@jphughan Sorry, I figured out how to find the exact model thing. It's Inspiron 5493.

@jphughan I don't think my other message sent.. I can use the volume buttons when holding down the fn key. I have never had to do this before, so I don't know why this is happening. When I don't press fn, it'll do the same function as ctrl+f. I was trying to watch a tutorial on youtube, and when trying to turn up the volume, I would get a pop up in the corner that happens when you press ctrl+f. 

@helpmepleaseimsocunfsueduhjdb  Saying you have an "Inspiron 14 5000 laptop" isn't all that helpful since that refers to an entire model line that includes multiple system models introduced over multiple years.  It's a bit like saying you have a "BMW 3 Series".  Your exact system model would be something like Inspiron 5478 or whatever.  In any case, just setting aside Fn+Esc for a moment, do the volume buttons work if you press the keys by themselves, or if you press them while holding down Fn, or neither?  If they don't work in either case, then there might be something going on within Windows, in which case try the keys for adjusting your keyboard backlight or display brightness if those functions are also on the F keys along the top row of the keyboard.  You need to figure out if your F keys are defaulting to F keys (like F1, F2, etc.) or the laptop function keys (volume, brightness, etc.)  Whichever function is activated when you are NOT holding down the Fn key is the default.

As for Fn+Esc, is the Esc key actually marked somehow to indicate that it is a Fn Lock key?  If not, then it's possible that Fn+Esc won't do anything on your system.  But again, the first part is figuring out whether you can get volume controls working at all, either by holding down the Fn key or not.  If the volume keys aren't working either way, then Fn+Esc won't do anything for you.

You have to toggle the function of the "F" keys pressing simultaneously Fn and Esc Fn keys. Then you can switch between the function of the "F" Keys for Function or the others, (Volume, Screen Brightness, Keyboard Backlight, etc.)

Hi! I am having the same issue. When I hold Fn + Esc (which has the fn padlock), it still does not lock the function keys. I would prefer the "media" use for the F keys, but they are stuck in the other mode - F3 = search for example.

I've tried many random things like -  CTRL + Fn + Esc, holding Fn+Esc for several seconds... nothing is working to enable function lock.

Yes, they still work if I hold Fn and then hit the F key, but I'd like to just lock them in as the media uses and be done. Any ideas on how else to get them locked when Fn + Esc is not working?

Thank you!

Hello! I have the same problem with my XPS 13 9370! How you resolve it?

I am having the same issue as this, did you ever figure out a solution?

I figured it out. I have a Dell XPS 13 9360, open the BIOS (press F2 as the computer is starting), scroll down to 'POST options', make sure the Fn lock checkbox is ticked. Mine unticked itself after a BIOS update.

mine was when i hold it i can use the volume up and the default was F1 my System Model is Inspiron 15-3567