F8 function key does not toggle Ortho in AutoCAD

F8 function key does not toggle Ortho in AutoCAD


Issue:

When pressing the F8 key while working in AutoCAD, it does not toggle Ortho mode on and off as it should. Some or all of the other function keys also may not work.

Causes:


On some computers, the row of function keys defaults to "Multimedia key" mode instead of the traditional "Function key" mode. This is a customization typically applied by the computer manufacturer.

Sometimes the MTEXT editor will swap function keys and affect function keys outside of the editor.


Solution:


Switch the Function Key Row setting in the Windows Mobility Center:
  • From the START menu, open the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center (or search for Windows Mobility Center on the machine and open it directly).
  • Under Function Key Row, switch the setting from "Multimedia keys" to "Function keys".
Note: This is likely found under a section titled "Customized by <Computer Manufacturer>". 

Alternatively, if this option isn't available, there may be a Function Lock key on your keyboard. Toggle that key. If the Function Lock icon is shared with another key, hold down the Fn key and then hit that key with the function lock icon on it.  

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

If the MTEXT editor is the issue, install Update 2 for AutoCAD 2017 or install AutoCAD 2018.