How to Turn on Multimedia Keys on a Keyboard

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Multimedia keyboards have a variety of different hot keys that standard keyboards don't. These buttons include not only volume control but also playback features (for DVD movies) and even screen brightness control. However, you may find the keyboard's multimedia keys are not functioning or responding when you press the buttons. If this is the case, you can typically fix the issue without any calls to tech support.

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Step 1

Connect the multimedia keyboard to your computer and insert the driver installation CD into the CD drive on the system. Even if the keyboard is "plug-n-play" you should still install the provided drivers. The drivers help ensure the computer knows how to use the keyboard.

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Step 2

Wait for the driver installation wizard to launch (it does shortly after you insert the driver installation CD). Follow the brief prompts to complete the installation.

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Step 3

Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel." Once the Control Panel loads select "Devices," and then "Keyboard."

Step 4

Select your multimedia keyboard as the default keyboard from the list at the top of the screen. Check to "enable" multimedia keyboard buttons. You may be asked what functions specific buttons should have. Here you can either leave them with the default settings or select a different task for the buttons in question.

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Step 5

Click "Apply" to save the changes. You can now begin using the multimedia keys on your keyboard.

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