Go Back to Hyperlink in Excel (Alt + Left Arrow)
After following a hyperlink in Excel, you can quickly return to the previous location using this shortcut. It helps save time when navigating large worksheets or multiple linked sheets.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Alt + Left Arrow | Cmd + Option + Left Arrow |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing this shortcut immediately returns the active cell to the location you were at before clicking a hyperlink.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Click a hyperlink in Excel to jump to another location
- Press Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Left Arrow (Mac)
- You will return to the previous cell
Tips & Best Practices
- Works for hyperlinks within the same workbook or across different sheets
- Combine with Alt + Right Arrow to move forward again
- Useful for reviewing multiple linked sections efficiently
FAQ
- Q: Can I use this in external hyperlinks?
- No, it only works for hyperlinks inside the workbook.
- Q: Does this work with named ranges?
- Yes, if the named range was accessed via a hyperlink.
- Q: What if the shortcut doesn’t work on Mac?
- Try pressing Cmd + Option + Left Arrow carefully; some Excel versions may differ slightly.