[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20have%20a%20new%20Del%20XPS13%2C%20I%20think%20model%209045.%20I%20am%20blind%20so%20I%20totally%20use%20a%20keyboard.%20How%20do%20I%20get%20Function%20keys%3F%20I%20have%20Narrator%20loaded"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found about enabling your function keys (F1-F12) on your Dell XPS 13. I\u2019m not certain \u201c9045\u201d is a standard Dell model, but the process is the same (or very similar) for most recent XPS 13 machines.\n\nHere\u2019s how to get function keys working the way you want, especially if you\u2019re using Narrator and rely heavily on keyboard:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd11 Two major ways to change how F-keys behave\n\n### 1. Toggle the \u201cFn Lock\u201d with a keyboard shortcut  \n- Press **Fn + Esc**. Usually, the Esc key has a little lock icon to show this. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-laptop/xps-13-9310-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-9310?guid=guid-1eae9563-2f31-4003-859e-f0ecc423668f&utm_source=openai))  \n- This flips the \u201cFn Lock\u201d setting: if function keys are doing media (volume, brightness, etc.) by default, toggling Fn+Esc lets F1-F12 be *actual* function keys without holding Fn. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-laptop/xps-13-9310-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-9310?guid=guid-1eae9563-2f31-4003-859e-f0ecc423668f&utm_source=openai))  \n- Pressing Fn+Esc again toggles back. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-laptop/xps-13-9310-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-9310?guid=guid-1eae9563-2f31-4003-859e-f0ecc423668f&utm_source=openai))  \n\n### 2. Change Function Key Behavior in the BIOS/UEFI setup  \n- Reboot your computer.  \n- As soon as you see the Dell logo or something that shows \u201cPress F2 for Setup\u201d (or similar), press **F2** repeatedly to enter BIOS. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/parts/keyboards/fix-dell-computer-function-keys?utm_source=openai))  \n- Navigate using the arrow keys to a section like **System Configuration** or **Advanced**. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-laptop/xps-13-9310-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-9310?guid=guid-1eae9563-2f31-4003-859e-f0ecc423668f&utm_source=openai))  \n- Look for **Function Key Behavior**, **Action Keys Mode**, or **Lock Mode**. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-laptop/xps-13-9310-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-9310?guid=guid-1eae9563-2f31-4003-859e-f0ecc423668f&utm_source=openai))  \n- Set this to **Function Key First** (or similar), so that pressing F1-F12 acts as standard function keys, and you only use Fn when you want media/secondary controls. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9340-laptop/xps-13-9340_owners_manual/system-setup-options?guid=guid-bc994c78-d0f0-40f0-bffd-2de91b5bf340&utm_source=openai))  \n- Save changes (often F10) and exit BIOS. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/parts/keyboards/fix-dell-computer-function-keys?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u2699\ufe0f Additional tips\n\n- **Driver or software updates** might reset or override these behaviors, so keep your Dell BIOS and keyboard drivers up to date. ([thelasttech.com](https://www.thelasttech.com/post/enable-function-keys-dell-laptop?utm_source=openai))  \n- Sometimes Dell has utilities (Dell Peripheral Manager, Dell Feature Enhancement Pack) that let you toggle Fn behaviors in Windows. If one is installed, check there. ([thelasttech.com](https://www.thelasttech.com/post/enable-function-keys-dell-laptop?utm_source=openai))  \n- If pressing Fn+Esc doesn\u2019t seem to change anything, that might mean Fn Lock is disabled, or the key combo is blocked. In that case, BIOS is your option. ([pcoutlet.com](https://pcoutlet.com/parts/keyboards/fix-dell-computer-function-keys?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me exactly how your function keys are behaving now (for example, pressing F5 does what: a \u201cRefresh\u201d or \u201cPlay/Pause\u201d?), I can walk you step by step to get them set up in the way that helps *you* best."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20don%27t%20see%20the%20escape%20key.%20Top%20physical%20key%20in%20the%20left%20hand%20corner%20is%20%60."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I understand\u2014if the top-left key on your keyboard is the tilde/backtick key ( \u201c` / ~\u201d ), *not* Escape, then you might have a keyboard layout without a physical Esc key. Sometimes laptops (especially compact ones or ones with touch/capacitive keyboard areas) replace or omit it. Here\u2019s what you can do to enable or get function keys without it:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Confirm Your Keyboard Layout\n\n1. Press the top-left key (that you think is tilde/backtick) together with `Fn`.  \n   - If something about an `F` key works (like brightness, volume, or media controls), then that\u2019s likely the `Fn` key.  \n   - If not, try pressing `Fn` plus other top-row keys to see what happens.  \n\n2. Look for a lock icon on any key\u2014usually on a top-row key\u2014indicating Fn-lock functionality. Sometimes this will be printed tiny (a lock symbol with \"Fn\" inside or similar).  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udee0 Ways to Get Function Keys Without an Escape Key\n\nSince you don\u2019t have a visible Esc key, these methods help enable function key behavior persistently or temporarily:\n\n### A. Use the BIOS / UEFI Settings\n\nYou can make the function keys (F1-F12) act as standard keys by default\u2014no need to hold `Fn` every time.\n\n- Reboot your computer.  \n- When Dell logo appears, tap `F2` repeatedly (or the key Dell indicates) to open the BIOS/UEFI setup.  \n- Use arrow keys to navigate to a menu often called *\u201cSystem Configuration\u201d* or similar.  \n- Look for **Function Key Behavior**, **Action Keys Mode**, or **Hotkey Mode**.  \n- Set it to **Function Key First** (or disable multimedia / action-keys mode). This will make F1-F12 behave normally, with secondary functions like volume/brightness only when you hold `Fn`.  \n\n**Pros**: Sticks after shutdown; works always.  \n**Cons**: Requires navigating pre-boot menus without vision; may need help.\n\n### B. Use a Shortcut on the Keyboard\n\nMany Dell models let you toggle Fn-lock mode via `Fn + Esc`. But since your keyboard **doesn\u2019t** have an actual Esc key, this won\u2019t work on your model. That option is off-table.\n\n### C. Use Dell Software Utilities (in Windows)\n\nDell often includes tools like *Dell Keyboard, Dell Feature Enhancement Pack,* or *Dell QuickSet* that let you toggle function key behavior through Windows settings.\n\n- Press `Windows Key + S`, type something like **Dell hotkey** or **Dell keyboard settings** and open the relevant application.  \n- Look for a setting called \u201cAction Keys Mode,\u201d \u201cFunction Key Behavior,\u201d or \u201cSwap Function Keys.\u201d  \n- Change from \u201cMultimedia by default\u201d to \u201cFunction Keys by default.\u201d\n\n### D. Use an External Keyboard\n\nIn the meantime, until the built-in keyboard is set how you want, using a USB or Bluetooth keyboard with a full set of keys (including Esc) will give you standard F1-F12 usage.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udccb What I Recommend for You\n\nGiven your situation and being blind, focus on what\u2019s easiest and most reliable:\n\n1. **Try BIOS/UEFI method**  \n   - You\u2019ll need to reach out for sighted assistance or use a friend/tech to guide by voice.  \n   - Make sure the setting \u201cFunction Key Behavior\u201d or \u201cAction Keys Mode\u201d is set so F1-F12 are the primary actions.  \n\n2. **Install/Check for any Dell keyboard utility**  \n   - Once in Windows, check for Dell\u2019s own software or feature-packs.  \n   - Use Narrator\u2019s search (\u201cDell keyboard\u201d) to find any setting that can swap the behavior.\n\n3. **External keyboard as backup**  \n   - If getting persistent changes built in is hard, then an external keyboard with clear keys might help until you have the setup exactly how you want.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can look up model-specific settings for *your* exact Dell XPS 13 (if you tell me fully whether it's 9310, 9340, something ending in 9045, or check the service tag) and walk you through exactly where to change these with Narrator. Would you like me to do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "The%20top%20row%20are%20numbers.%20I%20just%20need%20to%20turn%20the%20damn%20thing%20off%20but%20I%20need%20Alt%2BF4%20for%20that."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I looked around\u2014seems like we can\u2019t be totally sure of what \u201cturning it off\u201d means here, but I think you want the top-row keys (where F1-F12 live) to *act* like standard function keys instead of media/special keys, so you can use things like Alt+F4 without needing an extra key. Here are clearer, simpler steps\u2014especially adapted since you don\u2019t have a visible **Esc** key.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83c\udfaf Goal\n\nHave your Function keys (F1-F12) work *directly* by default when you press them, so you don't have to combine something with them just to use Alt+F4, etc.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd27 Two solid options\n\nSince you don\u2019t see an Esc with a lock, the Fn+Esc method is probably unavailable. Let\u2019s go with methods that will work regardless.\n\n---\n\n### 1. Change BIOS/UEFI setting to make Function Keys default\n\nThis gives you what you want permanently.\n\n#### What to do:\n\n1. Restart your laptop completely.  \n2. When you *power it on* (before Windows starts), listen for the tell (you may hear the Dell boot sound or an audio \u201clogo\u201d if you have it set)\u2014then tap **F2** *repeatedly*. That should get you into BIOS/UEFI.  \n3. Once you\u2019re in BIOS, using Narrator + arrow keys, locate **System Configuration** or **Advanced**. Dell calls the setting \u201cFunction Key Behavior,\u201d \u201cAction Keys Mode,\u201d \u201cHotkey Mode\u201d or similar.  \n4. Change from the mode where the top row acts like media/special keys by default (\u201cMultimedia Key First,\u201d \u201cAction Keys Enabled\u201d, etc.) to \u201cFunction Key First.\u201d That means pressing the top row gives you F1-F12, and to get media (volume, brightness) you use Fn + that key.  \n5. Save and exit (often with F10\u2014it will say something like *\u201cSave changes and exit\u201d*).  \n\nDell manuals and Dell support say this works. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/xps-13-9310-2-in-1-laptop/xps-13-9310-2-in-1-setup-and-specifications/keyboard-shortcuts-of-xps-13-2-in-1-9310-2n1?guid=guid-549c3c52-97b7-4b04-84dd-6cc1e78c3ccb&lang=en-us&utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### 2. Use Dell\u2019s Windows tools/keyboard utilities\n\nIf entering BIOS is hard for you (maybe due to no Esc key or other access), you might be able to make this change inside Windows.\n\n- Look for Dell\u2019s system apps\u2014\u201cDell Peripheral Manager,\u201d \u201cDell Feature Enhancement Pack,\u201d or keyboard/Hotkey settings.  \n- Use **Windows Key + S** to search (with Narrator listening) for \u201cfn key behavior,\u201d \u201chotkey,\u201d or \u201cDell keyboard settings.\u201d  \n- In those settings, there should be a toggle like *\u201cMultimedia Key First\u201d* vs *\u201cFunction Key First\u201d*. Switch it to *Function Key First.* ([clrn.org](https://www.clrn.org/how-to-turn-on-function-keys-on-dell-laptop/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f If those don\u2019t work\n\n- **No BIOS option found**? Some Dell models just don\u2019t show it\u2014ask someone to help search by your exact model / service tag.  \n- **No Dell utility available**? If Windows doesn\u2019t have a built-in way and the BIOS doesn\u2019t show the setting, it may depend on a firmware update from Dell.  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me your exact model (example: *XPS 13 Plus 9320* or whatever the tag shows) I can try to give you the exact menu name and path to help you change it with Narrator. Do you want me to do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "have%20other%20blind%20people%20had%20trouble%20with%20the%20new%20XPS13%209045%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I looked, but I couldn\u2019t find anything specific that confirmed other *blind people* having exactly the same problem with the **XPS 13 \u201c9045\u201d** model. There are a number of reports about keyboard issues and complaints, though\u2014some of which are *relevant* or *similar* to what you\u2019re describing. It\u2019s unclear if those people were blind, but the experiences overlap in frustrating ways.\n\nHere\u2019s what I found:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What people *are* complaining about (relevant to your situation)\n\n1. **Keyboard readability in daylight**  \n   People report that the *lettering on keys* is hard to see in bright light, especially on lighter-colored keycaps with low-contrast markings. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/xps/xps-13-keyboard-readability/647fa207f4ccf8a8de76baa4?utm_source=openai))  \n   If someone relies on a non-visual method of key location (touch, memorization), contrast may matter less\u2014but if the design affects feel, or if lighting changes the keyboard lighting/symbol contrast, that *can* create issues.\n\n2. **Function keys behavior**  \n   In reviews of newer XPS models (including what looks like the \u201cPlus\u201d style / \u201cmag-lev\u201d keyboard), users say the F1\u2013F12 row is by default set in \u201cmedia key\u201d mode (i.e. press F1 and it mutes, press F2 and it lowers brightness etc.), not as actual F1, F2 etc., unless you hold Fn\u2014or change it in BIOS. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/m9b73r?utm_source=openai))  \n   This sounds very close to what you want gone (you want F-keys to *always* be function keys so you can press \u201cAlt+F4\u201d etc. directly).\n\n3. **Shallow key travel and layout changes**  \n   Some people hate the newer keyboard layout and feel, including:\n   - Very shallow travel of keys\u2014top row and all keys feel flatter. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/m9b73r?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Certain keys being smaller or relocated (e.g. half-sized arrow keys, smaller page up/page down) in places where muscle-memory leads to errors. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/m9b73r?utm_source=openai))  \n\n4. **Keyboard invisibility (\u201cgapless\u201d or light-on-light) & backlight usage**  \n   Some report that when backlight is off or in daylight, the letters on keys are really hard to see because of low contrast. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/xps/xps-13-keyboard-readability/647fa207f4ccf8a8de76baa4?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f What I *didn't* find\n\n- Reports from blind people specifically (they almost always say \u201cmy keyboard stops working in certain modes,\u201d \u201clayout is confusing,\u201d etc. but not related to lack of vision or screen-reader usage).  \n- Model-\u201c9045\u201d didn\u2019t come up often\u2014hard to confirm people are referring to exactly your version.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83e\uddfe My thoughts: Overlap between what others report & your problem\n\n- If the F-keys are set to multimedia by default, that explains why **Alt+F4** doesn\u2019t work without pressing *Fn*\u2014others have had that issue.  \n- A layout where you don\u2019t have a physical Esc with lock makes it harder (or impossible) to toggle that Fn-lock via keyboard. Others have complained that the default behavior forces them to go into BIOS to change it. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/m9b73r?utm_source=openai))  \n- The shallow key travel and smaller key size or rearrangements are annoying in general and may make non-visual typing (where you rely on \u201cfeel\u201d more) harder or require relearning.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can try to dig up forums or communities of blind laptop users and see if I can find *specifically blind voices* describing the same problem. That way, you\u2019d know you\u2019re not alone and maybe find shared workarounds. Do you want me to do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "does%20the%20del%20xps14%20have%20the%20same%20touch%20strip%20as%20the%20XPS13%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found out: **Yes**, the Dell XPS 14 *used to* have the same capacitive touch strip (\u201ctouch row\u201d) instead of physical function keys (F1\u2013F12)\u2014just like the newer XPS 13 models. **But** in the latest 2026 redesign, Dell has *removed* the touch strip for the XPS 14 and replaced it with a standard, physical function row again. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows-laptops/dell-xps-14-2026?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd04 How It\u2019s Changed Over Time\n\n| Time / Model | Function Row Style in XPS 14 |\n|--------------|-------------------------------|\n| 2022\u20132025 (\u201cPlus\u201d design, Premium models) | **Capacitive touch strip**: LED touch buttons for F1\u2013F12 (media keys by default) instead of physical keys. ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/dell-xps-13-14-16-intel-core-ultra-price-specs-release-date?utm_source=openai)) |\n| 2026 models (latest release) | **Physical function keys restored** across the row (including a dedicated Esc key) \u2014 the touch strip is gone. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/dell-xps-14-2026-review?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n### \u2699\ufe0f What This Means For Someone Using the Keyboard Blindly\n\n- With the touch strip, there\u2019s *no tactile guide*: you can\u2019t feel a bump where the F-keys are. So finding Alt+F4, or Esc, or any F-key by feel alone is difficult. That makes things like closing apps, or using shortcuts that depend on function keys, harder without looking\u2014or without practice.  \n- With the 2026 change, Dell restored physical keys. Now you *can* feel the Esc key, F1-F12, etc. That means actions like Alt+F4 could become reliably doable without looking.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which exact year your XPS 14 is (or its model number like **9440** or similar), I can check whether *your specific unit* has the touch strip or physical keys. Want me to check that for you?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%20do%20not%20have%20an%20XPS14.%20I%20am%20returning%20an%20XPS%2013%20because%20of%20the%20capacitive%20touch%20strip.%20When%20I%20buy%20a%2014%20I%20need%20the%20model%20number%20with%20the%20physical%20function%20keys."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are the model and specs to look for so you can get an XPS 14 **with physical function keys** (F1\u2013F12 row, and a real Esc key) instead of the capacitive/touch strip. I\u2019ll also give you some alternative models if that one doesn\u2019t work for you.\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 The Model You Want\n\n- **Dell XPS 14 (2026)** \u2014 model number **DA14260** ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/dell-xps-14-2026-da14260-review/?utm_source=openai))  \n- This 2026 version *restores* the physical function key row \u2014 the touch strip used in earlier 14-inch or \u201cPremium\u201d XPS models is gone. ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/dell-xps-14-2026-da14260-review/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What to Check Before Buying\n\nMake sure whichever unit you're looking at meets **these criteria**:\n\n- The listing or spec sheet says \u201cPhysical Function Row\u201d or \u201cPhysical Function Keys, F1\u2013F12, real Esc key.\u201d ([pcworld.com](https://www.pcworld.com/article/3073859/dell-xps-14-review-2.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- Model number is **DA14260** \u2014 that's the 2026 model that changed back to physical keys. ([tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/dell-xps-14-2026-da14260-review/?utm_source=openai))  \n- If possible, check that it's not one of the older Premiums or \u201cPlus\u201d editions which had the touch strip. Those are likely earlier models (2024\u2013early 2025). ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/dell-xps-14?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f What to Avoid\n\n- \u201cDell Premium 14\u201d or \u201cXPS 14 Premium\u201d models with touch-sensitive function keys. ([windowscentral.com](https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/dell-xps-14-vs-xps-16-2026?utm_source=openai))  \n- Any spec listing \u201ccapacitive function row,\u201d \u201ctouch function bar,\u201d \u201clight-up touch strip,\u201d or \u201cno visible Esc key.\u201d ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/dell-xps-14?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can look up a few retailer SKU numbers for your region to make sure you get one that\u2019s confirmed physical-keys. Want me to pull a couple for you?"
    }
]