Excel Performance Problems

Fix Horizontal Scrolling Issues With a Sculpt Mouse in Excel

Anum Mushtaq Oct 15, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user cannot scroll horizontally in Microsoft Excel 2016 using a Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, even though the scrolling feature functions correctly in other programs.

Fix Horizontal Scrolling Problems With a Sculpt Mouse in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating wide spreadsheets using the horizontal scrolling feature on an ergonomic mouse.
Observed behavior: Horizontal scrolling fails entirely in Excel 2016 but works without issue in Word, Edge, and Adobe applications.

Before you start

Before modifying application settings, ensure your Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is fully charged, properly paired via its USB receiver, and that the horizontal scroll wheel is physically functioning in other applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Mouse Software and Drivers

Application-specific mouse failures are often caused by outdated hardware drivers or missing companion software like the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center.

Because the mouse scrolls correctly in other programs, the issue is likely rooted in how the mouse driver interacts with Excel 2016. Ensuring your drivers and control software are fully updated can re-establish proper inputs.

Open Device Manager

Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Device Manager' from the context menu.

Update the Mouse Driver

Expand the 'Mice and other pointing devices' section. Right-click your Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse and select 'Update driver', then choose 'Search automatically for drivers'.

Install Mouse and Keyboard Center

Download and install the latest version of the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center from the official Microsoft website to ensure full feature compatibility with Office applications.

Restart Required: You may need to restart your computer after updating drivers for the changes to take effect in Excel.

Solution 2

Open Excel in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins

Third-party add-ins can sometimes intercept or block mouse inputs specifically within Excel.

Solution 3

Update or Repair Microsoft Office 2016

If Excel is the only application experiencing issues, the Office installation itself might have corrupted files or require a patch.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Navigation

If Microsoft Excel 2016 continues to struggle with hardware integration and scrolling issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet environment optimized for modern peripherals.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, open your existing Excel documents, and instantly enjoy smooth horizontal scrolling with your Sculpt Mouse.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formats.Smooth hardware integration for flawless horizontal and vertical mouse scrolling.Free and lightweight, avoiding the sluggish performance of heavy software suites.Familiar tabbed user interface ensures a zero-learning-curve transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does horizontal scrolling work in Word but not in Excel?

Excel processes scrolling inputs differently than Word due to its distinct grid-based rendering. An outdated driver or a conflicting software add-in can disrupt Excel's ability to read horizontal scroll signals while leaving other applications unaffected.

Does the Microsoft Sculpt Mouse require special software to scroll horizontally in Excel?

While the mouse has basic plug-and-play functionality, installing the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center is highly recommended. This software contains specific configurations that enable advanced features like horizontal scrolling and customized buttons in Microsoft Office programs.

Can hardware graphics acceleration cause scrolling issues in Excel?

Yes, display rendering problems can sometimes freeze or lag scrolling inputs. You can test this by navigating to File > Options > Advanced in Excel, scrolling down to the Display section, and checking the box for 'Disable hardware graphics acceleration'.

Excel & Data Problems