Scroll lock is a key on most keyboards, although most people never actually use it.
Realistically the use case of scroll lock has been superseded by the computer mouse.
What did scroll lock do?
Scroll lock was first included on the original IBM PC keyboard in 1981.
By default, with scroll lock off, the arrow keys would move the cursor over the text window.
Thanks to this, most programs completely ignore the scroll lock key now.
For example, Microsoft Excel will change the selected cell if scroll lock is disabled.
While the output is frozen the process continues in the background, and inputs are still accepted.
This allows the users time to read fast scrolling messages that would otherwise be missed.
Most software, however, ignores the use of the scroll lock key.
Some reprogrammable keyboards that include macro keys allow for the scroll key to be rebound to a custom macro.
Some keyboards, especially small form factor keyboards, have taken to dropping the scroll lock key entirely.
The exact key combination if it exists, varies between manufacturers.
Alternatively, you’re free to use an on-screen keyboard to toggle scroll lock.
The built-in Windows on-screen keyboard includes the scroll lock key.
