Arrow keys
Alternatively called cursor keys, direction keys, and navigation keys, the arrow keys are usually located between the standard section and the numeric pad on computer keyboards. It is made up of four keys: left arrow (back arrow), up arrow, down arrow, and the right arrow (forward arrow). The picture shows what the arrow keys may look like on your keyboard.
Some keyboards, such as the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, may arrange these keys differently.
Overview of a keyboard
The picture shows a Saitek gaming keyboard and where the arrow keys can be found. Also, the numeric keypad can function as arrow keys when Num Lock is turned off.
Where are my arrow keys?
The arrow keys are found between the keyboard the keypad on a desktop keyboard, as shown in the picture above. For smaller keyboards and many laptop keyboards, the arrow keys may be moved below Enter and the right Shift. Also, some compact keyboards may move the arrow keys to the keypad and switch between the keypad and arrow keys by pressing the Num Lock key.
How are arrow keys used?
Below are the most common reasons someone may use the arrow keys on their keyboard.
- Move the text cursor on the screen to insert or remove text.
If you hold down Ctrl and press ← (left) or → (right), it moves the cursor one word at a time instead of one character.
Practice using arrow keys
You can practice using the arrow keys by clicking anywhere in the following text box and then use the up, right, down, or left arrows to move around in the box.
- Move from one cell to another cell in a spreadsheet. Use the right and left arrow keys to move between columns and the up and down arrow keys to move between rows.
- Use in combination with other keys for keyboard shortcuts. For example, pressing Alt and ← (left) in all Internet browsers takes you back one page. If you've gone back, pressing Alt and → (right) goes forward a page.
- Move a character in a computer game.
- Select text. For example, hold down Shift and press the arrow key in the direction you want to highlight text.
- Move the mouse pointer using the keyboard instead of the mouse.
Why are my arrow keys not working?
If you're playing a game and using the arrow keys to control a character, the keys may be mapped to the W, A, S, and D keys. These keys are used because other keys around them can also be used for other actions. In this situation, to use the arrow keys, remap the keys in the game keyboard settings.
If the arrow keys are not working in any program, there may be a problem with the keyboard. See the following link for help troubleshoot keys not working on a keyboard.