How to Fix Excel Scrolling Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing problems with scrolling in Excel on Windows 11 can be frustrating. When the scroll wheel or touchpad doesn’t respond as expected, it slows down your work significantly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue without needing advanced technical skills.

This article will guide you through easy and clear steps to get Excel scrolling working again on your Windows 11 system. Each solution is explained in detail so you can follow along comfortably.

Whether you use a mouse or a touchpad, these methods cover common causes and fixes. Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to the step-by-step solutions.

By the end, you should be able to scroll smoothly in Excel without interruptions.

Quick Note: Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting

Check your mouse or touchpad: Make sure the hardware is working properly by testing scrolling in other applications or on the desktop.
Restart Excel: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Excel can resolve temporary glitches.
Update Windows 11: Ensure your system has the latest updates installed, as these often include fixes for device compatibility.
Close other programs: Some software can interfere with Excel’s scrolling. Close unnecessary apps to see if that helps.

Step 1: Check Scroll Lock Key

The Scroll Lock key can disrupt scrolling in Excel. If it is turned on, your mouse wheel might not scroll the worksheet as expected.

How to check and turn off Scroll Lock:

Look for a light labeled Scroll Lock on your keyboard. If it’s on, try pressing the Scroll Lock key once to turn it off.
If your keyboard doesn’t have a Scroll Lock key, open the on-screen keyboard by pressing Windows + Ctrl + O.
On the on-screen keyboard, find the ScrLk key and click it to toggle Scroll Lock off.
Return to Excel and try scrolling again.

Disabling Scroll Lock can immediately restore normal scrolling behavior.

Step 2: Enable “Use System Separators” in Excel Options

Sometimes, Excel’s settings related to separators can affect scrolling performance. Here’s how to verify and fix this setting:

Open Excel and click File in the top-left corner.
Select Options at the bottom of the menu to open the Excel Options window.
In the left panel, click Advanced.
Scroll down to the section labeled Editing options.
Make sure the box for Use system separators is checked.
Click OK to save changes.
Try scrolling again in your worksheet.

This step can resolve issues caused by conflicting number separators, especially if you work with international Excel versions.

Step 3: Disable Add-ins That Might Interfere

Add-ins are extra tools installed in Excel that sometimes conflict with basic functions like scrolling. Disabling them temporarily helps identify if they are the cause.

Open Excel and click File, then select Options.
In the Excel Options window, click Add-ins on the left.
At the bottom, next to Manage, select COM Add-ins from the dropdown and click Go.
Uncheck all the add-ins listed to disable them.
Click OK and restart Excel.
Check if scrolling works now.

If scrolling improves, re-enable add-ins one by one to find the problematic one and consider updating or removing it.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Mouse or Touchpad Drivers

Outdated or corrupted input device drivers can cause scrolling issues. Updating them can restore proper functionality.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Find Mice and other pointing devices and expand it.
Right-click your mouse or touchpad device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find updates.
If no updates are found, consider visiting your device manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
Restart your computer after updating.
Open Excel and test scrolling again.

Keeping drivers current ensures smooth interaction between hardware and software.

Step 5: Adjust Excel’s Hardware Graphics Acceleration

Hardware graphics acceleration can sometimes cause display or input glitches in Excel, including scrolling problems.

Open Excel and click File > Options.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Scroll down to the Display section.
Check the box labeled Disable hardware graphics acceleration.
Click OK and restart Excel.
Try scrolling in your workbook again.

Disabling hardware acceleration can fix conflicts between Excel and your graphics card drivers.

Alternative Method: Use Keyboard Arrow Keys or Scrollbar

If scrolling still doesn’t work with your mouse or touchpad, you can temporarily use the keyboard arrows (↑, ↓, ←, →) or the scrollbar on the right and bottom edges of the Excel window to navigate your worksheet.

This is a simple workaround while you continue troubleshooting the scroll issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Excel scrolling stop working suddenly?

It can happen due to the Scroll Lock being enabled, outdated drivers, conflicting add-ins, or temporary software glitches.

How do I know if Scroll Lock is on?

A light indicator on your keyboard labeled “Scroll Lock” might be lit. Alternatively, open the on-screen keyboard and check if the ScrLk key is highlighted.

Will updating Windows 11 fix Excel scrolling issues?

Sometimes, yes. Updates include bug fixes that can resolve hardware compatibility problems affecting scrolling.

Can third-party add-ins cause scrolling problems?

Yes, some add-ins interfere with Excel’s basic functions, including scrolling.

Is it safe to disable hardware graphics acceleration?

Yes, it’s safe and can help resolve display or input issues in Excel without affecting other programs.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and scrolling still doesn’t work, consider these final options:

Repair Microsoft Office: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Office, select it, and choose Modify > Repair. This can fix corrupted program files.
Try Excel in Safe Mode: Hold Ctrl while opening Excel to start it in Safe Mode. This disables add-ins and might isolate the problem.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Excel support page for specialized help.
Check for hardware issues: Test your mouse or touchpad on another computer to confirm they work correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing Excel scrolling not working on Windows 11 can be straightforward by following the right steps. Start with simple checks like toggling Scroll Lock and updating your device drivers. Adjust settings in Excel and disable conflicting add-ins if needed. If the problem persists, repairing Office or seeking professional support may be necessary.

By carefully applying these solutions, you should regain smooth and responsive scrolling in Excel, allowing you to work more efficiently. Remember to keep your system and software updated regularly to avoid similar issues in the future.