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How to Fix Excel Scrolling is Not Working

November 7, 2023 2.5K views

Scrolling is an essential part of using Excel. When scrolling stops working, it can be a frustrating problem. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix common scrolling problems. We will cover problems such as the scroll bar not showing up, the scroll bar not working, and the page not scrolling smoothly. By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to fix your scrolling problem in no time. 

How to Fix Excel Scrolling not Working on Windows

Excel Scrolling not Working on Windows



Navigating through Excel sheets seamlessly is essential for efficient work. However, encountering scrolling issues on Windows can disrupt productivity. In this section, we delve into comprehensive solutions tailored to Windows users, ensuring that you regain smooth and effortless scrolling within Excel.

Here are the steps on how to fix Excel scrolling not working on Windows:

1. Check mouse and touchpad settings. Make sure that your mouse or touchpad is enabled and that the scroll wheel is working properly. You can also try adjusting the mouse or touchpad settings to see if that helps.

Check mouse and touchpad settings



2. Disable Scroll Lock and Num Lock. The Scroll Lock key can prevent you from scrolling in Excel. To disable Scroll Lock, press the Scroll Lock key again. The Num Lock key can also affect scrolling, so try disabling that key as well.

Disable Scroll Lock and Num Lock.


3. Verify Scroll Inactive Windows option. The Scroll Inactive Windows option allows you to scroll through inactive windows. If this option is enabled, it may be preventing you from scrolling in Excel. To disable this option, follow these steps:

  Step 1. Open the Windows Control Panel.

Windows Control Panel.



  Step 2. Click on "Ease of Access".

Ease of Access



  Step 3. Click on "Make the mouse easier to use".

Make the mouse easier to use



  Step 4. Uncheck the box next to "Scroll inactive windows when I press the scroll wheel".

  1. Run Excel in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that starts Excel with a limited set of features. This can help you to identify if a third-party add-in or extension is causing the scrolling problem. To run Excel in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  2. Press the Windows key + R.

  3. Type excel /safe and press Enter.

Type excel /safe



If Excel scrolls properly in Safe Mode, then a third-party add-in or extension is causing the problem. You can try disabling or uninstalling the add-in or extension to fix the problem.

  1. Update or reinstall mouse/touchpad drivers. Outdated or corrupt mouse or touchpad drivers can cause scrolling problems in Excel. To update your drivers, you can use the Device Manager or a third-party driver updater tool.

  2. Utilize Excel's built-in diagnostic tools. Excel has a built-in diagnostic tool that can help you to identify and fix problems with your workbook. To use this tool, follow these steps:

  Step 1. Open the workbook that is having the scrolling problem.

  Step 2. Click on the "File" tab.

File tab



  Step 3. Click on "Open".

Click on



  Step 4. Click on the "Browse" button.

he



  Step 5. In the "Open" dialog box, select the workbook that you want to troubleshoot.

  Step 6. Click on the "Tools" button.

the



  Step 7. Click on "Analyze".

  Step 8. Click on the "Run" button.

The Excel diagnostic tool will run a series of tests on your workbook. If it finds any problems, it will display a message with the details of the problem.

How to Fix Excel Scrolling not Working on Mac

Smooth scrolling enhances the user experience while working with Excel on Mac. If scrolling disruptions impede your workflow, worry not—this segment addresses Mac-specific solutions. Dive into effective strategies that will guide you towards restoring seamless navigation within Excel on your Mac device.

Here are the steps on how to fix Excel scrolling not working on Mac:

  1. Verify system preferences and settings. Make sure that the scroll bars are enabled in your system preferences. You can also try adjusting the mouse or trackpad settings to see if that helps.

  Step 1. Open System Preferences.

  Step 2. Click on "Mouse" or "Trackpad".

"Mouse" or "Trackpad".


  Step 3. Make sure that the "Scroll bars" option is enabled.

the



  Step 4. You can also adjust the scroll speed and other settings.

  1. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller). The SMC is responsible for managing some of the low-level functions of your Mac, such as power management and input devices. Resetting the SMC can sometimes fix problems with scrolling.

  2. To reset the SMC, follow these steps:

  Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

  Step 2. On a MacBook with a Touch ID button, press and hold the Touch ID button and the power button at the same time for 10 seconds.

Touch ID button



  Step 3. On a MacBook without a Touch ID button, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.

  Step 4. Your Mac will restart.

  1. Check for Excel updates and patches. Microsoft regularly releases updates and patches for Excel. These updates can fix bugs that may be causing the scrolling problem.

  2. To check for updates, open Excel and go to "Help" > "Check for Updates".

check for updates



 3. Examine Excel add-ins compatibility. Third-party add-ins can sometimes conflict with Excel and cause problems. To see if an add-in is causing the scrolling problem, try disabling all add-ins and see if that fixes the problem.

  Step 1. To disable all add-ins, open Excel and go to "File" > "Options" > "Add-ins".

Add-ins tab



  Step 2. In the "Manage" list, select "COM Add-ins" and click on the "Go" button.

select



  Step 3. Clear the checkbox next to each add-in and click on the "OK" button.

  1. Repair Office installation on Mac. If the scrolling problem persists, you can try repairing the Office installation. This will replace any corrupted or missing files.

  Step 1. To repair the Office installation, open the Mac App Store and go to "Updates".

  Step 2. If there is an update available for Office, click on the "Update" button.

the



  Step 3. If there is no update available, click on the "Purchased" tab and then click on the "Install" button next to Office.

How to Fix Scrolling Not Working on Excel Mobile Apps

Productivity often extends beyond the confines of a desktop. Excel mobile apps provide flexibility, but scrolling issues can hinder your on-the-go efficiency. This section focuses on remedies tailored for mobile app users. Discover ways to rectify scrolling problems and optimize your experience with Excel, even while using your mobile device.

Here are the steps on how to fix Excel scrolling not working on mobile apps in a simpler way:

  Step 1. Update the app.

Update the app.



  Step 2. Check if your device is compatible.

  Step 3. Adjust the touchscreen sensitivity.

touchscreen sensitivity.



  Step 4. Reinstall the app.

Reinstall the app.



If the scrolling problem still persists, you can try the following tips:

  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection.

  • Close other apps that are running in the background.

  • Restart your device.

  • Contact Microsoft support for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I undo scrolling in Excel?

To undo scrolling in Excel, press the "Scroll Lock" or "ScrLk" key on your keyboard. This will turn off the Scroll Lock feature, allowing you to navigate cells using the arrow keys as usual.

What steps can I take to optimize large worksheets for smooth scrolling?

For seamless scrolling in large Excel worksheets:

  1. Minimize Formatting: Trim excessive formatting to improve performance.

  2. Simplify Formulas: Streamline complex formulas for faster scrolling.

  3. Use Filters: Apply filters to focus on specific data sections.

  4. Split Data: Divide extensive data into smaller sheets.

  5. Limit Objects: Reduce images and charts for smoother navigation.

  6. Name Ranges: Define named ranges for quick access.

  7. Manual Calculation: Opt for manual calculation to speed up scrolling.

  8. Update Excel: Keep Excel up-to-date for performance enhancements.

How do I deal with frozen panes affecting scrolling?

Dealing with Frozen Panes Affecting Scrolling: If frozen panes are hindering your scrolling in Excel, follow these steps:

Step 1. Click on the View tab in the Excel ribbon.

Step 2. Locate the Window group and click on Unfreeze Panes.

By unfreezing the panes, you'll regain full scrolling functionality, allowing you to navigate through your spreadsheet without restrictions.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we've addressed the common issue of Excel scrolling problems and provided practical solutions for Windows, Mac, and mobile app users. By following our expert advice, you can swiftly resolve scrolling glitches and enhance your Excel experience, whether you're working on a desktop or on the go. Additionally, we've highlighted the importance of WPS Office as a versatile alternative for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint needs. With its stable operation, fashion-forward design, and compatibility, WPS Office stands as a reliable choice for seamless document management and creation.

Remember, by utilizing the tailored solutions outlined here and considering the advantages of WPS Office, you're equipped to conquer Excel scrolling challenges and elevate your productivity to new heights.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.