How to Unlock Arrow Keys in Excel (2 Ways)

Reviewed by Seemanto Saha

Last updated: Apr 19, 2024

Method 1 – Using the Keyboard Key

Almost all keyboards contain a dedicated Scroll Lock key that you can use to turn off the Scroll Lock and unlock the arrow keys. Depending on your keyboard, the functionality of the Scroll Lock key might differ.

To unlock the arrow keys in Excel using your keyboard, follow the steps below:

For Windows: Press Scroll Lock
For Mac: Press F14
If there is no Fn key, try pressing SHIFT/CONTROL/OPTION/COMMAND+F14 depending on the settings.
For Dell laptops: Press the Fn+S
For HP/Lenovo laptops: Press the Fn+C

Method 2 – Using the On-Screen Keyboard

If you don’t have a Scroll Lock key and your keyboard shortcuts are not working, you can try the following method. The on-screen or virtual keyboard is an application that emulates a standard keyboard.

The on-screen keyboard is available in Windows 7 and later versions of Windows.

To unlock your arrow keys in Excel using the on-screen keyboard, follow the steps below:

Go to the Windows Search Bar and type “On-Screen Keyboard”.
Click on the On-Screen Keyboard application.

The on-screen keyboard will appear.
Click on the ScrLK button.