Outdated software, corrupted application cache, and driver-related issues can result in the arrow keys not working on Microsoft Teams.
In this article, I’m going to share with you the most effective ways to resolve this issue.
Let’s begin!
TL;DR Version
If your arrow keys don’t work on Microsoft Teams, do the following:
1. Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can often fix minor issues not only with Teams but also with other applications on your computer.
Doing so ensures proper initialization of your apps and system resources.
To restart:
- Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
- Click the Power Options tab.
- Choose Restart.
2. Disable the ‘Scroll Lock’ Option
Scroll lock enables you to freeze the scroll bar, allowing arrow keys to navigate through documents without altering the page’s position.
Yet, this feature can interfere with certain applications, including Microsoft Teams.
Should your Up and Down arrow keys malfunction, verify whether the scroll lock is activated on your keyboard.
3. Update Microsoft Teams to the Latest Version
If your arrow keys remain unresponsive, it’s advisable to verify whether a more recent version of Microsoft Teams is accessible.
The current version in use may contain a bug that hinders the proper function of the arrow keys within the application.
To check for updates in Microsoft Teams:
- Launch Microsoft Teams on your computer.
- Click on More in the upper right corner.
- Select Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Try Other Keyboards
Arrow keys not working in Microsoft Teams may also be related to the keyboard you’re using. If you have a spare keyboard, consider connecting it to your computer and testing it with Microsoft Teams.
Alternatively, you can also try using the Windows virtual keyboard as a diagnostic tool:
- Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
- Look for the on-screen keyboard and launch it.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Use the arrow keys on the virtual keyboard to see if they function correctly within Teams.
5. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Corrupted or outdated keyboard drivers might be causing the issue. Reinstalling your keyboard drivers can help ensure that your keyboard is working properly.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Start Menu.
- Search for and open Device Manager.
- Click on the Keyboards section to expand it.
- Right-click on your keyboard listing.
- Select Uninstall Device and proceed with the prompts.
- Restart your computer.
Upon restarting, Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers.
6. Clear Microsoft Teams Cache
Application caches consist of temporary files designed to enhance loading speeds and overall performance. Yet, with time, these files can accumulate and potentially become corrupted.
Should your arrow keys continue to malfunction, consider clearing your application cache:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams and press Enter.
- In the folder, select all items and delete them.
Application Cache
Cache
Blob_storage
Databases
GPUcache
IndexedDB
Local Storage
Tmp7. Update Windows to the Latest Version
There might also be a problem with Windows that leads to your arrow keys malfunctioning in apps like Microsoft Teams.
To address potential bugs and errors, check for and install any available Windows updates.
Update Windows by following these instructions:
- Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
- For Windows 10 users, select Update & Security.
- Choose Windows Update from the side menu.
- Select Check for Updates.
- If updates are found, click Download and Install.
8. Reinstall Microsoft Teams
If the previous solutions have not resolved the issue, consider reinstalling Microsoft Teams.
This process guarantees a correct installation and addresses potential file problems.
To reinstall Microsoft Teams:
- Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key.
- Search for Add or Remove Programs and open it.
- Locate Microsoft Teams from the list.
- Click Uninstall and proceed with the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, reinstall Microsoft Teams and verify if the issue has been resolved.
FAQs
Why are my arrow keys not working?
If your arrow keys are unresponsive, verify that the scroll lock feature is disabled on your keyboard. You can find this ScrLk key in the upper right area, next to the other function keys.
How do I change my arrow keys back to normal?
If your arrow keys are mapped to the WASD keys, the function (FN) keys on your keyboard have likely been activated. To change this back to normal, press FN + W on your keyboard.
What can I use instead of arrow keys on my keyboard?
In addition to the arrow keys, the WASD keys on your keyboard can serve as directional controls. You can activate this feature by pressing FN + W. This allows you to use WASD as arrow keys.
