Enable Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux
Natural scrolling in Ubuntu Linux reverses the direction your scroll wheel or touchpad moves content.
This means when you swipe down on your touchpad, the page moves up, and when you scroll down with your mouse wheel, the page also moves up. It feels more like directly touching and dragging things on your screen.
This setting is available in recent Ubuntu versions, including Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. You can easily turn it on or off in your system’s Mouse & Touchpad settings.
Open System Settings, then click Mouse & Touchpad. Under the Touchpad or Mouse section, toggle the Natural Scrolling button to the On position. This reverses the scroll direction for a more intuitive feel.
How to turn on or off natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux
Turning natural scrolling on or off in Ubuntu Linux happens through System Settings, where Ubuntu keeps all your computer options, including how your mouse and touchpad work. Click the System menu in the top-right corner and choose Settings to find the option to change your scrolling.
Ubuntu Linux keeps most of its settings in the System Settings panel. You can manage system configurations, user accounts, and updates within this panel. Open the System Settings panel by clicking the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.

Click the Mouse & Touchpad tile in the Settings app to open that panel.

In the System Settings -> Mouse & Touchpad panel, under Touchpad, toggle the Touchpad button to the On position to enable it.
You’ll only see the Touchpad section if your system actually has a touchpad. Make sure it’s enabled before you change any settings within that section.
Natural Scrolling allows your touchpad to feel more natural, like scrolling on a phone. Once you have enabled the Touchpad settings, find the Natural Scrolling button. Toggle this Natural Scrolling button to the On position to turn Natural Scrolling on.
To disable it, toggle the button to the Off position.
Natural Scrolling can also be turned on for your Mouse. Under Mouse, toggle the button for Natural Scrolling to turn it on.

That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
- Enabling or disabling Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process that enhances the touchpad or mouse experience.
- Utilizing the System Settings panel or clicking on the System menu allows quick access to the necessary configurations.
- Remember to enable the Touchpad before adjusting settings related to Natural Scrolling.
- Verifying that the Touchpad or Mouse section is available on your system before attempting to configure Natural Scrolling is crucial.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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