Arrow Keys Not Working in Microsoft Teams? 9 Fixes to Try

Plus troubleshooting tips for external keyboards

The left and right arrow keys on your keyboard might not work in Microsoft Teams if the app is buggy or outdated. Driver-related issues can also causesome keys to malfunction on Windows keyboards.

Try the troubleshooting fixes below if your keyboard arrow keys are unresponsive in Microsoft Teams.

1. Force Quit and Restart Team

Some Teams usersfixed the arrow keys malfunctionby restarting the app. Force quit Microsoft Teams in the Task Manager, relaunch the app, and check if the arrow keys now work.

PressCtrl+Shift+Escapeto open theWindows Task Manager. SelectMicrosoft Teamsand selectEnd taskon the top menu.

2. Turn Off Scroll Lock

Scroll Lock is a Windows keyboard feature that changes the behavior of the arrow keys in Windows. Disable Screen Lock if youcan’t use the arrow keys in Excel, Teams, or any Microsoft app.

Look for a Scroll Lock (ScrLk) key or indicator light on your keyboard. If the light is on, press theScroll Lock (ScrLk) keyto restore the arrow keys to their default configuration.

You can disable Screen Lock from the on-screen keyboard if your keyboard doesn’t have a physical Scroll Lock key.Open the Windows On-Screen Keyboardand deselect theScrLkkey.

3. Update Microsoft Teams

Microsoft releasesnew versions of the Teams desktop appevery month. These updates introduce new features, fix bugs, and improve the app’s performance. Although the desktop app automatically updates itself, you sometimes have to install the updates manually.

AnUpdatebutton appears next to your profile picture when there’s a new version available for your computer.

Connect your PC to the internet, select theUpdate button, and selectUpdate and restart Teamsto install the pending update.

4. Clear Microsoft Teams Cache Files

Microsoft recommendsclearing Teams cache filesif you’re experiencing issues using the desktop app. Deleting Microsoft Teams cache won’t sign out your account or delete your data.

Close the File Explorer and reopen Teams. Reboot your computer if the arrow keys still don’t work.

5. Restart Your Computer

Rebooting Windows canfix problems with Team’s web clientand desktop app. Close all open programs before rebooting your computer, so you don’t lose unsaved files and data.

Press theWindows key, select thePower icon, and selectRestart.

6. Clean the Arrow Keys

The arrow keys may become unresponsive if dust or dirt builds up beneath them. Use a toothpick to dislodge dust, debris, or dirt in the corners and spaces between the arrow keys.

Tilt your laptop or desktop’s keyboard and use compressed air to spray the keyboard or affected arrow keys. Again, turn your keyboard upside down and gently tap the base to dislodge particles stuck underneath the keys.

If you spilled liquid on the affected keys, refer to ourtutorial on fixing a water-damaged keyboard.

7. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Teams App

Windows has a built-in repair tool that fixes apps and programs that aren’t running correctly. Here’s how to use the tool to repair Microsoft Teams.

In Windows 10, go toSettings>Apps, and selectApps & features.

Reopen Teams when a checkmark appears next to the Repair button. Reset the app if the arrow keys issue persists.

Wait until you see a checkmark next to the Reset button before reopening Teams.

8. Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver

Deleting and reinstalling your keyboard’s driver can potentially fix the arrow keys issues and otherkeyboard-related malfunctions.

Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when your PC reboots. Open the Microsoft Teams app and check if you can use the arrow keys.Reset your laptop’s keyboardif the arrow keys still don’t work in Microsoft Teams.

9. Perform a System Restore

Do you suspect that a recently installed app or driver is messing with your keyboard? Performing a System Restore might fix the problem, especially if the arrow keys also don’t work in other apps.

A system restore reverts your computer to a previous state (called “Restore Point”) before the arrow keys stopped working. You must have previously enabled System Restore in Windows to perform a system restore.

The System Restore operation deletes programs and drivers installed after the selected restore point. Conversely, programs deleted after the restore point are reinstalled when you perform a System Restore.

SelectScan for affected programsto see programs and drivers that might be deleted or restored.

System Restore will restart your computer to apply the changes. Reopen Microsoft Teams and check if the arrow keys now work.

Troubleshooting Checks for External Keyboards

If you have a wired keyboard, unplug it and connect it to a different USB port on your PC. Some keys on wireless keyboards may not work if the battery’s low. Charge your keyboard or change its battery and check if the arrow keys work in Microsoft Teams. Unpair and reconnect the keyboard to your computer if the issue persists. ContactMicrosoft Teams Supportif nothing changes.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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Arrow Keys Not Working in Microsoft Teams? 9 Fixes to Try#

1. Force Quit and Restart Team#

2. Turn Off Scroll Lock#

3. Update Microsoft Teams#

4. Clear Microsoft Teams Cache Files#

5. Restart Your Computer#

6. Clean the Arrow Keys#

7. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Teams App#

8. Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver#

9. Perform a System Restore#

Troubleshooting Checks for External Keyboards#