Excel lets its users work actively just the way they like. Most of the functions tend to be working with the keyboard. No matter if you are not fond of using a keyboard, you still have to use keys to perform some functions. Arrow keys are used most frequently in different problem-solving conditions such as to zoom in quickly around the spreadsheet, moving from one cell to another by pressing the up, down, right, and left arrow keys.
Sometimes, you may notice that keyboard arrows not working in Excel and you might be thinking the keyboard gets defective. Don’t worry about it, your keyboard does not to be repaired because we have a solution to this issue.
Just a few troubleshooting steps can overcome this issue within minutes. Let’s have a look at some useful hacks.
Check if the Scroll Lock is Turned Off
First of all, you need to make sure the scroll lock is not turned on when you notice the arrow keys are not working the way they should be. That’s why you will have to disable the scroll lock first to get back your keyboard arrow keys in working.
On your keyboard, you may see a light on the scroll lock button, if the light is on it clearly means the scroll lock is enabled. You simply have to press that button to disable the scroll lock.
This function is useful for a Windows computer only. Simply by pressing the scroll lock key that is often placed in the control keys section on your keyboard. Right above the arrow keys or on the right side of the function keys, you will find this key. Turn it off and let your arrow keys in working again.
On the other hand, if you are a Mac user you will have to press the F14 key or press the Shift + F14 key simultaneously. In case, if the scroll lock is not disabled you should try Command +F14.
How to Turn Off Scroll Lock Without a Keyboard
If you have the latest system, you might have noticed that there is no scroll lock key present on the keyboard. However, you still can disable the scroll lock without using a keyboard.
Keyboard arrows not working in Excel is not rocket science to fix. Let’s have a look at another useful fix:
You must be familiar with an on-screen keyboard feature available for Windows users. Using this feature, you can have options to work with keys that are not present on the physical keyboard. For this, you will have to follow the below-given steps:
- Go to the Start menu and find On-Screen Keyboard.
- Launch the keyboard.
- Once it opens up, on the right-hand side of the keyboard you will see the lock keys.
- Press the ScrLK button, it will disable the function if it was turned on.
Turn On Sticky Keys
Most of the time, the above-mentioned hacks work effectively. However, if your keyboard arrows not working in the Excel issue is not resolved yet, you can try further solutions. In this method, you will need to enable the sticky keys feature. Well, this feature is not specifically used to enable or disable sticky keys, but it works somehow.
Follow the steps:
- Go to the Control Panel. If you don’t find this option, you can use Cortana to search for it.
- Launch the control panel once you find it.
- Choose the Make the Keyboard easier to use option.
- Enable the option that says Turn Sticky Keys and press OK.
Disable Add-Ins
Using Add-Ins is truly helpful to get more benefits from Excel. Where there is some benefit, you may sometimes get detriment as well. If the Add-Ins are installed, you need to confirm that they are not enabled.
To disable these Add-Ins, follow the steps given below:
- Go to Excel.
- Choose the File menu at the top of the screen. Now, choose Options from the left side.
- Select Add-Ins given at the left sidebar and check the add-in settings.
- Choose the Excel Adds-ins option using the dropdown menu.
Select Go.
- Uncheck all the add-ins and press OK.
Unfreeze Columns
When you are trying to look at cells present in a group of frozen rows or columns, you may face keyboard arrows not working in Excel issue. Well, don’t take it seriously because unfreezing those panes is not the solution.
If you zoom out of the spreadsheet, you will be able to have a clear view of the entire worksheet. That way you can easily use the arrow keys in unlocked areas.
To Sum Up
Sometimes, using arrow keys in Excel could be tricky. You may find yourself stuck somewhere you can’t do anything to solve this issue. But thanks to these effectively used hacks that help you in any way. Your keyboard holds a special place in performing analytical tasks that’s why it should be working properly. Keep your tools updated and make them work rightfully to avoid any kind of inconvenience. Try these hacks and make your life easier.
