Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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 December 30, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
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, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Odd Arrow Key Behavior.
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2023-01-03 15:05:28
Billy Thomas
if you cannot find the Scroll Lock key you can use the On-Screen Keyboard. Go to Control Pqnel > Ease of Access to start the on-screen keyboard, which has a Scroll Lock key
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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:
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