Enable Scroll in Inactive Windows on Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to turn inactive scrolling windows on or off by hovering over them in Windows 11.

There are many mouse settings one can choose in Windows. For example, one can turn on or off a mouse ClickLock, change their primary mouse button, show the mouse pointer location, change the mouse pointer size, and many more.

Windows also has a built-in feature to let you scroll inactive windows simply by hovering over them with the mouse pointer without losing focus on your active window. Using this feature helps you work efficiently and also improves productivity.

This might be useful if multiple windows are opened, and you want to view each quickly by hovering with your Mouse.

Others might want to turn this off by mistakenly hovering over background windows to prevent displaying sensitive content.

How to enable or disable scroll inactive windows by hovering in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Windows also has a built-in feature to let you scroll inactive windows simply by hovering over them with the mouse pointer without losing focus on your active window.

Below is how to enable or disable this feature in Windows 11.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings app. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from the System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. For example, in Windows Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and select Mouse on the right pane of your screen, shown in the image below.

On the Bluetooth & device > Mouse settings pane, under Scrolling, select the "Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them" tile, then toggle the switch to the On or Off position to enable or disable this feature.

You can close the Windows Settings app to complete the setup.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Windows 11 offers a convenient feature to scroll inactive windows by simply hovering over them with the mouse pointer.
• Users can enable or disable this feature through the Windows Settings pane under the Mouse settings.
• This functionality is particularly useful for multitasking and efficient workflow management.
• Disabling it can prevent accidental exposure of sensitive content when hovering over background windows. Windows 11 provides flexibility in customizing mouse settings to suit individual preferences and needs.