If you have a ThinkPad released 2013 and onwards, you may have noticed you have to press the Fn-key every time to use a function key (F1 - F12). Some people, e prefer to use the function keys above the media keys, and here is the solution to your problem.
Pressing Fn + Esc toggles Fn-Lock, which allows you to use the function keys without having to press the Fn-key every time. Press Fn + Esc again to undo this.
Applies to these Lenovo ThinkPad models:
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E431 / E531, E440 / E540, E555
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L440/L540
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S431 / S531, S440 / S540
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T431s, T440(p/s), T540p
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W540 / W541, W550s
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S1 Yoga (2013), Yoga 14
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X230s, X240(s)
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Helix (2013), Helix (2014)