11 Fixes for Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel
Microsoft Excel is a top-notch spreadsheet application, but it’s not without its problems. One common issue is the inability to use arrow keys for moving between cells. This forces users to rely on the mouse whenever they need to modify cell data. This not only hampersproductivitybut also results in significant time wastage. To address this issue, we have come up with 11 solutions that can help you fix arrow keys not working in Excel problem.
Table of Contents
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 corner of the Excel file, that means the scroll lock is enabled on your device.
For Windows Users:
To turn off the scroll lock on your Windows device, simply press theScroll Lock(Scr Lk) key on your keyboard.
What if you don’t have a Scroll Lock key on your keyboard or you’re unable to find it? Well, don’t worry. You can use the on-screen keyboard to do so.
Just search for theon-screen keyboardusing Windows Search (Windows key + S) and thenlaunch it.
After that, click on theScrLkkey and it will disable the scroll lock on your Excel.
Tip:Learn how toremove password from Excel file
For Mac Users:
On Mac, pressfn + Shift + F12to disable the scroll lock and if you have a full-size magic keyboard, you can press theF14Key orfn/Shift + F14key.
If thekeyboard shortcuts are not workingon your Mac, you can try running an AppleScript. And don’t worry, the process is quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step process:
1.Click the Launchpad or use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) to search for theScript Editorapp and thenlaunch it.
2.Click on theNew Documentbutton.
3.In the text field, paste the followingscript:
4.After that, hit theRunbutton (Play Icon) at the top toolbar (make sure the Excel file is already opened in the background).
That’s it. This should disable the scroll lock on Mac. Feel free to save the script for your future use.
Note:Enable the Script Editor in the Accessibility settings for proper functioning.
2. Verify Arrow Key Functionality
If there is noissue regarding the scroll lock, why don’t you test your arrow keys on other applications? If the arrow keys aren’t functioning in those apps as well, that means either thearrow keys themselves have ceased to workor there could be a problem with the keyboard driver.
On the other hand, if the arrow keys are working as expected, then you can safely assume that the problem is with your Excel software.
3. Exit Edit Mode
Normally, when you edit cell data, using the arrow keys will navigate you to different cells. However, if you enter edit mode usingF2(Windows) orcontrol + U(Mac), the arrow keys will not function as expected. If this happens, simply press thesame keys againto exit edit mode. This will restore the arrow keys’ ability to move between cells.
4. Restart Your Device
Restarting the deviceis one of the most effective ways to resolve problems. On the internet, you will find countless stories about how a simple restart fixed issues, ranging from minor to major. Therefore, we would highly recommend you try restarting your Mac or Windows PC if your arrow keys aren’t functioning. This action can also help resolve other Excel-related issues and glitches that may have accumulated during the device’s operation.
Tip:Learn howrestarting a device resolves the majority of issues
5. Disable Excel Add-Ins
Excel Add-ins are helpful tools you can use with Microsoft Excel to enhance its functionality. However, at times, these add-ins can also be the reason your arrow keys have stopped working in Excel. That’s why, you should try disabling the Excel Add-ins to check if this fixes the issue. Here’s the complete process:
1.Open theExcel fileand click on theFiletab.
2.From the left sidebar, selectOptions.
3.In the next window, go to theAdd-inssection. After that, click on thedropdown menunext to Manage, choose 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 key issue on your Excel.
If the arrow keys are still not working, repeat the same steps and choose a different option from the dropdown menu to disable the remaining Excel Add-ins.
Tip:Learn how toadd any currency in Excel
6. Wait for the Excel File to Fully Load
If you’re using Excel Web, the workbook may not be fully loaded. This might also be the reason why the arrow keys aren’t working. To fix this, just wait for Excel to finish loading in yourweb browserbefore you start editing. Doing this should probably solve the problem with the arrow keys.
7. Unfreeze Panes
What if the Excel file you’re editing has Freeze Panes enabled, and that’s why your arrow keys are behaving strangely? If that’s indeed the situation, 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 columns visible while the rest of the worksheet scrolls.
To unfreeze panes in Excel, simply go to theViewtab, click on theFreeze Panestool, and select theUnfreeze Panesoption.
8. Repair the Office App
Sometimes, due to software glitches, missing files, or corruptregistry files, your Excel app might start acting strangely, like the arrow keys not working. In that case, you can try repairing your Microsoft Office app:
1.Navigate toSettings (Windows key + I) > Apps > Installed apps.
2.From the app list, click on theMeatball icon(3-dotted icon) next to theOffice/Microsoft 365app and select theModifyoption.
Alternatively, you can also repair the Office app from theControl Panel.
3.A new window will pop up. From there, you can choose betweenQuick RepairorOnline Repair. We would recommend starting withQuick Repairfirst; if the latter doesn’t work, you can then try Online Repair.
4.Now hit theRepairbutton to initiate the Quick Repair and it will begin repairing your Microsoft 365 and Office programs.
Once the repair is finished, you’re able to open the Excel file and test whether it has fixed the arrow keys issue. If not, move on to the next solution.
9. Update Keyboard Driver
Up until now, we’ve explored various solutions, but there’s one solution that we overlooked – the keyboard driver. Sometimes, a corrupted or outdated driver can make your keyboard act strangely, affecting things like arrow keys. To fix 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 button or by using the Windows key + X shortcut and then choose theDevice Manageroption.
2.Double-click theKeyboardsto expand it and then right-click on thedevicethat you want to update or uninstall.
In this example, we are going with theUpdate driveroption.
3.On the next window, you will presented with two options:
4.You can go with thefirst option. If the update is available, it will start installing or else you’ll get the message “The best drivers for your device are already installed.”
10. Exit Formula Entry Mode
Up until this point, we’ve been discussing technical solutions. However, have you ever checked whether you’re in Excel’s formula entry mode? As in this mode, your arrow keys navigate within the formula, rather than moving the cursor around the worksheet.
To exit this mode, simply press theEnterkey, and your arrow keys will resume moving between cells as usual.”
11. Reinstall Microsoft Office
If none of the above solutions have worked for you, then the only remaining option is to consider reinstalling the Office app. Sometimes, reinstalling can fix problems that can’t be resolved by other troubleshooting methods. Here’s how to re-install:
1.Navigate toSettings (Windows key + I) > Apps > Installed Apps.
2.Click on theMeatball icon(3-dotted icon) next to the Office/Microsoft 365 app and select theUninstalloption.
3.From there, follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program from your PC.
4.Once uninstalled,re-downloadand install the Microsoft 365 or Office app on your PC and see if it fixes the arrow keys issue.
Arrow-nesia in Excel
It can be frustrating when your arrow keys stop working in Excel, forcing you to use the cursor to select cells every time. We hope the solution mentioned above has helped fix this issue and your arrow keys have started working normally again in Excel.
Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.
