11 Fixes for Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel

Microsoft Excel is a top - notch spreadsheet diligence , but it ’s not without its problems . One common yield is the unfitness to use arrow cay for moving between cadre . This forces user to trust on the mouse whenever they need to modify cell data point . This not only hampersproductivitybut also result in significant time wastage . To come up to this issue , we have come up with 11 answer that can aid you posit arrow key not work in Excel problem .

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1. Disable Scroll Lock on the Keyboard

One of the main reasons why your arrow keys are not moving between cells is because of the scroll lock . If you see a Scroll Lock indicator at the bottom left recess of the Excel single file , that stand for the whorl lock is enabled on your gadget .

For Windows Users:

To bend off the scroll lock on your Windows equipment , simply press theScroll Lock(Scr Lk ) key on your keyboard .

What if you do n’t have a Scroll Lock tonality on your keyboard or you ’re unable to chance it ? Well , do n’t interest . you’re able to expend the on - screen keyboard to do so .

Just search for theon - screen keyboardusing Windows Search ( Windows key + S ) and thenlaunch it .

Scroll Lock (Scr Lk) key on Keyboard

After that , cluck on theScrLkkey and it will incapacitate the curlicue lock on your Excel .

gratuity : read how toremove password from Excel filing cabinet

For Mac Users:

On Mac , pressfn + Shift + F12to disenable the curlicue lock chamber and if you have a full - size magic keyboard , you could press theF14Key orfn / Shift + F14key .

If thekeyboard shortcuts are not workingon your Mac , you’re able to seek running an AppleScript . And do n’t worry , the summons is quite simple . Here ’s a step - by - stair process :

2.select theNew Documentbutton .

3.In the text field , paste the followingscript :

4.After that , gain theRunbutton ( roleplay Icon ) at the top toolbar ( verify the Excel file is already opened in the background ) .

That ’s it . This should handicap the curlicue lock on Mac . palpate free to make unnecessary the playscript for your future role .

click on the ScrLk key to disable scroll lock

2. Verify Arrow Key Functionality

If there is noissue regarding the scroll lock , why do n’t you test your pointer keys on other applications ? If the pointer Florida key are n’t functioning in those apps as well , that mean either thearrow key fruit themselves have terminate to workor there could be a problem with the keyboard machine driver .

On the other hand , if the arrow keys are working as expected , then you’re able to safely assume that the trouble is with your Excel software .

3. Exit Edit Mode

Normally , when you edit cell data , using the arrow key will sail you to different cells . However , if you enter edit musical mode usingF2(Windows ) orcontrol + U(Mac ) , the pointer keys will not function as expected . If this bump , simply press thesame keys againto exit edit mode . This will reinstate the arrow keys ’ ability to move between cells .

4. Restart Your Device

Restarting the deviceis one of the most effectual way to dissolve problem . On the internet , you will find countless news report about how a simple restart sterilise outlet , ranging from small-scale to major . Therefore , we would extremely urge you try restarting your Mac or Windows microcomputer if your arrow keys are n’t officiate . This natural process can also help resolve other Excel - touch issues and glitches that may have accumulated during the equipment ’s operation .

Tip : Learn howrestarting a twist resolves the majority of issues

5. Disable Excel Add-Ins

Excel Add - ins are helpful tools you could employ with Microsoft Excel to raise its functionality . However , at time , these add - in can also be the grounds your arrow keys have stopped working in Excel . That ’s why , you should try out disabling the Excel Add - Indiana to insure if this fixes the issue . Here ’s the complete appendage :

1.Open theExcel fileand press theFiletab .

2.From the left sidebar , selectOptions .

Use Shift + F14 key to disable scroll lock

3.In the next windowpane , go to theAdd - inssection . After that , press thedropdown menunext to Manage , opt theExcel Add - insoption , and then click theGobutton .

4.Now uncheck all the availableAdd - insand hitOK .

5.Go back to your worksheet and see if this fixes the arrow central topic on your Excel .

Open Script Editor app on Mac

If the pointer keys are still not working , reprise the same steps and prefer a dissimilar choice from the dropdown carte du jour to disenable the remaining Excel Add - ins .

Tip : Learn how toadd any up-to-dateness in Excel

6. Wait for the Excel File to Fully Load

If you ’re using Excel Web , the workbook may not be in full load . This might also be the reason why the pointer keys are n’t working . To touch on this , just wait for Excel to stop debase in yourweb browserbefore you set out editing . Doing this should probably empty the problem with the arrow keys .

7. Unfreeze Panes

What if the Excel file cabinet you ’re delete has Freeze Panes enable , and that ’s why your arrow key are deport strangely ? If that ’s indeed the post , you should unfreeze the panes in the worksheet .

In case you ’re not familiar with Freeze Panes , it ’s a feature that allows you to keep certain rows and column seeable while the rest of the worksheet scrolls .

To unfreeze panes in Excel , simply go to theViewtab , press theFreeze Panestool , and select theUnfreeze Panesoption .

Click on the New Document

8. Repair the Office App

Sometimes , due to package glitches , missing files , or corruptregistry files , your Excel app might start acting queerly , like the pointer key not working . In that case , you could sample remedy your Microsoft Office app :

1.Navigate toSettings ( Windows key + I ) > Apps > Installed apps .

2.From the app list , tap theMeatball icon(3 - dotted icon ) next to theOffice / Microsoft 365app and select theModifyoption .

Enter the script

or else , you may also touch on the Office app from theControl Panel .

3.A raw window will pop up . From there , you’re able to choose betweenQuick RepairorOnline Repair . We would urge pop out withQuick Repairfirst ; if the latter does n’t work , you could then try Online Repair .

4.Now hit theRepairbutton to initiate the Quick Repair and it will begin revive your Microsoft 365 and Office programme .

Once the repair is finished , you’re able to spread out the Excel file and trial whether it has ready the pointer keys issue . If not , move on to the next root .

9. Update Keyboard Driver

Up until now , we ’ve explore various solutions , but there ’s one solution that we overlooked – the keyboard machine driver . Sometimes , a corrupt or superannuated driver can make your keyboard act strangely , affecting things like pointer keys . To determine this , you might just need to update or reinstall the keyboard driver . To do that , follow the below steps :

1.Open theWinX menuby right - clicking on the Start clit or by using the Windows samara + X shortcut and then choose theDevice Manageroption .

2.Double - click theKeyboardsto expand it and then in good order - press thedevicethat you require to update or uninstall .

save the script

In this exercise , we are live with theUpdate driveroption .

3.On the next window , you will presented with two options :

4.you may go with thefirst choice . If the update is available , it will commence installing or else you ’ll get the message “ The good drivers for your twist are already installed . ”

Enable the Script Editor in the Accessibility

10. Exit Formula Entry Mode

Up until this period , we ’ve been discussing technological solutions . However , have you ever checked whether you ’re in Excel ’s formula ingress mode ? As in this mode , your pointer distinguish navigate within the formula , rather than moving the cursor around the worksheet .

To kick the bucket this modality , simply urge theEnterkey , and your pointer keys will summarise moving between prison cell as common . ”

11. Reinstall Microsoft Office

If none of the above solution have worked for you , then the only remaining choice is to turn over reinstalling the Office app . Sometimes , reinstall can fix problem that ca n’t be resolved by other troubleshooting methods . Here ’s how to re - install :

1.Navigate toSettings ( Windows winder + I ) > Apps > Installed Apps .

2.tap theMeatball icon(3 - dotted ikon ) next to the Office / Microsoft 365 app and select theUninstalloption .

click on the File tab

3.From there , be the on - screen direction to remove the program from your personal computer .

4.Once uninstalled , re - downloadand establish the Microsoft 365 or Office app on your microcomputer and see if it fixes the arrow describe takings .

Arrow-nesia in Excel

It can be frustrative when your arrow keys stop working in Excel , squeeze you to use the pointer to pick out cells every time . We hope the resolution mentioned above has help fix this effect and your arrow keys have bulge out working commonly again in Excel .