1

If I assign option-F3 in the "Application Windows" select list in:

System Preferences->Mission Control

It seems to allow me to do that and there are no conflicts reported for the key-combo in:

System Preferences->Keyboard->Shortcuts

But the next time I open System Preferences->Mission Control, the select list is empty. And if I type option-F3, System Preferences launches and the mission control system preferences pane comes up.

  1. Where is the option-F3 -> Mission Control Preference pane action set?
  2. How do I change it so I can re-assign option-F3 to do what I want?
  3. Why is there no reported conflict in the keyboard shortcuts settings when I assign option-F3?
hepcat72
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1 Answers1

2

You need to configure your Mac to treat the F-keys as standard function keys. To do so go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard (not Shortcuts) and look for the option to Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys. Enabling that will solve your problem.

agarza
  • 2,274
Eytan
  • 121
  • Thanks. That does solve the problem, but it also creates new problems. I have an extended keyboard, so it does have an fn key, but, but that and many of the function keys are so far apart, I cannot enter them with one hand. I was able to create shortcuts to restore the original assignments such as: F3=MC, F4=Launchpad, but how can I restore the dimmer, brighter, mute, volup, and voldown function key shortcuts? – hepcat72 Mar 25 '22 at 12:57
  • Incidentally, I used to have these combos all set up without issue. But I think the Catalina update is what may have started the problem. I just tried 2 3rd party apps and still cannot get all the function keys working like I want them. – hepcat72 Mar 25 '22 at 17:15
  • Ok. I have a computer running Monterey and it has no problem assigning option-F3. I guess that's one more reason to update. – hepcat72 Mar 25 '22 at 17:20