[Solution] Keyboard Arrow Keys Not Working Issue ? Try These Fixes!

The arrow keys on the keyboard are used to move up, down, left, and right. However, they may stop working if the keyboard setting is incorrect or if there is a problem with the keyboard.

There are a few fixes that you can try. First, ensure that your mouse is not in control of your cursor movement by turning off the mouse control in your settings. Next, check that you have not accidentally pressed any modifier keys that disable others. If this doesn’t work, you can use an external mouse and not just a touchpad.

Finally, update your keyboard driver. You can do this manually or automatically. However, if you don’t have the patience to update it manually, you can use Advanced Driver Updater, the best software to update your keyboard driver.

Before getting into details, let’s know the causes behind arrow keys not working properly on Windows.

Reasons For Keyboard Arrow Keys Not Working

Active Scroll Lock
Keys stuck
Outdated or faulty keyboard driver
Malfunctioning keyboard

The above reasons can cause the arrow keys not working issues. To fix it, let’s proceed further and learn the solution.

Best Ways To Fix Arrow Keys Not Working – Windows

Below we explain six ways to resolve the arrow keys not working issue. Following all the fixes is not necessary. You can stop when you find the fix that does the trick for you.

Check if the keys are stuck.
Check for hardware issues.
Reinstall your keyboard driver
Update your keyboard driver
Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Fix 1: Check if the keys are stuck

If dirt has been collected beneath the arrow keys, they stop functioning. Therefore to fix the issue, we suggest cleaning the keyboard. You can remove the keycap to wipe the dirt blocking keys or sensors.

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Fix 2: Check for Hardware issues

If the USB port to which the keyboard is connected is corrupt, you may face keys not working issues. To ensure that is not the issue, unplug the USB cable, wait for 30-60 seconds, and reconnect the keyboard. You can use an alternate USB port to connect the keyboard if this doesn’t work.

In addition, to rule out hardware issues, use a Keyboard Tester. Visit the site and press each key on your keyboard to see if the fundamental changes color. If it does, it seems your keyboard needs to be repaired or replaced.

Once the hardware issues are addressed, you can move on to the next fix.

Fix 3: Reinstall the keyboard Driver

Faulty, corrupt, and outdated drivers are generally responsible for the arrow keys not working issue. To fix it, try uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard driver. Here’s how you can do it:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter key. This will open the Device Manager window.
Go to the Keyboards category and double-click on it to expand the category.
Right-click your keyboard > select Uninstall device.
When prompted, click Uninstall.
Wait for the process to finish. Restart your PC to allow Windows automatically reinstall the default driver.

Now try and use the arrow keys if it works well. If not, we will have to update the keyboard driver.

Fix 4: Update Your keyboard Driver

If the above techniques haven’t been much of a help, it seems the keyboard driver is faulty or outdated. To shrink any chances of an obsolete driver being the culprit, update your keyboard driver to the latest version if that is the case. To update drivers manually, if you are short on time or don’t have technical skills, you can do it automatically with Advanced Driver Updater.

Advanced Driver Updater will automatically identify system details and find the latest device drivers for all the devices. To use it, you don’t need to worry about visiting the manufacturer’s site, searching for the update, and downloading and installing it. Advanced Driver Updater does it all on its own.

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Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.

Run Advanced Driver Updater and click the Start Scan Now button.

Wait for the driver updating tool to find the latest driver.
To update all the outdated drivers in a single click, hit the Update All button ( this requires you to be a paid user.)However, if you are using the free version, you can click the Update driver button next to the flagged keyboard driver. Without you paying for the full version, you can automatically download the correct version.

The registered version of Advanced Driver Updater comes with priority technical support. You can send an email support@systweak.com for assistance.

After updating the keyboard driver, restart your PC to save changes.

Now try and use the arrow keys on your keyboard. If the issue remains, move on to the next fix.

Also Read- Fix – ASUS Touchpad Driver Not Working

Fix 5: Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

We suggest running a built-in troubleshooter if the keyboard arrow keys aren’t working even after updating the keyboard driver. To use it, follow these instructions:

Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
Click Update & Security.
From the left panel, select Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Look for the Keyboard option. Click on it > click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem.

Tip : Bonus Tip - Disable the Scroll Lock

If the arrow keys work in other programs but not Excel, disable the Scroll Lock key. When the Scroll Lock key is enabled, the complete page moves when you use the arrow keys. Therefore, if you just want to move between cells, turn off the Scroll Lock key and then try to use the arrow keys.

Generally, the Scroll Lock key is located close to the Pause key. However, if the keyboard you use doesn’t have a Scroll Lock key, use the On-Screen Keyboard to turn it off. To bring an on-screen keyboard, follow these steps:

Press Windows logo + Ctrl + O.
You will now see the On-Screen Keyboard appears.
To disable Scroll Lock click the ScrLk button.

This should help fix the arrow keys not working issue.

To keep your keyboard arrow keys working, you need to update your keyboard drivers. You can do this by using Advanced Driver Updater. Also, you can try other fixes, as explained above. After following the steps, we hope the keyboard arrow keys problem is fixed. Please let us know which method worked for you.

Preeti Seth

A UX writer who loves explaining technical details in a clear, crisp, and concise manner. She loves writing about technical troubleshooting, How-To's, product reviews, etc. In her free time, she loves reading, meditating, and traveling.