Excel: Left/Right Arrow Keys Freeze After Beginning a Function & Inputting First Argument

Anonymous
2026-02-16T14:46:36.25+00:00

This is an Excel issue.

After I begin a function and input my first argument using my arrow keys, then hit the comma, my left and right arrow keys stop responding, and I'm unable to use them to find and reference the second argument. My vertical arrow keys act normally after inputting my first argument, but my lateral ones become completely unresponsive. This is NOT scroll lock, and the cursor is NOT moving within the formula bar, either. It is something else.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | MacOS
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  1. AI answer

    2026-02-16T14:46:48.06+00:00

    It seems that you are experiencing an issue with the left and right arrow keys becoming unresponsive after inputting the first argument in a function in Excel. While the specific cause of this behavior isn't detailed in the provided context, here are a few troubleshooting steps you might consider:

    1. Check for Add-ins: Sometimes, Excel add-ins can interfere with normal functionality. Try disabling any add-ins to see if that resolves the issue.
    2. Update Excel: Ensure that your version of Excel is up to date, as updates often fix bugs and improve performance.
    3. Restart Excel: Close and reopen Excel to see if the issue persists. This can sometimes clear temporary glitches.
    4. Check Keyboard Settings: Verify that there are no settings or software on your Mac that might be affecting keyboard behavior.
    5. Test in Safe Mode: Start Excel in Safe Mode to see if the problem occurs there. This can help determine if the issue is related to Excel itself or external factors.

    If the problem continues, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or checking their forums for similar issues reported by other users.

    References:

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  2. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K Reputation points
    2026-02-16T19:33:04.38+00:00

    If you're using the Formula Builder task pane use the Tab key to navigate from one argument field to the next. (It usually needs to be pressed twice.)

    If that isn't the issue please provide a more complete description explaining the steps you're taking & what you expect by using the Arrow keys. An explicit example would be helpful. Be sure to include macOS & Office Version Numbers whenever submitting a question.

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