[Fixed] Excel Navigation Arrow Keys Not Working

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In this article, we will learn what to do if the Excel Navigation arrow keys are not working. This key allows us to control the way of navigation through Excel. Sometimes, you may find that the navigation arrow keys are not working in Excel. It is important to find out the solution to this problem. So, without delay, let’s explore the solutions.


Excel Navigation Arrow Keys Are Not Working: 3 Reasons with Solutions

For demonstrating the solutions we will use the following dataset. The dataset contains information about the sales of a shop. With the keyboard, we can easily access any cells of Excel using the navigation arrow keys. However, our work in Excel is slowed down when the arrow keys do not function. Let’s troubleshoot the 3 most common causes of Excel Navigation Arrow key malfunction.

excel navigation arrow keys not working


Reason 1: The Scroll Lock Feature Is Activated

If you have your keyboard’s Scroll Lock feature enabled, the arrow keys will function as scroll bars. Now, we can use the keyboard as a mouse. The up, down, right, and left arrow keys on your keyboard allow you to scroll in these directions. So, you can’t utilize these buttons to move from one cell to another. Now, we will fix this problem and will make sure that the navigation arrow keys are working properly.

excel navigation arrow keys not working as scroll lock feature is Activated


Solution: Disable the Scroll Lock Feature on the Keyboard

Check to see if your scroll lock button has a light. If it is on, it means that the scroll lock button is turned on and the arrow keys aren’t working right. To turn off the lock, you just need to press the Scroll Lock button. The scroll Lock button is normally located above the Arrow Keys.

Alternatively, you can disable the Scroll Lock feature without using the keyboard. Here, we will take the help of the on-screen keyboard. Let’s follow the steps below to learn the method.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, open the search bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the Taskbar.
  • Alternatively, you can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
  • Type On–Screen Keyboard in the search box.
  • Then, the application will pop up.
  • Therefore, click on Open to open the application.
  • Alternatively, left–clicking on the app will also open the application.

solution of excel navigation arrow keys not working by disable scroll lock feature

  • Instantly, the On–Screen Keyboard will open up.
  • Then, find out the ScrLk button which indicates the Scroll Lock key.
  • In the ScrLk button, there is showing blue color.
  • Here, the Blue color means that Scroll Lock is enabled.

  • So, we will click on the ScrLk button.
  • As a result, the button is returned to normal color and Scroll Lock is disabled.
  • Now, we can navigate from one cell to another with arrow keys.


Reason 2: Sticky Keys Feature Is Disabled on Windows

Sticky Keys allows the user to input key combinations by pushing keys sequentially rather than simultaneously. It serializes keystrokes rather than pushing many keys at once. That’s why you can press a modifier key and it will remain active until you press another modifier key. Sometimes, this feature is disabled on Windows and it creates problems in Excel. Therefore, we will enable the Sticky Keys feature to solve the problem of navigation keys not working.

excel navigation arrow keys not working as sticky key feature is disabled


Solution: Enable Sticky Keys Feature

In this step, we will enable the Sticky Keys feature in Excel. Let’s follow the steps to enable the feature.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, open the search bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the Taskbar.
  • Alternatively, you can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
  • Type control panel in the search box.
  • Then, the application will appear.
  • Therefore, click on Open to open the application.
  • Alternatively, left–clicking on the app will also open the application.

solution of excel navigation arrow keys not working by enabling sticky key feature

  • Instantly, the Control Panel application will open up.
  • Then, click on the Ease of Access header.

  • After clicking, it will take you to a new window named Ease of Access.
  • Then, click on Change how your computer works link under the Ease of Access heading.

  • Instantly, a new window will open up.
  • After that, start looking for Make it easier to type category.
  • In this category, give a tick on the Turn on Sticky Keys option.
  • This tick will enable the Sticky Key feature on Windows.
  • Finally, press Apply to apply the changes.


Reason 3: Add-ins are Activated in Excel

Sometimes Add–Ins may cause problems in the application. Usually, Add–Ins bring new code and new settings to the application. That’s why it may cause some kinds of problems. If Excel navigation arrow keys are not working, we should deactivate Add–Ins to fix the arrow keys in Excel.

excel navigation arrow keys not working as add-ins are activated


Solution: Disable Excel Add-Ins

In this step, we will disable Excel Add-Ins. Let’s follow the steps to learn the method.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, click on the File tab of the Excel workbook.

  • Next, we will select Options from the leftmost corner of the newly opened window.

solution of excel navigation arrow keys not working by disabling Add-Ins

  • After selection, a new window will open up.
  • From the left sidebar, click on Add–Ins.
  • After that, click on the drop-down menu next to Manage and select Excel Add-Ins from there.
  • Now, press Go to proceed.

  • In the following step, we will disable all types of Add–Ins.
  • Therefore, give untick to all checkboxes that appeared in this dialog box.
  • Now, press OK to apply the changes.
  • Finally, we have disabled Excel Add–Ins.
  • Hopefully, now, you can navigate arrow keys in Excel.


Download Practice Workbook

To practice by yourself, download the following workbook.


Conclusion

In this article, we have demonstrated step-by-step procedures to fix the problem of navigation arrow keys not working in Excel. There is a practice workbook at the beginning of the article. Go ahead and give it a try. Please use the comment section below to post any questions or make any suggestions you might have.


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Sudipta Chandra Sarker
Sudipta Chandra Sarker

Sudipta Chandra Sarker, BSc, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh, has worked on the ExcelDemy project for over a year. For ExcelDemy, he has authored 42 articles and reviewed over ten articles. He is employed as a junior software developer at the moment. He aims to create various useful Microsoft Office Add-ins, extending the functionality of Office programs. His interests span Microsoft Office Suites, Data Science, VBA, VB.NET, ASP.NET, C#, Excel, and Desktop... Read Full Bio

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