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Fix Excel Worksheet Tab Bar Two-Finger Scroll Not Working
Question details
The user is unable to scroll through Excel worksheet tabs using a two-finger touchpad gesture.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Navigating multiple worksheet tabs in an Excel workbook using a laptop touchpad.
- Observed behavior
- Two-finger scrolling works elsewhere in Windows but fails specifically on the Excel worksheet tab bar, often occurring after a recent Office update.
Ensure your laptop's touchpad is clean and verify that two-finger scrolling functions correctly in other applications, like your web browser or Windows File Explorer, before troubleshooting Excel.
Start Excel in Safe Mode to Identify Add-in Conflicts
Running Excel in Safe Mode bypasses add-ins, helping you determine if a third-party extension is breaking the touchpad gesture.
Sometimes, third-party add-ins can interfere with native application behaviors like trackpad scrolling. Safe mode allows you to isolate the problem.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type 'excel /safe' in the text box and press Enter to launch Excel in Safe Mode.
Open a workbook with multiple tabs and test the two-finger scroll on the bottom tab bar. If it works, an add-in is the cause.
Go to File > Options > Add-ins. Select 'COM Add-ins' at the bottom and click 'Go'. Uncheck them one by one to find the culprit causing the scroll issue.
Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft 365
A built-in Online Repair can fix corrupted Office installation files that might be causing touchpad gesture recognition issues.
Revert to an Earlier Version of Office
If the issue started immediately after a recent update and affects multiple devices, rolling back to a previous version can restore functionality until a patch is released.
Try WPS Office for Smooth Navigation and Excellent Compatibility
If Microsoft Excel continues to have bugged touchpad gestures after updates, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. It supports all standard Excel formats and provides a smooth, native trackpad scrolling experience.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
- 2. Open your files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and click 'Open' to select your existing Excel workbooks.
- 3. Navigate smoothly: Scroll through your worksheet tabs instantly using your laptop's standard two-finger scrolling gesture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my two-finger scroll stop working only in Excel?
This often happens due to a known bug introduced in a recent Microsoft Office update, or occasionally due to a conflict with an outdated third-party Excel Add-in that interrupts hardware gesture commands.
Will updating my touchpad drivers fix the Excel scrolling issue?
It might help. Outdated Windows precision touchpad drivers can occasionally cause compatibility issues with specific desktop applications like Excel. Check Windows Update or your device manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.
What should I do if the issue affects all computers in my company?
If the issue is widespread across managed company systems immediately following an update, it is highly likely a bug in that specific Office release. You should contact your IT administrator to temporarily roll back the Office version across the organization until Microsoft releases a patch.
Does WPS Office support two-finger scrolling for worksheet tabs?
Yes, WPS Spreadsheet fully supports standard Windows touchpad gestures, allowing you to easily scroll horizontally through multiple worksheet tabs without compatibility issues.
