The unlock scroll lock in excel shortcut key is the ScrLk key, usually at the top right of a full keyboard. When Scroll Lock is on, the arrow keys scroll the whole sheet instead of moving from cell to cell, and the status bar at the bottom of Excel shows Scroll Lock.
Most laptops have no ScrLk key. The reliable way to switch it off is the on screen keyboard: press Win + Ctrl + O and click ScrLk. Some laptops also offer it through Fn with another key, printed in small letters.
Quick facts
Full keyboards
ScrLkOn screen keyboard
Win + Ctrl + O, click ScrLkLaptop Fn combo
Varies; look for ScrLk printed on a keySign it is on
Status bar shows Scroll LockExcel for Mac
Shift + F14Status bar not showing it
Right click status bar, tick Scroll Lock
Unlock scroll lock in excel shortcut key by keyboard
| Keyboard | How |
|---|---|
| Desktop keyboard | Press ScrLk once |
| Laptop with ScrLk printed on a key | Press it with Fn |
| Laptop with no ScrLk at all | Win + Ctrl + O, then click ScrLk on the screen keyboard |
| Mac keyboard with F14 | Shift + F14, or F14 on some setups |
Turn off Scroll Lock with the on screen keyboard
- Press Win + Ctrl + O. The on screen keyboard opens.
- Look at the right side for ScrLk. If it is highlighted, Scroll Lock is on.
- Click ScrLk once. The highlight goes off.
- Close the on screen keyboard with Win + Ctrl + O again and test the arrow keys in Excel.
The on screen keyboard shortcut page explains this tool in more detail.
How to tell Scroll Lock is on
With Scroll Lock on, pressing Down moves the view but the selected cell stays the same, and the words Scroll Lock appear in the status bar at the bottom left. If the status bar does not show it, right click the status bar and tick Scroll Lock so you will notice next time. Some external keyboards also light a small ScrLk lamp.
Scroll lock in Excel shortcut key on laptops
Laptop makers place Scroll Lock differently: some print ScrLk on a key such as K, C or S for use with Fn, others leave it out completely. Look for small blue or grey text on your keys. If you find nothing, the on screen keyboard is the answer. After turning it off, it stays off until something presses it again, such as a keyboard shortcut in another app or a remote desktop session.
When arrows still scroll the sheet
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Scroll Lock shows off but arrows scroll | Extend mode (F8) or end mode is on; press Esc |
| Scroll Lock turns on again | A remote desktop or KVM switch toggles it; check those tools |
| No ScrLk on the screen keyboard | Click Options and make sure the full layout is shown |
| Mac has no F14 | Use the on screen keyboard in Accessibility settings |
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock Scroll Lock in Excel?
Press ScrLk, or click ScrLk on the on screen keyboard.
How do I turn off Scroll Lock on a laptop without the key?
Press Win + Ctrl + O and click ScrLk.
How do I know Scroll Lock is on?
Excel shows Scroll Lock in the status bar, and arrows scroll instead of moving cells.
What is the Scroll Lock shortcut in Excel for Mac?
Does Scroll Lock affect other programs?
Rarely. It mostly changes how arrows work in Excel.
Why does Scroll Lock keep turning on?
Another tool such as remote desktop may be toggling it.