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: the left arrow (back arrow), up arrow, down arrow, and the right arrow (forward arrow). The picture is an example of what the arrow keys may look like on your keyboard.

Overview of a keyboard

In the picture below, the Saitek gaming keyboard shows where the arrow keys can be found. Also, the numeric keypad can function as arrow keys when Num Lock is turned off.

Some keyboards, such as the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, may arrange these keys differently.

  • Overview of a keyboard
  • Where are my arrow keys?
  • How are arrow keys used?
  • Why are my arrow keys not working?
  • Related information
  • Keyboard help and support.

Where are my arrow keys?

The arrow keys are found between your keyboard and your keypad, 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 is a list of the most common reasons why someone may use the arrow keys on their keyboard.

  • Move the text cursor on the screen to insert or remove text.

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.

If you hold down Ctrl and press Left arrow or Right arrow, it moves the cursor one word at a time instead of one character.

Example text that can be used to practice using the arrow keys. Click anywhere in the text and then use the arrow keys to move around in the text.

  • Move from one cell to another cell in a spreadsheet. Use the right and left arrow keys to move between columns and up and down arrow keys to move between rows.

  • Use in combination with other keys for shortcut keys. For example, pressing Alt and Left arrow in all Internet browsers takes you back one page. If you’ve gone back, pressing Alt and Right arrow 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.

  • How to move the mouse cursor with the keyboard in Windows.

Why are my arrow keys not working?

If you’re playing a game and trying to use 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, if you want 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 with troubleshooting keys not working on a keyboard.

  • Some keys on my computer keyboard aren’t working.

Arrow, Keyboard terms

  • Keyboard help and support.