How to Change the Scrolling Direction in Windows 11
The default scroll direction in Windows has been the same for years. But if you’ve got some muscle memory retained from when you were a Mac user, you might want to change the scrolling direction on Windows to make it more intuitive.
So, if you feel your scroll wheel is going the wrong way, here’s how to change the scroll direction on Windows.
What Is the Default Scrolling Direction on Windows?
Windows uses reverse scrolling where the page is assumed to be static and the user must move the viewport—your display—on whichever portion of the page you want to see.
For instance, if you wanted to go to the bottom of the page, you scroll down. On the contrary, Mac uses natural scrolling where the viewport is static, and users scroll the page. If you wanted to go to the bottom of the page on a Mac, you’d scroll up.
If you’re able to’t visualize this difference, you probably find reverse scrolling acceptable. But if you’reswitching from Mac to Windows, you might want to use natural scrolling on Windows too. In this guide, we tell you how you can.
How to Change the Scrolling Direction for Mouse vs. Touchpad
First, the bad news. Windows 11 doesn’t offer a built-in option for changing the scrolling direction for a mouse. The good news? it’s possible to still change the scrolling direction from the Registry.
Also, Windows 11 does have a built-in option for changing the scrolling direction of the touchpad.
How to Change the Scrolling Direction for Touchpads
Changing the scrolling direction for the touchpad is fairly straightforward, as the option is built right into your Windows 11 Settings app.
PressWin + Ito launch the Settings app and navigate toBluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Scroll down to theGestures & interactionsection and click onScroll & zoom.
Expand the drop-down menu next to theScrolling directionoption and selectDown motion scrolls downto switch to natural scrolling.
There’s no need to restart your PC. The changes will take effect immediately. you may also switch back to reverse scrolling the same way if you change your mind.
How to Change the Scrolling Direction for a Mouse
Changing the scrolling direction isn’t as straightforward as changing it for the touchpad, but it’s not that complicated either. However, you do need to make some changes to the Registry, so it’s best toback up your Registry.
Before we tinker with the Registry, you need an important piece of information: the VID ID.
Search fordevice managerin the Start Menu and select the Best Match. Expand theMice and other pointing devicescategory. Find your mouse from the list, right-click on it, and selectProperties.
Switch to theDetailstab. Click on the drop down list underPropertyand selectDevice instance path. Note down the code between the first and second backward slash. That’s the VID ID you need to change the scrolling direction for the mouse.
How to Tweak the Registry Settings to Change the Scrolling Direction for Your Mouse
Start by pressingWin + Rto launch the Run dialog box. Typeregeditand pressEnterto launch the Registry Editor. Copy and paste the following into the Registry Editor’s navigation bar:
You’ll see several keys under HID with VID IDs. Find the one that matches with the one you noted down from the Device Manager and click on it. Expand all subfolders on that key and you should finally see theDevice Parameterskey. Click on it.
From the left pane, double-click on theFlipFlopWheelDWORD value and change its value from 0 to 1.
PressOKto exit and restart your PC. When your PC restarts, natural scrolling should now be effective.
Scroll Your Way on Windows 11
There’s no right or wrong way to scroll, of course. It boils down to personal preference, and in some cases, muscle memory. Speaking of personal preferences, did you know you can also make your mouse left-handed?
Change the way your mouse works to make it easier for left-handed use by switching button functionality and mouse pointers.
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