnLock changes how the keyboard interprets the dual-purpose top-row keys. It does not modify your TallyPrime company data.

16. Will changing the function-key setting affect brightness and volume controls?

It may change how those controls are accessed. If F1–F12 become the primary functions, you may need to hold Fn while pressing the relevant key to control brightness, volume or another special laptop function.

17. Does this solution work on every Lenovo laptop?

Many Lenovo laptops support FnLock, but keyboard layouts and BIOS options differ by model. Check the symbols printed on your keyboard and the documentation for your specific Lenovo model.

18. Is the Fn key problem related to Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Not necessarily. Function-key behaviour is often controlled by the laptop keyboard firmware, Lenovo configuration or BIOS/UEFI rather than TallyPrime itself.

19. How can I quickly confirm that the problem has been fixed?

Open TallyPrime and press F5. If Payment Voucher opens without holding Fn, the standard function-key mode is working correctly.

20. What is the best keyboard setting for a laptop mainly used for TallyPrime?

For frequent TallyPrime use, configure the keyboard so that F1–F12 operate directly as standard function keys, while multimedia/hardware controls require the Fn key.

For the complete current list of shortcuts, refer to the official TallyPrime keyboard shortcuts guide.

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