Turning on Inactive Window Scroll

by Eric Wyatt
(last updated February 19, 2018)

2

Typically, when I am working on my computer I have multiple windows open. In the past, I have found that if I need to scroll through one window while keeping a specific window active, I could not scroll through another window without making it active. If I hovered over another window and started to scroll down the active window would start to scroll.

This can be frustrating as you need to scroll back to the active window and figure out how to see what's needed in the other window without making it active. Fortunately, Windows 10 allows you to scroll inactive windows with a simple setting change. To turn this feature on, just follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button. Windows displays the Start screen.
  2. Click on the Settings icon (it looks like a small gear). You should now see the Settings dialog box.
  3. Click on Devices. This will present you with the Devices section of the Settings dialog box.
  4. Click on Mouse. This will open the settings for the mouse.
  5. Click on the toggle under Scroll Inactive Windows when I Hoover Over Them. (See Figure 1.)

    6. Figure 1. Turn on Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them.

  6. Close the Settings dialog box, the setting will take effect immediately.

Now with this setting turned on when you have more than one window open, and you hover over an inactive window you can scroll through that window without scrolling in the active window. This setting has saved me time and honestly a bit of frustration.

 This tip (5287) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Personalizing the Mail App

The Mail app found in Windows 10 allows for a personalized experience. Discover the personalization that you can quickly ...

Discover More

Disabling the Windows 10 Blurred Sign-on Screen

The later updates to Windows 10 introduced blurred background images on the sign-in screen. If you prefer to have the ...

Discover More

More Clocks to Track Time

As you work you may need to keep track of the time in various locations or time zones. Add additional clocks to the clock ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Look to the Background

Windows 10 has several apps that run in the background that help improve performance and function for your system. Some ...

Discover More

Turning Off Bothersome Windows Messages

Bothered by messages from Microsoft letting you know about their various apps and tools? Here's a way to configure ...

Discover More

Syncing Settings between Computers

When you use a Microsoft account or an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account, you can sync settings between the ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 1 + 3?

2018-02-19 15:40:14

MW

There is a great freeware software called WizMouse that will do this too. It also works to scroll in MS Office programs (which the above Win10 feature doesn't seem to support).


I find it to be a great time saver, and the price is right too (although I donate to freeware programs I like and keep using).

2018-02-19 10:54:55

Hershmab

Is there a comparable facility available in Windows 7? I certainly cannot find the relevant option in my Mouse settings.

PS I cannot find this problem in Windows 7 anyhow. As long as both/all windows are viewable, I can activate any of them and scroll without affecting the rest.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.