Enable Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux
Natural scrolling in Ubuntu Linux reverses how your mouse wheel or touchpad moves a page so that swiping down brings the content up, much like moving a paper document with your hand.
This handy setting matches how touchscreens work and is built right into recent versions like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. You can turn it on or off in a few clicks through the Mouse & Touchpad menu.
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.
The System Settings panel acts as the central hub for managing hardware options, user accounts, and system updates. Open this 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.
Systems without a built-in touchpad omit this particular section entirely. Make sure hardware is enabled before changing any configurations within that area.
Natural scrolling allows hardware to feel more responsive, much like scrolling through a webpage on a smartphone. Once the main touchpad settings are active, locate the Natural Scrolling toggle. Switch this option to the On position to activate the feature.
To disable the feature, flip the same toggle back to the Off position.
Desktop mice also support this behavior. Locate the Mouse section and toggle the switch for Natural Scrolling to activate it there.
Closing the Settings app finalizes the configuration process.
Adjusting scroll directions takes only a few seconds, but the change makes daily navigation much more intuitive.
- 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
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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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