Navigating Excel sheets is a breeze with arrow keys, but what if they suddenly stop responding? Don't worry; we've got you covered. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind this glitch and provide you with practical solutions to get your arrow keys back on track.
Why Are Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel?
Arrow keys are indispensable for moving within Excel cells. However, various factors can cause these keys to malfunction. Common culprits include software glitches, driver issues, or even accidental keyboard shortcuts. If you're facing this dilemma, you're not alone. Let's explore why your arrow keys might not be working as expected.
Here are some common reasons why your arrow keys might not be working in Excel:
Scroll Lock is turned on. The Scroll Lock key is a toggle key that, when turned on, makes the arrow keys scroll the screen instead of moving the cursor. To turn off Scroll Lock, look for the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard. It is usually located near the Num Lock key. If the Scroll Lock key has a light on it, press the key to turn it off.
Your keyboard is not properly connected. Make sure that your keyboard is properly plugged into your computer. If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure that the batteries are installed correctly and that the keyboard is within range of the receiver.
Your keyboard is damaged. If your keyboard is physically damaged, it may not work properly. If you suspect that your keyboard is damaged, try using a different keyboard to see if that fixes the problem.
Your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupt. The keyboard drivers are the software that allows your computer to communicate with your keyboard. If the drivers are outdated or corrupt, it can cause problems with your keyboard, including the arrow keys. To update your keyboard drivers, you can go to the website of your keyboard manufacturer and download the latest drivers.
There is a problem with Excel. If the arrow keys are not working in Excel only, but they work in other programs, then there may be a problem with Excel. To try to fix this, you can restart Excel, or you can uninstall and reinstall Excel.
In addition to the above reasons, here are a few other common reasons why your keyboard might not work:
The keyboard is locked. Some keyboards have a lock key that prevents the keys from working. To unlock the keyboard, look for the lock key on your keyboard and press it.
The keyboard is in another language. If your keyboard is set to a different language, the arrow keys may not work properly. To change the keyboard language, go to the Control Panel and select "Region and Language". Then, select the language that you want to use and click on the "Set as Default" button.
The keyboard is dirty. If your keyboard is dirty, the keys may not be able to register properly. To clean your keyboard, use a can of compressed air to blow away any dirt or debris.
If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your arrow keys are still not working, then you may need to contact the manufacturer of your keyboard or your computer for further assistance.
How To Fix Keyboard Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel?
Here is a brief tutorial on how to fix keyboard arrow keys not working issue in Excel:
Step 1: Check if Scroll Lock is turned on.
The Scroll Lock key is a toggle key that, when turned on, makes the arrow keys scroll the screen instead of moving the cursor. To turn off Scroll Lock, look for the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard. It is usually located near the Num Lock key. If the Scroll Lock key has a light on it, press the key to turn it off.
Step 2: Restart your computer.
Sometimes a simple restart can fix problems with your keyboard. To restart your computer, press the Windows key and R key at the same time. In the Run dialog box, type shutdown /r and press Enter.
Step 3: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
This built-in Windows tool can help you identify and fix problems with your hardware devices, including your keyboard. To run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter, go to the Start menu and search for "troubleshoot". Then, select "Hardware and Devices" and click on the "Run the troubleshooter" button.
Step 4: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter.
This is another built-in Windows tool that can help you fix problems with your keyboard. To run the Keyboard Troubleshooter, go to the Start menu and search for "troubleshoot". Then, select "Keyboard" and click on the "Run the troubleshooter" button.
Step 5: Try using a different keyboard.
If you have another keyboard available, try using it to see if that fixes the problem. This will help you determine if the problem is with your keyboard or with Excel.
Step 6: Update your keyboard drivers.
The keyboard drivers are the software that allows your computer to communicate with your keyboard. If the drivers are outdated or corrupt, it can cause problems with your keyboard, including the arrow keys. To update your keyboard drivers, you can go to the website of your keyboard manufacturer and download the latest drivers.
Step 7: Uninstall and reinstall Excel.
If the problem is with Excel, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the program. This will remove any corrupted files that may be causing the problem.
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If you are looking for a free and powerful office suite, WPS Office is a great option to consider. It is easy to use, has a wide range of features, and is available for multiple platforms.
FAQs
Why do arrow keys move the screen in Excel worksheet?
The arrow keys shift the screen in Excel when the Scroll Lock feature is turned on. Scroll Lock combines cell navigation with scrolling, so when you reach the edge of the visible area, pressing an arrow key scrolls the sheet in that direction. To restore regular cell-by-cell navigation, turn off Scroll Lock using the dedicated key or system indicators.
How to Unlock Arrow Keys in Excel (5 Easy Ways)?
Locked arrow keys in Excel can be frustrating, but you can regain their functionality with these simple methods:
Check Scroll Lock: If Scroll Lock is on, turn it off. Look for a "Scroll Lock" indicator on your keyboard and toggle it off.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard: Access the on-screen keyboard in Windows, and make sure Scroll Lock is off.
Function (Fn) Key: Some laptops require using the Function (Fn) key along with another key to control Scroll Lock. Check your laptop's manual for instructions.
Excel Status Bar: In Excel, if you see "SCRL" or "Scroll Lock" on the status bar, click it to disable Scroll Lock.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Try keyboard shortcuts. Pressing "Ctrl" + "Scroll Lock" or "Ctrl" + "Fn" + "S" can sometimes unlock arrow keys.
With these easy steps, you can swiftly unlock your arrow keys and navigate your Excel sheets seamlessly again.
Summary
This article provided accessible solutions for unlocking locked arrow keys in Excel, enabling smooth navigation. Additionally, it highlighted the user-friendly nature of WPS Office, an efficient office suite perfect for various tasks, offering a seamless experience for users.
