[Fixed!] Excel Cursor Locked in Select Mode (6 Possible Solutions)

We perform various operations in the Excel worksheet. It is tiresome to use keyboard arrow keys to go to desired cells and select them. Mouse cursor simplifies that process. But sometimes, the cursor can get locked in select mode by accident. In that case, it’ll keep selecting all the cells the cursor clicks, which is not desired. In this article, we will show you the possible solutions for Excel cursor locked in select mode.

Excel Cursor Is Locked in Select Mode: 6 Possible Solutions

To illustrate, we have demonstrated a sample dataset in the following picture. Here, you can see that the cells are getting selected as we click them. Now, go through the 6 Possible Solutions to fix the Excel Cursor Locked in Select Mode issue.

Solution 1: Turn Off Extend Selection in Excel

If you find Extend Selection in the Excel Status Bar, you’ll know that the cursor is in selection mode. The Extend Selection helps us to select a range of cells at a time. But, if we turn this on accidentally, it’ll create difficulties in our Excel operations. Therefore, follow the steps below to Turn Off Extend Selection in Excel.

STEPS:

• First, look for the F8 function key on your keyboard.
• Then, press the key.

• In this way, you can disable the Extend Selection and get the mouse cursor in its usual mode.

Solution 2:  Disable Click Lock in Mouse Settings

Sometimes, certain changes in the Mouse Properties can set the cursor select mode. So, learn the following steps to solve Excel Cursor Locked in Select Mode.

STEPS:

• Firstly, type Mouse Settings in the Windows Search Bar.
• After that, click the app.

• Consequently, a new window will pop out.
• There, select Additional mouse options on the right side pane.

• As a result, the Mouse Properties dialog box will emerge.
• Then, under the Buttons tab, uncheck the box for Turn on Click Lock.
• Subsequently, press Apply and OK.

• Thus, you can fix the cursor locked in the select mode problem.

Solution 3: Deactivate Add or Remove Selection in Excel

Moreover, Excel has another feature called Add or Remove Selection. When it’s turned on, you can select multiple cells just by clicking them. But, if you happen to activate it unwillingly, problems will arise. Hence, follow the below process to deactivate the feature.

STEPS:

• First of all, turn on the function keys.
• Next, press the Shift and F8 keys simultaneously.

• Therefore, it’ll return the mouse cursor to its usual state.

Solution 4: Clean up Hard Drive

However, if you have many unnecessary and temporary files on the hard drive, it can also cause cursor malfunction. You need to clean this up once in a while. So, learn the process to get the temporary files and erase them.

STEPS:

• Press the Windows and R keys at the same time.
• As a result, the Run dialog box will appear.
• Then, choose %temp% from the Open drop-down.

• Afterward, press OK. Hence, you’ll get the files.
• Lastly, delete them to free up some space in your windows.

Solution 5: Check Mouse Wheel

Additionally, it’s wise to check the mouse wheel. Sometimes, the wheel gets stuck downward. And that can result in the select mode for the cursor.

Solution 6: Restart Windows and Reinstall Microsoft Office

If the problem persists after trying all the above solutions, Restart the Windows. Then, Reinstall the Microsoft Office. Accordingly, you can solve the Excel Cursor Locked in Select Mode.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the following workbook to practice by yourself.

Conclusion

Henceforth, you will be able to fix Excel Cursor Locked in Select Mode following the above-described solutions. Keep using them and let us know if you have more ways to do the task. Don’t forget to drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.

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