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: Weird Actions for Arrow Keys and Enter.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 17, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
Roberta wrote to say that her arrow keys and Enter key were not working as she expected in Excel. It seems that they didn't move to the next cell, as she expected, but moved to the "next page."
Without a complete examination of the system, this could be caused by any number of conditions. First, if the worksheet is protected in some manner, it could be that the keys are working exactly as they should. What could be happening is that the next unprotected cell—where you enter your input—is being selected, and that cell happens to be on the next page.
If the problem occurs in brand new, blank worksheets, it could be due to a macro that is running when you first start Excel. If you start Excel without any add-ins or hidden workbooks, it may solve the problem. (The online help system, as well as past issues of ExcelTips, includes information on how to start Excel so that add-ins and hidden workbooks don't load.)
You could also check the status of your Scroll Lock key. If it is selected (a light on your keyboard should indicate if it is), then Excel can appear to do some very funny things when it comes to moving from cell to cell.
Finally, make sure that you check the configuration settings within Excel that control how the Enter key works. You get to these by first displaying the Excel Options dialog box. (In Excel 2007 click the Office button and then click Excel Options. In Excel 2010 and later versions display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.) At the left side of the screen click Advanced | Editing Options. The After Pressing Enter Move Selection setting controls what happens whenever you press Enter.
If all else fails, check your keyboard—it is possible that one of the modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, or Shift) is stuck.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12255) 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: Weird Actions for Arrow Keys and Enter.
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2022-12-18 15:16:45
Daryl D
A great way to check your keyboard is to use the system keyboard.
1. Ctrl + U to open Settings
2. click on Keyboard in Interaction group
3. toggle button On for On Screen-Keyboard
Now you can use your mouse to control your keyboard.
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.
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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:
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