What Is the Scroll Lock Function?

Scroll lock keys do not have much functionality with today's operating systems.

The scroll lock function key was included in the original IBM PC keyboard layouts like the 83-key PC/XT and the 84-key AT layouts. The key is now included in the 101-key "enhanced" standard keyboards for both PC and Mac operating systems. It is intended to temporarily stop the scrolling of text or temporarily halt the operation of a program, but has been rendered useless in most modern software programs due to advancements in other areas of functionality.

Basic Functionality

Before the invention of Windows and other more advanced operating systems, computer programmers used the DOS operating system, which was limited by a display 80 characters wide and 25 rows deep. Activating the scroll lock key allowed you to scroll through lines of code on the screen using the directional keys, and without editing or affecting the other lines of code. For most purposes, the development of navigational scroll bars on the borders of a screen made using the scroll lock function a thing of the past.

Location

The scroll lock key is usually located around the number keypad, in close vicinity with other seldom used function keys like "Num Lock," "Sys Req" and "Pause/Break." In many keyboard models, an array of LED lights display whether these functions have been activated or not, as they may affect certain programs, but for most programs, having the scroll lock activated does not make any difference to functionality.

Spreadsheets

One type of program where the scroll lock key is still useful is in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel. Activating the scroll lock allows you to navigate the spreadsheet using the directional keys, while still keeping the active cell selected. This is useful for making edits that require referencing other parts of the workbook.

Activation

Although useless for many programs, the scroll lock key still appears on all keyboard models. It may be called "ScrLk" or "Scroll," and is activated by pressing the button once. In addition to the LED light on the keyboard, programs like Excel that utilize the scroll lock key have an indicator on the bottom right-hand side of the screen to indicate it is turned on. To deactivate the scroll lock, simply press the key again.

References

• Computer Hope: Scroll Lock Key
• The Straight Dope: What's the Scroll Lock Key on My Computer for?
• Excel Blog: What the Heck Is Scroll Lock?