[Fixed!] Arrow Keys Not Moving Between Cells in Excel (2 Ways)

When everything is operating properly, you would anticipate the cursor to go to the cell to the right or left when you press the right or left arrow keys in Excel. A typical problem with arrow keys is that they move the spreadsheet but not the pointer. In this tutorial, we will illustrate how to fix arrow keys not moving between cells in Excel.

When your Scroll Lock key is activated, the cells usually do not move. The Scroll Lock key is enabled in the spreadsheet, as shown in the image below. Another cause of this difficulty is the activation of any add-ins. We’ll show you three simple solutions to remove this problem.

1. Turning Off the Scroll Lock Key to Fix Excel Arrow Keys Not Moving Between Cells

As shown in the image below, the Scroll Lock is active. So, when we press the right arrow (→) the page is moved instead of the cell. Thus, It remains in the B5 cell as before. Follow the steps below to get rid of the issue.

1.1 Applying Keyboard Shortcut to Turn Off Scroll Lock Key

Steps:

Press the Scroll Lock key from your keyboard to turn off the Scroll Lock.
Then, press the right arrow key (→). Now, it will shift cell B5 to C5.

1.2 Using On-Screen Keyboard to Turn Off Scroll Lock Key

You can also use On-Screen Keyboard to do the same task. Follow the outlined steps below to do so.

Step 1:

In your Windows, search box, type On-Screen Keyboard.
Click on the On-Screen Keyboard.

Step 2:

Then, click on the ScrLk.

Step 3:

Go back to your spreadsheet and press the right arrow key (→).
Therefore, it will work as you expected.

Notes. Shortcut to open the On-Screen Keyboard: Windows + Ctrl + O

2. Removing Add-ins to Fix Arrow Keys Not Moving Between Cells in Excel

If disabling the Scroll Lock does not solve the problem, you may have any add-ins enabled. As a result, you must deactivate the add-ins. To do so, follow the steps below.

Step 1:

Go to the File tab and select Home.
Click on the Options.

Step 2:

Select the Add-ins.
Choose the COM Add-ins from the Manage.
Then, click on the Go.

Step 3:

Disable all the Checkboxes.
Finally, click OK.

Step 4:

Close your workbook and reopen it.
Now, your arrow key will work as shown in the screenshot below.

Download Practice Workbook

Download this practice workbook to exercise while you are reading this article.

Arrow Keys Not Moving.xlsx

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you now understand how to resolve the issue of arrow keys not moving cells in Excel. All of these strategies should be employed in order to teach and practice with your data. Examine the practice book and apply what you’ve learned. We are encouraged to continue giving sessions like these because of your important support.

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