Turning on Inactive Window Scroll

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated April 5, 2021)

1

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

Finding Large Files

Large files can quickly take up valuable space on your hard drive. In this tip you discover how to easily search for ...

Discover More

Notice Your Notifications

Windows 10, by default, displays alerts or notifications for five seconds. If that's not enough time, you can increase ...

Discover More

Change the Default Name for New Folders

By default, when a new folder is created in Windows 10, the folder is titled "New Folder." Using the Registry, you can ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Keeping the Scroll Bar

Scroll bars are helpful in showing that there is more information to be seen. By default, Windows 10 hides scroll bars, ...

Discover More

Changing Regional Settings

Windows makes it easy to set your system to accurately reflect your regional settings. This tip sets you well on your way.

Discover More

Using Desktop Themes

Desktop themes allow you to quickly and easily personalize your system so that what you see and hear while working can be ...

Discover More
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}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) 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 9 + 4?

2021-04-06 22:53:49

Les

This is a great tip. I had the option selected, but didn't know this feature existed. Thanks!

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.