logo
search
Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down Not Working in Excel

Tauseeq MagsiTauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to fix the Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down keyboard shortcuts that are failing to switch between worksheets in Microsoft Excel.

How to Fix Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down Not Working in Excel
Product
Microsoft Excel
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Switching between worksheets using keyboard shortcuts, specifically noted when using a Logitech K240 keyboard.
Observed behavior
The Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down shortcuts do not switch worksheets as expected.
Before you start

Before modifying Excel settings, test your Ctrl, Page Up, and Page Down keys in other applications (like a web browser) to ensure it is not a physical hardware issue or a specific Fn-key requirement on your keyboard.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot with Excel Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins

Identify if a background add-in is hijacking or blocking your keyboard shortcuts by running Excel in Safe Mode.

1
Launch Excel in Safe Mode

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type 'excel /safe', and press Enter. This opens Excel without any add-ins loaded.

2
Test the Shortcuts

Open a multi-sheet workbook and test the Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down shortcuts. If they work, a COM add-in is likely causing the conflict.

3
Access Add-in Settings

Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down menu and click Go.

4
Disable Conflicting Add-ins

Uncheck unnecessary or unfamiliar add-ins and click OK. Restart Excel normally to see if the issue is permanently resolved.

Troubleshoot with Excel Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Check Web vs Desktop: You can also compare if the shortcut works in Excel for the web versus the desktop app to narrow down whether the issue is system-wide or isolated to the desktop software.

Easily Navigate Spreadsheets with WPS Office

If Excel continues to have shortcut conflicts, try WPS Spreadsheet. It offers flawless support for standard keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to seamlessly switch between worksheets and manage your data efficiently without complex troubleshooting.

  1. 1. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your multi-sheet workbook.
  2. 2. Move to the Next Sheet: Press Ctrl + Page Down to instantly move to the next worksheet on the right.
  3. 3. Move to the Previous Sheet: Press Ctrl + Page Up to quickly move back to the previous worksheet on the left.
Flawless out-of-the-box support for standard Excel shortcuts like Ctrl+Page Up/Down.High compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.Lightweight design that runs smoothly without extensive background add-ins.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down only work sometimes?

This usually happens when another application running in the background or an active Excel COM add-in intercepts the shortcut keys. Starting Excel in Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party add-in is the root cause.

Can a specific keyboard like the Logitech K240 cause shortcut issues?

Yes, compact keyboards often require you to press an 'Fn' (Function) key in combination with other keys to trigger Page Up or Page Down. Ensure you are pressing the correct Fn combination (e.g., Fn + Up/Down arrows) for your specific keyboard model.

How do I switch sheets if my keyboard shortcuts are completely broken?

You can manually switch worksheets by clicking the sheet tabs at the bottom of the Excel window. Alternatively, right-click the navigation arrows in the bottom-left corner to see a list of all sheets and select the one you want to jump to.

Are the shortcut keys the same in Excel for the web?

Yes, Ctrl+Page Up and Ctrl+Page Down are designed to work in Excel for the web just like the desktop app. However, ensure that your web browser does not override these shortcuts for its own tab navigation.