Arrow keys are supposed to move smoothly from one cell to another in Excel—but sometimes, they suddenly stop working. Instead of changing cells, the worksheet scrolls, nothing happens, or Excel behaves unpredictably.
If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry. This guide covers every proven way to fix arrow keys not working in Excel, especially on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Why Are Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel?
The most common causes include:
- Scroll Lock is turned on
- Excel is stuck in Edit mode
- Frozen panes or protected sheets
- Add-ins interfering with keyboard input
- Keyboard or system-level issues
If you recently updated Windows, system changes can sometimes affect keyboard behavior:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/microsoft-windows-11-emergency-update-what-you-need-to-know
Quick Fix (Featured Snippet Answer)
If arrow keys are scrolling instead of moving cells, turn OFF Scroll Lock.
That single step fixes the issue for most users.
How to Fix Arrow Keys Not Moving Cells in Excel
Fix 1: Turn Off Scroll Lock (Most Common Solution)
When Scroll Lock is enabled, arrow keys scroll the worksheet instead of moving cells.
How to Turn Off Scroll Lock:
- Press Scroll Lock (ScrLk) on your keyboard
- OR open On-Screen Keyboard:
- Press
Windows + Ctrl + O - Click ScrLk to turn it off
- Press
✅ Arrow keys will start moving cells again
Keyword covered: how to fix arrow keys not moving cells in excel
Fix 2: Exit Edit Mode in Excel
If Excel is in edit mode, arrow keys won’t change cells.
Solution:
- Press Enter or Esc
- Click outside the active cell
Once edit mode ends, arrow keys work normally.
Fix 3: Check for Frozen Panes
Frozen rows or columns can block movement.
Steps:
- Go to View
- Click Freeze Panes
- Select Unfreeze Panes
Try arrow keys again.
Fix 4: Disable Excel Add-ins
Some add-ins hijack keyboard shortcuts.
Steps:
- Open Excel
- Go to File → Options → Add-ins
- Select COM Add-ins
- Click Go
- Uncheck all add-ins
- Restart Excel
Enable them one by one to find the culprit.
Fix 5: Check Keyboard Shortcuts & Accessibility Settings
Some Excel shortcuts or Windows settings can interfere.
- Press Alt once to exit shortcut mode
- Disable Sticky Keys:
- Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Turn off Sticky Keys
Keyword covered: arrow keys not working in excel shortcut
Fix 6: Test Keyboard Outside Excel
Make sure the issue isn’t hardware-related.
- Try arrow keys in:
- Notepad
- Browser
- File Explorer
If they don’t work anywhere, your keyboard may need replacement.
Arrow Keys Not Working in Excel on Windows 10 or 11
This issue is very common on Windows 10 and Windows 11, especially after:
- System updates
- Excel version updates
- External keyboard connection changes
Restarting Excel or Windows Explorer often resolves temporary glitches.
Keyword covered: arrow keys not working in excel windows 10 or 11
What to Do If Your Arrow Keys Aren’t Working in Excel (Checklist)
✔ Turn off Scroll Lock
✔ Exit Edit mode
✔ Unfreeze panes
✔ Disable add-ins
✔ Check keyboard hardware
✔ Restart Excel
Keyword covered: what to do if your arrow keys aren’t working in excel
Helpful Related Guides
Clean up your desktop while troubleshooting:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-hide-desktop-icons-in-windows-11-windows-10-windows-7-and-mac
Fix Windows account issues that may affect Excel settings:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-remove-microsoft-account-from-windows-11-complete-step-by-step-guide
Short FAQ Snippets (For AI Overviews)
Why do arrow keys scroll instead of moving cells?
Scroll Lock is enabled.
Is this an Excel bug?
No, it’s usually a keyboard or setting issue.
Do arrow keys work differently on Mac?
Yes, but Scroll Lock issues are mostly Windows-specific.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how to fix arrow keys not working in Excel, the solution is usually quick and simple. In most cases, turning off Scroll Lock instantly restores normal behavior. If not, checking edit mode, frozen panes, add-ins, and keyboard settings will solve the issue.
Once fixed, Excel navigation becomes smooth again—just the way it should be.