How to change mouse scrolling settings on Windows 11

On Windows 11, the default mouse scrolling behavior is typically suited for most users. However, if you feel it needs tuning, you can set the number of lines to scroll at a time or specify to roll one screen with a single roll.

In addition, you can even control whether you can scroll inactive windows as you hover over them while working on another application, and you can now change the scrolling direction without having to resort to Registry hacks.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain the steps to customize the scrolling settings on your laptop or desktop computer.

How to change mouse scrolling settings on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can decide how the mouse wheel should scroll and whether you should be able to scroll inactive windows when hovering over.

Change scroll wheel behavior

To change the scroll wheel behavior on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click the Mouse page on the right side.

4. Use the "Roll the mouse wheel to scroll" setting under the "Scrolling" section and select one of the options, including "Multiple lines at a time" or "One screen at a time."

5. (Optional) Use the slider to select the number of lines to scroll at a time.

Once you complete the steps, the next time you roll the mouse wheel, the scrolling should occur based on your configuration.

Configure inactive windows scrolling

To scroll on windows that are not active, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click the Mouse page on the right side.

4. Under the "Scrolling" section, turn on the "Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them" toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, you will now be able to scroll windows even when they are not focused and you are hovering over them.

Change scroll direction

To change the scrolling direction on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click the Mouse page on the right side.

4. (Option 1) Choose the "Down motion scrolls down" option in the "Scrolling direction" setting (default).
5. (Option 2) Choose the "Down motion scrolls up" option in the "Scrolling direction" setting.

Once you complete the steps, the next time you use the mouse wheel, the scrolling direction will reflect your configuration.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know