A stuck or non-responsive arrow key can be frustrating, but usually it’s fixable quickly. If your Arrow keys don’t work in Windows 10, the cause is often a software setting, a keyboard mapping issue, a driver problem, or simple hardware interference — and this article walks you through eight common causes and clear fixes so you can get navigation back ASAP.
You’ll learn how to check accessibility options, toggle function/num locks, test hardware, update drivers, and remove software conflicts — with step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners.
Key Takeaway
Most arrow-key problems in Windows 10 are caused by accessibility settings (like Mouse Keys or Filter Keys), an active Fn/Num Lock, or third-party keyboard remapping. Start by testing in Notepad or the On-Screen Keyboard, then systematically disable accessibility options, update/reinstall the keyboard driver, and check for software conflicts or hardware faults.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Fn/Num Lock or Function Lock toggled on laptops | Toggle Fn / Num Lock (often Fn + NumLock or Fn + Esc) or use the manufacturer’s Fn-lock key. |
| 2. Mouse Keys (Ease of Access) enabled | Turn off Mouse Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Mouse. |
| 3. Sticky/Filter/Toggle Keys interfering | Disable Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. |
| 4. Keyboard driver or Windows file corruption | Update or uninstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager, then run sfc /scannow. |
| 5. Wrong keyboard layout or language | Set the correct layout in Settings > Time & Language > Language > Options for your language. |
| 6. Application capturing keys (games, RDP, Excel) | Test in Notepad, close the app, or check app-specific settings (e.g., Scroll Lock in Excel or RDP keyboard options). |
| 7. Physical keyboard damage or debris | Test with the On-Screen Keyboard and an external keyboard; clean or replace the keyboard. |
| 8. Third‑party remapping tools or startup apps | Disable/uninstall remapping tools (AutoHotkey, PowerToys) and check Task Manager > Startup. |
Detailed Fixes for “Arrow keys don’t work in Windows 10”
1. Fn/Num Lock or Function Lock toggled (laptops)
Why this causes the problem:
- Many laptops overlay the numeric keypad on arrow keys or use an Fn-lock to change key behavior. If Fn or Num Lock is toggled, your arrow keys may act like numbers or may not respond.
Step-by-step solution:
- Look for an Fn Lock key (often Fn + Esc or a key labeled FnLk). Press it to toggle.
- Press Fn + NumLock (or the laptop-specific combo) to switch Num Lock off and test arrow keys.
- If unsure, consult your laptop manual or the manufacturer’s support site for the exact key combo.
Notes/tips:
- Some laptops have a physical switch or a BIOS setting for Fn behavior. If the problem recurs, check BIOS/UEFI settings (press the manufacturer-specified key like F2, Del, or Esc at boot) and look for Action Keys Mode or Fn Lock.
2. Mouse Keys (Ease of Access) enabled
Why this causes the problem:
- Mouse Keys lets the numeric keypad move the mouse pointer. If enabled accidentally, numeric or arrow inputs can be intercepted.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings via Start > Settings (gear icon).
- Go to Ease of Access > Mouse (or search “Mouse Keys”).
- Turn Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen to Off.
- Test the arrow keys in Notepad.
Notes/tips:
- You can also toggle Mouse Keys by pressing Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock — Windows may prompt you to enable/disable.
3. Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, or Toggle Keys enabled
Why this causes the problem:
- Accessibility features can change how keypresses are recognized: Filter Keys can ignore brief presses, and Sticky Keys changes modifier behavior.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
- For extra safety, uncheck “Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys/Filter Keys” to avoid accidental toggles.
Notes/tips:
- If you accidentally trigger these features, Windows will often display a pop-up — use the options there to disable the shortcuts.
4. Keyboard driver or Windows file corruption
Why this causes the problem:
- A corrupted or outdated driver or system file can prevent the keyboard from functioning correctly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard device, and select Uninstall device. Confirm any prompts.
- Restart the PC — Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
- If the issue persists, open an elevated Command Prompt: right-click Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for the System File Checker to finish.
- Optionally, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows image issues.
Notes/tips:
- If Device Manager lists unknown devices or exclamation icons, update drivers from the PC/motherboard vendor’s website.
5. Wrong keyboard layout or language settings
Why this causes the problem:
- A mismatched keyboard layout can remap keys. For example, some layouts put arrow-like characters elsewhere or change behavior.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Under Preferred languages, select your language and click Options.
- Under Keyboards, make sure the correct layout is present (e.g., US QWERTY) and remove any unintended layouts.
- Use the language bar (taskbar) to ensure the intended input language is active.
Notes/tips:
- Pressing Windows key + Space cycles input languages — you might have switched accidentally.
6. Application-level capture (games, RDP, Excel behavior)
Why this causes the problem:
- Some apps capture keyboard input exclusively (games), Remote Desktop has keyboard settings, and apps like Excel behave differently when Scroll Lock is active.
Step-by-step solution:
- Test arrow keys in a plain text app: open Notepad and try the arrow keys.
- If they work in Notepad, close or exit any suspect application (games, remote desktop, background utilities).
- For Excel: look at Excel’s status bar for SCRL. If Scroll Lock is on, press Scroll Lock on your keyboard or use the On-Screen Keyboard (see next section) to toggle it.
- For Remote Desktop: when using the RDP client, open Show Options > Local Resources and set the Apply Windows key combinations option appropriately (On this computer / On the remote computer) depending on needs.
Notes/tips:
- If a full-screen app seizes keyboard focus, press Alt+Tab to return to desktop and close the app.
7. Physical keyboard damage or debris
Why this causes the problem:
- Dirt, spilled liquid, or worn-out switches can prevent keys from registering.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open the On-Screen Keyboard: Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and toggle Use the On-Screen Keyboard to On, or press Windows key + R, type osk, and press Enter.
- If On-Screen Keyboard arrows work, the physical keyboard is suspect.
- Test with an external USB keyboard: plug it in and see if arrow keys work.
- Clean the keyboard: turn off the device, disconnect the keyboard, and blow out debris; for laptops, use compressed air carefully. For liquid spills, consult a technician.
- Replace the keyboard if tests show hardware failure.
Notes/tips:
- On many laptops, keycaps can be gently removed for cleaning, but consult the service manual first to avoid damage.
8. Third‑party remapping tools or startup apps
Why this causes the problem:
- Programs like AutoHotkey, keyboard managers, macro utilities, and some accessibility tools can remap or block arrow keys at startup.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then go to Startup.
- Disable suspicious entries (AutoHotkey, keyboard utilities, custom drivers) and reboot.
- Open Settings > Apps and uninstall any known remapping utilities you no longer need.
- If you use remapping intentionally, open the tool (e.g., AutoHotkey scripts) and check for mappings affecting arrow keys; edit or disable them.
Notes/tips:
- Windows PowerToys has a Keyboard Manager that can remap keys. Open PowerToys to check mappings, or uninstall if necessary.
Maintenance and Testing Checklist (section ajoutée)
- Test in Notepad or a different user account to isolate user-profile issues.
- Boot to Safe Mode: if arrow keys work in Safe Mode, third-party software is likely the cause. Enter Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup and choose troubleshooting options to boot to Safe Mode.
- Check BIOS/UEFI: if arrow keys don’t work even in BIOS, the problem is hardware-level.
- Keep Windows and drivers updated: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Create a small habit: use the On-Screen Keyboard to diagnose key state such as Scroll Lock, Num Lock, and Caps Lock.
FAQ
Can malware cause my arrow keys to stop working?
Yes — malicious software can hijack keyboard input. Run a full scan with Windows Defender (Windows Security > Virus & threat protection) or your preferred reputable antivirus tool and remove any threats.
Why do arrow keys work in some apps but not others?
Some apps capture or remap keys (games, RDP sessions, or productivity apps). Test in Notepad; if only one program is affected, check that app’s keyboard, shortcut, and accessibility settings (e.g., Scroll Lock in Excel).
How can I remap arrow keys if I want different behavior?
Use Microsoft PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager or tools like AutoHotkey to remap keys. In PowerToys: open PowerToys settings and go to Keyboard Manager > Remap a key. Be careful — misconfigurations can block keys.
My arrow keys stopped working after a Windows update — what should I do?
Try reinstalling the keyboard driver via Device Manager, run sfc /scannow, and check Settings > Update & Security > View update history to identify recent updates. If needed, roll back the driver or uninstall the troublesome update temporarily.
Is there a way to use arrow keys if my laptop keyboard is damaged and I need a quick workaround?
Yes — enable the On-Screen Keyboard (Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Use the On-Screen Keyboard) or plug in any USB/Bluetooth external keyboard as a temporary fix.
Conclusion
Most cases where Arrow keys don’t work in Windows 10 are resolved by checking accessibility settings, toggling Fn/Num Lock, updating or reinstalling drivers, and ruling out third-party remapping tools or hardware faults. Follow the step-by-step checks above — test in Notepad, use the On-Screen Keyboard, and work methodically from simple settings to drivers and hardware to restore normal arrow-key behavior.
