Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Odd Arrow Key Behavior.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 29, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
If you are ever using Excel and the arrow keys don't work like you think they should, it could be because of the Scroll Lock key. Normally, when you press an arrow key, Excel moves the cell highlight in the direction of the key you pressed. If the Scroll Lock key has been activated, however, Excel doesn't move the cell highlight, it instead moves the worksheet, changing what is displayed on the screen.
To solve this odd behavior, simply press on the Scroll Lock key another time. The arrow keys should again behave as you expect them to.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12220) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Odd Arrow Key Behavior.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Ever had your Excel status bar disappear unexpectedly? Here's some ideas on why this may be happening.
Discover MoreNeed to understand who is using a particular workbook? There are a number of ways you can find out, as discussed in this tip.
Discover MoreWant to keep track of various rows in a data table through the use of record numbers? Here are some options and ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-04-29 07:27:55
AlexB
Not quite that straight forward on most laptops which often don't have a dedicated Scroll Lock key.
The equivalent on a Dell is Fn+S on HP is Fn+C. If you have access to the "on-screen keyboard" (type it into your Task Bar search box) there will most likely be a ScrLk key on that. (my touchscreen laptops have this not sure about non-touch screen ones)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
Comments